How Much Does 26 Tons of Limestone Screenings Cover?
How much does 26 tons of limestone screenings cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, 26 tons is roughly 18.6 cubic yards. Spread 2 inches deep, that covers about 3,009 square feet. Halve the depth and you roughly double the area.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 26 ÷ 1.4 = 18.6 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 501 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 2 inches (0.167 ft), 501 ÷ 0.167 = 3,009 sq ft.
Coverage of 26 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 6,017 | 669 |
| 2 in | 3,009 | 334 |
| 3 in | 2,006 | 223 |
About limestone screenings
Screenings hold moisture and can crust over. Use them in thin layers over a compacted stone base instead of as a thick layer on their own. Weight runs about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, so treat the table as a planning range rather than an exact figure.
What 26 tons looks like on site
26 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.
When to choose limestone screenings
Works well for:
- Paver and flagstone setting beds
- Firm walking paths
- Top-dressing a compacted stone base
Poor fit for:
- Deep layers on their own
- Low spots that collect water
- Under heavy vehicle traffic without a base
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.43 tons of limestone screenings (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.3 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 14x28 area at 2 inches takes about 3.4 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Mistakes that throw off the order
- Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- Forgetting that compaction shrinks loose material. A loose 4-inch spread of a dense-graded stone may finish closer to 3 inches after rolling.
- 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 26 tons of limestone screenings?
About 18.6 cubic yards at 1.4 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 26 tons of limestone screenings cover at 2 inches?
About 3,009 square feet.
How many square feet does 26 tons cover at 1 inches?
About 6,017 square feet.
How much does a yard of limestone screenings weigh?
About 1.3 to 1.5 tons.
Will 26 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
- #10 Stone (Stone Dust): Size, Uses and How Many Tons
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Many Tons of Gravel in a Dump Truck? Loads and Coverage
- How Much Does 24 Tons of Limestone Screenings Cover?
- How Much Does 25 Tons of Limestone Screenings Cover?
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