How Much Does 5 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
How much does 5 tons of recycled concrete aggregate cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, 5 tons is roughly 3.8 cubic yards. Spread 4 inches deep, that covers about 312 square feet. Go thinner and it covers more; go deeper and it covers less.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 5 ÷ 1.3 = 3.8 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 104 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 4 inches (0.333 ft), 104 ÷ 0.333 = 312 sq ft.
Coverage of 5 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in | 415 | 46 |
| 4 in | 312 | 35 |
| 6 in | 208 | 23 |
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.
Planning around 5 tons
For delivery, 5 tons usually fits on one smaller dump 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
Poor fit 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 10x20 area at 4 inches takes about 3.2 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.
- Mixing up cubic yards and tons. Yards are volume, tons are weight; convert with the product’s weight per yard.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- 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 5 tons of recycled concrete aggregate?
About 3.8 cubic yards at 1.3 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 5 tons of recycled concrete aggregate cover at 4 inches?
About 312 square feet.
How many square feet does 5 tons cover at 3 inches?
About 415 square feet.
How much does a yard of recycled concrete aggregate weigh?
About 1.2 to 1.4 tons.
Will 5 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 3 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
- How Much Does 4 Tons of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Cover?
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