Crushed Concrete in Cincinnati, OH

Crushed concrete is recycled concrete rubble that has been crushed and screened into aggregate sizes useful for construction and landscaping. In Cincinnati it is commonly used for driveways, base layers under patios and pavers, temporary roads, and erosion control because it is widely available, economical, and performs well when properly installed.

Prices vary by supplier, quantity, and delivery distance. Expect a typical range of about $12 - $30 per ton or roughly $15 - $40 per cubic yard. Smaller orders and bagged product are at the high end; bulk loads with delivery usually drive the per-ton price down. Use Hello Gravel to get exact local quotes for your ZIP code.

Crushed concrete density varies with gradation and moisture, but a good rule of thumb is 1 cubic yard = 1.1 - 1.4 tons. Use 1.25 tons per cubic yard as a practical estimate for ordering. So: tons = cubic yards x 1.25, and cubic yards = tons ÷ 1.25. For tighter estimates ask your supplier for the material's actual wet density.

Using the 1.25 tons/yd3 estimate (1 ton ≈ 0.8 yd3): - As a 2" surface layer: 1 ton covers about 125 - 130 sq ft - As a 3" wearing course: about 85 - 90 sq ft - As a 4" base: about 60 - 70 sq ft - As a 6" subbase: about 40 - 45 sq ft These values vary with compaction and settle, so round up 5-10% for waste and compaction.

Common dump truck loads you will see: - Small dump (8 - 10 cubic yards) = ~10 - 13 tons - Standard tandem dump (12 - 14 cubic yards) = ~15 - 18 tons - Large 10-wheel (16 - 20 cubic yards) = ~20 - 25 tons Actual weight depends on material density. If weight limits are a concern for local streets, confirm truck size and gross vehicle weight with the hauler.

A delivered dump-truck load depends on yards, per-ton price, haul distance, and dumping location. Expect total delivered costs roughly in these example ranges: - Small load (8 - 10 yd): $150 - $800 - Standard load (12 - 16 yd): $300 - $1,100 Larger jobs and repeat business typically get lower per-ton pricing. Always request quotes that show per-ton, per-yard, and delivery fee separately.

Generally yes - crushed concrete is often cheaper than virgin crushed stone or quarried gravel because it is recycled material. Price differences depend on local availability, trucking costs, and the type of virgin aggregate being compared. For structural uses that require specific specs, virgin materials may still be preferred despite higher cost.

Yes, crushed concrete is commonly used and can make a durable driveway when installed correctly - compacted in lifts and with proper drainage. It tends to lock together and can firm up with traffic and compaction. However, it may not be as consistent or dust-free as a manufactured base product. For long-term, heavy-load driveways consider a well-constructed base depth and possibly a final wearing layer of crushed stone or a paving surface.

Flex base (often manufactured limestone base) is produced to consistent gradation and is generally superior for heavy-load, structural bases - better interlock, compaction spec, and drainage. Crushed concrete is cost-effective and suitable for many residential drives and bases but may be less consistent and can contain contaminants. For critical structural applications or commercial uses, flex base is often the better choice.

Potential disadvantages: - Contaminants - occasional rebar, wood, or other debris may be present unless the product is well-processed - Fines and drainage - some mixes contain fines that reduce permeability; if you need high drainage use a clean, open-graded fraction - Freeze-thaw - Cincinnati freeze-thaw cycles can cause fines to break down and create dust or movement if the material is not compacted in lifts - Vegetation - organic matter in the subgrade under the material can encourage weeds. These issues can be minimized by choosing a reputable supplier, proper compaction, and good site prep.

Weeds can grow through any granular material if weed seeds and organic matter are present below the surface. Preventive steps: - Remove topsoil and organic material before installing base - Lay geotextile fabric in poor soils - Use a 4+ inch compacted clean base for the top surface or add a weed-inhibiting finishing layer - Maintain edging and keep vegetation trimmed - Apply post-install weed treatments if necessary. Proper preparation greatly reduces weed problems.

Yes, small-to-medium DIY jobs are feasible. Recommended equipment: - Plate compactor or walk-behind roller for compacting lifts - Heavy-duty wheelbarrow or small skid steer for moving material - Rakes, shovels, and a tamper for fine grading Installation basics: - Excavate topsoil and organic matter - Spread crushed concrete in 3" - 4" lifts for bases (up to 6" for coarse subbase) - Compact each lift thoroughly with water added to aid compaction - Finish with a smaller screened aggregate if a smooth surface is desired. For large or heavy-load projects, rent a compactor or hire a pro.

Typical recommended compacted depths: - Walkways and patios: 3" - 4" base plus a wearing layer as needed - Residential driveways: 4" - 6" compacted base for light vehicles; 6" - 8" for heavier trucks and driveways on poor soils - Subbase for pavement or heavy equipment: 8" - 12" depending on load and soil. Always compact in lifts and consider geotextile fabric over very soft subgrades.

Cheapest options usually are: - Buy in bulk (larger loads reduce per-ton pricing) - Order loose delivered loads rather than bagged product - Pick up directly if you have a vehicle capable of safely hauling a bulk load - Group purchases with neighbors for one delivery - Use Hello Gravel to compare local supplier quotes and delivery fees. Balance truck size against access and potential street/driveway damage.

Usually residential deliveries do not require a permit, but check local ordinances if the truck will block a public street, require overnight parking, or if the property is in a historic district. Also confirm where the driver can dump material on your property - they may need clear access and a firm surface for the truck. Your supplier or Hello Gravel can help you check local rules.

Maintenance tips: - Regrade and top up low spots periodically - Recompact after heavy rains or vehicle traffic - Add a thin fresh surface layer every few years if the driveway becomes dusty or rutted - Control vegetation at edges and repair drainage issues promptly - For dust control, add fines or apply a polymeric binder if desired.

Calculate area in square feet: length x width. Example: a 100 ft long driveway at 10 ft wide = 1000 sq ft. Decide compacted depth - say 6" (0.5 ft). Cubic yards needed = (area x depth)/27 = (1000 x 0.5)/27 ≈ 18.5 yd3. Using 1.25 tons/yd3 => tons ≈ 23 tons. Add 5 - 10% for compaction and waste, so order about 20 - 21 yd3 (25 - 26 tons). Use Hello Gravel's calculator or ask your supplier to confirm.

Sealing crushed concrete is uncommon, but stabilizers and polymer binders are available to reduce dust and increase surface strength. They add cost but can extend maintenance intervals and improve durability in freeze-thaw conditions. For most residential uses, proper compaction and occasional topping are enough; for higher-performance needs consider a stabilizer and get a sample job or vendor references.