Crushed Concrete in Miami, FL

Yes - in Miami crushed concrete (also called recycled concrete aggregate or RCA) is often cheaper than equivalent new stone because it reuses demolished material and reduces quarrying. Price depends on local supply, processing, and hauling - but crushed concrete generally provides the most cost-effective option, especially for large base layers and driveways. Check Hello Gravel for real-time local pricing and free delivery options where available.

Key factors are: distance from the supplier and demolition source (hauling costs), particle size and whether the material is screened/washed, the truck size you order (yardage vs tonnage), seasonal demand, and any disposal or recycling fees. Site constraints like long driveway turns or tight access can increase hauling or offloading charges.

For a 100 ft long by 12 ft wide driveway: at 4 inches compacted depth you need roughly 12-16 cubic yards. Use this formula to check other sizes: cubic yards = (length ft x width ft x depth in) / 324. Add 5-10% for compaction and waste.

Material-only estimates vary with supplier and grade. For crushed concrete expect a broad range - roughly $20-$60 per cubic yard delivered in many South Florida markets. That means material for a 100-ft, 12-ft wide driveway (12-16 yd3) could run about $240-$960. Labor, base prep, edging, compaction, and permits will add to total installed cost.

Crushed concrete works well as both a base and a finished surface when properly graded and compacted - especially sizes described as '3/4-inch minus' or 'crusher run.' For a long-lasting surface consider a compacted base layer topped by a well-graded 3/4" minus wearing course, and provide edge restraint to prevent migration.

Use a 3/4" minus or 'crusher run' type for a stable, lockable surface - it contains a mix of fines and angular particles that compact tightly and shed water when shaped with a proper crown. For topcoat you can also use a 3/8"-3/4" mix depending on desired smoothness. Ensure adequate slope and drainage to avoid pooling in heavy rains.

Crushed concrete will not cure like fresh concrete, but it can interlock and 'lock up' when compacted because of fines and angular fragments - producing a hard surface. If the material contains residual cement particles, minor self-cementing can occur under wet/dry cycles, improving stiffness. However it will not gain the same structural strength as poured concrete.

Potential downsides include: presence of small contaminants (rebar, asphalt pieces), higher alkalinity that can affect plantings, dust generation without stabilization, possible staining from asphalt fines, and occasional variability in gradation. Proper screening, washing (if needed), and compaction reduce these issues.

Weeds can grow through any loose aggregate if soil and seed are present. Prevention strategies: install a permeable geotextile fabric (note - fabric helps weed suppression but can trap fines), put down a well-compacted base, use an initial layer of fines or landscaping fabric then a clean wearing course, and maintain a 2-3" topcoat or apply weed control treatments as needed.

Use these approximate conversions: 1 cubic yard of crushed concrete is roughly 1.2-1.4 tons (varies by moisture and gradation). Coverage depends on depth: as a rule of thumb, 1 ton will cover roughly 80-130 sq ft at 2" depth and about 40-65 sq ft at 4" depth. For precise needs measure area and use the cubic yards formula then convert to tons using your supplier's weight per cubic yard.

Yes - homeowners can install crushed concrete if they have the right equipment and time. You'll typically need: a compacting plate or roller, wheelbarrow/mini-skip for handling material, rakes, shovels, and a rake/screed for grading. For larger jobs you may want a skid steer or mini-excavator for spreading. Proper compaction in lifts (2-3" at a time) and attention to drainage are crucial for a durable result.

Permit requirements vary by municipality and HOA. In many Miami-Dade neighborhoods, resurfacing an existing driveway with gravel or crushed concrete may not require a city building permit, but HOAs often have design rules and color/edge requirements. Always check local code and your HOA rules before work begins.

Crushed concrete recycles demolition waste and reduces quarrying, truck trips to distant quarries, and landfill use - making it a greener choice. However, screening and potential washing use water and energy. Overall it is considered an environmentally friendly aggregate when sourced and processed responsibly.

Crushed concrete can perform very well for parking pads and moderate vehicle traffic when installed with a properly compacted base and adequate thickness (often 6"+ compacted for heavier loads). For very heavy, frequent truck traffic, a structural design with geogrid or a paved surface may be preferred.

Common alternative names include recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), crushed recycled concrete (CRC), reclaimed concrete, crusher run (if mixed with fines), and aggregate base. Suppliers may also label sizes by numbers - e.g., "3/4" minus" or "1-2" recycled."

While it's possible to mix cement with crushed concrete, it is not the same as using properly designed aggregate for structural concrete. Recycled aggregate has variable absorption, impurities, and particle shape that affect concrete strength. For structural work use tested mix designs or order ready-mix from a plant; for small non-structural patches consult a professional for proper proportions.