How Much Does 18 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
How much does 18 tons of recycled concrete aggregate cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, 18 tons is roughly 13.8 cubic yards. Spread 4 inches deep, that covers about 1,122 square feet. Halve the depth and you roughly double the area.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 18 ÷ 1.3 = 13.8 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 374 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 4 inches (0.333 ft), 374 ÷ 0.333 = 1,122 sq ft.
Coverage of 18 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 1,495 | 166 |
| 4 in | 1,122 | 125 |
| 6 in | 748 | 83 |
About recycled concrete aggregate
Recycled concrete aggregate is crushed old concrete. It compacts well and often costs less than virgin stone, which makes it a common driveway and pad base. Weight runs about 1.2 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so treat the table as a planning range rather than an exact figure.
What 18 tons looks like on site
18 tons will usually take two or more truck loads, though legal limits vary by truck and state. Spread from the pile with a loader, skid steer or wheelbarrow, then rake to depth before compacting if the material calls for it.
- Check depth as you go. Stakes marked at the target depth help keep the spread even.
- Expect some loss. Compaction and uneven ground use more than the flat-math figure. Keep about 10 percent in reserve.
- Ask about moisture. Wet material weighs more, so a ton of it covers less.
To run your own numbers, use the volume and tonnage calculator.
Where recycled concrete aggregate fits
Good uses:
- Driveway and pad bases
- Temporary construction entrances
- Fill under slabs when compacted in lifts
Think twice for:
- Near ponds, streams or sensitive plants, since fresh crush can raise pH
- Decorative top layers
- Drainage layers, unless the product is clean and screened
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.40 tons of recycled concrete aggregate (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.0 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 8x16 area at 2 inches takes about 1.0 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
Common estimating mistakes
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
- Forgetting that compaction shrinks loose material. A loose 4-inch spread of a dense-graded stone may finish closer to 3 inches after rolling.
Questions people ask
How many cubic yards is 18 tons of recycled concrete aggregate?
About 13.8 cubic yards at 1.3 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 18 tons of recycled concrete aggregate cover at 4 inches?
About 1,122 square feet.
How many square feet does 18 tons cover at 3 inches?
About 1,495 square feet.
How much does a yard of recycled concrete aggregate weigh?
About 1.2 to 1.4 tons.
Will 18 tons fit in one truck?
It depends on the truck. Single-axle dump trucks often carry under 10 tons and tandems around 13 to 16; your supplier will know their limits.
Related guides
- Crushed Stone vs Gravel: Differences and Best Uses
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Many Tons of Gravel in a Dump Truck? Loads and Coverage
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