Crushed Concrete in Dallas, TX

Crushed concrete is recycled concrete debris that has been crushed, screened, and sized for use as aggregate. In Dallas it is commonly used as a base material for driveways, patios, temporary roads, backfill, and as a cheaper alternative to virgin gravel for landscaping. It compacts well and provides a stable, permeable base when installed and graded correctly.

Yes - crushed concrete is frequently a practical, cost-effective choice in Dallas for driveway bases and even finished surfaces when compacted and topped correctly. It compacts better and locks together more than some rounded gravels, so it resists rutting. For a more attractive surface you can add a thin top layer of decorative stone or screenings. Consider local soil (Dallas has heavy clay in many areas) and drainage when designing thickness and compaction.

Yes. Proper compaction is essential. Typical installation steps: remove vegetation and topsoil, install geotextile fabric if needed, place crushed concrete in 2-3 inch lifts, compact each lift with a plate compactor or roller, and slope the surface for drainage. In expansive clay areas near Dallas, use a thicker base and pay extra attention to edge restraint and drainage to minimize movement.

Crushed concrete can interlock and firm up as fines settle and the surface is repeatedly compacted and trafficked, so it often feels very hard. However it does not chemically cure like fresh concrete unless it contains a lot of cement paste and is kept wet. Expect it to become firm with compaction and occasional binding of fines, but not to behave exactly like poured concrete.

When properly installed and compacted, crushed concrete reduces weed growth because the fines and compaction limit seed bed and root penetration. However, weeds can still appear if organic material is trapped underneath, if the surface is not compacted, or along edges. Installing a weed barrier fabric and maintaining a clean base helps reduce weeds.

Common disadvantages: it is less decorative than natural stone, can produce dust, and some mixes contain fines that wash away in heavy rain if not protected. In some cases it may raise soil pH slightly near the surface. Because Dallas sees heavy rain events, proper grading and erosion control are important to prevent washout. Also HOAs or local rules may restrict the use of recycled aggregates for visible surfaces.

Use: area in square feet x depth in inches / 324 = cubic yards. Example: a 20 ft x 10 ft path at 3 inch depth: (200 x 3) / 324 = 1.85 cubic yards. Add 10% for compaction and waste; add more if the subgrade will be soft or if large compaction settlement is expected.

One ton of crushed concrete is roughly 0.7 to 0.8 cubic yards. Variations are due to moisture content, particle size and compaction. Heavier, denser mixes and wet material will yield fewer cubic yards per ton; loose, dry material yields more cubic yards per ton.

For a base use a 3/4"-minus or "ABC" (aggregate base course) that contains a blend of sizes and fines for compaction. For a finished surface you can top with 3/8" screenings or a small washed stone for appearance and drainage. If you want a stable, lockable surface, choose a mix with some fines so it binds when compacted.

Crushed concrete compacts and locks better than rounded gravel, offering a stable surface. Limestone (depending on the type) can perform similarly - some limestones are angular and compact well. For drainage, open-graded gravels drain better than mixes with fines; crushed concrete drains adequately when properly graded but will hold together better under traffic. Choose open-graded stone where maximum drainage is required, and crushed concrete where stability and recycled material are preferred.

Prices vary by supplier, deliver distance, material size, and truck size. As a general ballpark, recycled crushed concrete often sells for noticeably less than virgin stone, but ranges can vary widely. For an accurate delivered price in Dallas, enter your ZIP and project specs on Hello Gravel to get instant quotes from local suppliers including delivery fees and available sizes.

Recycled concrete aggregate can be used in certain structural mixes, but mix design, strength targets, and quality control matter. It is not recommended to randomly mix cement and crushed concrete for structural elements without proper proportioning and testing. For DIY projects that require structural concrete, use specified aggregates and follow a tested mix design or consult a professional.

Yes - many Dallas municipalities and HOAs have guidelines for driveway materials, curb cuts, and stormwater runoff. Check City of Dallas permit requirements for driveway replacement, and consult your HOA about acceptable surface materials and curb-to-driveway transitions. You may also need to manage runoff to avoid violating local stormwater ordinances.

Tips: measure area and calculate needed cubic yards with 10-15% extra; ensure adequate driveway access and turning radius for dump trucks; specify exact drop location and confirm any overhead obstructions; clear vegetation and mark underground utilities; schedule delivery when you can spread and compact material the same day to reduce tracking and erosion; and ask Hello Gravel about truck size options to match your access.