3/4 Inch Clean Stone: Uses, Weight, and Coverage
3/4 inch clean stone is crushed stone screened and often washed so most pieces are around 3/4 inch, with the dust and fines removed. “Clean” means no fines, which is why it drains so well. It is one of the most common stones at landscape and quarry yards, used for drainage around foundations, French drains, pipe bedding, shed bases, and as a layer under pavers or concrete. It weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so one ton covers roughly 75 square feet at 3 inches deep.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Clean vs crusher run
| Material | Fines | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4 clean stone | None | Drains freely, stays loose |
| 3/4 crusher run (dense-graded) | Yes | Packs hard, sheds water |
Both may be called “3/4 stone” at the yard, so ask specifically for clean or washed stone when you need drainage. See crushed stone vs gravel.
Is it the same as #57?
Close, but not always. #57 is a standard gradation from about 1/2 to 1 inch. Some yards sell #57 as “3/4 stone,” while others screen a separate 3/4 product with a tighter range. For most homeowner projects, the two are interchangeable. See number 57 stone.
Common uses
- Drainage: around foundation drains, behind walls, in dry wells and French drains.
- Pipe bedding: cradles drain and sewer pipe, though some codes require specific bedding.
- Shed and hot tub bases: a level, free-draining pad.
- Under concrete: a capillary break that keeps ground moisture from wicking up.
- Driveway top layer: works, but can roll under tires on slopes.
Weight and coverage
| Depth | Approx. coverage per ton |
|---|---|
| 2 in | about 110 to 115 sq ft |
| 3 in | about 75 sq ft |
| 4 in | about 55 to 58 sq ft |
| 6 in | about 38 sq ft |
These assume about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, or roughly 2,800 pounds. Granite and trap rock run heavier, some limestones lighter. Add about 10 percent for settling and uneven grade. Use the asphalt base calculator or see how much does a ton of gravel cover.
Compaction
Clean stone settles when you run a plate compactor over it, but it never locks into a hard surface. That is fine for drainage and under slabs. For a firm walking or driving surface, top it with a dense-graded material or stone dust.
Fabric underneath
Landscape or geotextile fabric between soil and stone keeps fine soil from migrating up into the voids, which would clog drainage over time. It is especially useful in French drains and under shed bases on clay.
Shed base example
An 8x10 shed pad 4 inches deep is about 27 cubic feet, or 1 cubic yard, roughly 1.4 tons. Many builders add a few inches of border beyond the shed footprint. See gravel shed foundation.
Bottom line
3/4 inch clean stone is washed crushed stone with no fines, weighing about 1.4 tons per yard. It drains freely and works well for drainage, pipe bedding, shed bases, and under concrete. One ton covers about 75 square feet at 3 inches; ask for clean or washed stone so you do not get crusher run.
Questions people ask
What is 3/4 clean stone used for?
Drainage, French drains, pipe bedding, shed bases, and under concrete.
Is 3/4 clean stone the same as 57 stone?
Very similar; many yards sell them interchangeably.
Does 3/4 clean stone compact?
It settles but does not lock like stone with fines.
How much does a yard of 3/4 clean stone weigh?
About 2,700 to 2,900 pounds, roughly 1.4 tons.
Related guides
- Number 57 Stone: Size, Weight, Uses, and Coverage
- Crushed Stone vs Gravel: Differences and Best Uses
- Gravel Pad Shed Foundation: Size, Depth, Stone and How Much to Order
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
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