How Much Does 21 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
How much does 21 tons of recycled concrete aggregate cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, 21 tons is roughly 16.2 cubic yards. Spread 4 inches deep, that covers about 1,308 square feet. Every added inch of depth cuts the coverage noticeably.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 21 ÷ 1.3 = 16.2 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 436 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 4 inches (0.333 ft), 436 ÷ 0.333 = 1,308 sq ft.
Coverage of 21 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 1,745 | 194 |
| 4 in | 1,308 | 145 |
| 6 in | 872 | 97 |
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 21 tons looks like on site
For delivery, 21 tons means multiple trips or a larger truck. Ask the supplier how they will split it. 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.
Good and poor uses for recycled concrete aggregate
Good uses:
- Driveway and pad bases
- Temporary construction entrances
- Fill under slabs when compacted in lifts
Less suited to:
- 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 12x24 area at 4 inches takes about 4.6 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
Where estimates go wrong
- Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Mixing up cubic yards and tons. Yards are volume, tons are weight; convert with the product’s weight per yard.
Questions people ask
How many cubic yards is 21 tons of recycled concrete aggregate?
About 16.2 cubic yards at 1.3 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 21 tons of recycled concrete aggregate cover at 4 inches?
About 1,308 square feet.
How many square feet does 21 tons cover at 3 inches?
About 1,745 square feet.
How much does a yard of recycled concrete aggregate weigh?
About 1.2 to 1.4 tons.
Will 21 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
- How Much Does 19 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
- How Much Does 20 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
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