cost and type gravel for parking area?

[clovergamecock]

I am building a gravel parking area for my truck and 5th wheel. I calculated the square footage to be 1080 based on 30x60. This comes up to about 23 yards at 4" deep. What type gravel should I use and any idea of cost? I am in South Carolina.

Thanks
Wade

 

[/pine]

If you want a very nice, hard packed down surface...use "crusher run"...it yields a little less coverage by the ton than other choices because of the fines but it's the fines that make crusher run the ideal material for a good flat, hard surface...
Granite crusher run will pack down like concrete and stay put as long as the fines don't get washed out...

 

[nikdfish]

We use crusher run as the fines & stone dust help it pack firmly. I used roughly 4" to 6" depth over a leveled and packed base. Here in NC, I paid just about $500 for 24 tons worth but I wanted them to use a smaller truck for delivery so it took 3 trips. That was just for delivery, no spreading. The small truck was because I did not want a really heavy truck potentially damaging our concrete drive and there was a sharp turn into the parking area dump site.

Nick

 

[YardBikeBob]

Was in the same situation here. I choose 1" base. I.E., gravel 1" and smaller with rock dust. Tramps down well and settles great after rain.

A 15 ton truckload was $200 here in South Central MO. You would be looking at 2 truckloads.

4" deep is a lot. Might order a load of 2" clean, first. Spread it out and tramp it down, then overlay that with 1" base.

BTW: There is a rock cost and a delivery cost and they're close to the same out here in the country. So I always order in multiples of full truck loads.

Bob

 

[kevin37b]

30 x 60 = 1800 . I would use fabric mat also .

 

[cmyoung2]

I would also use the crusher run and ground cloth. If you don't use the cloth, you will be adding more gravel later as the gravel sinks into the mud. And it will just be in spots, usually where you step out of the truck or have to hitch up the trailer.:thumbsup: Last fabric I bought came in 15' wide rolls, can't remember what it cost, but it really didn't matter.

 

[s219]

If the ground is already hard and doesn't get muddy, then you can just put down crusher run. If it is soft and/or muddy, strip off the organic material topsoil, put down a load of #3 or #57 stone first, then crusher run. #3 (bigger stuff) if it's real soft, or #57 (smaller stuff) if not too bad. I have not used fabric as a bottom layer when using #3, and never had issues. I might consider it if the subsoil was real soft or the water table is high, as it will help prevent the stone from sinking.

I'd get prices per ton on all three materials, and then maybe you can decide the most effective blend. If you have to raise or level the area, the stone materials might be more economical as a base. In particular, #57 can self-compact to level things out.

Both #3 and #57 will do a great job supporting a top layer of crusher run. It will pack down into the voids of the stone, and tie it all together very nicely.

From experience, I have found that crusher run compacts 20-30%. So increase your volume cubic yards by 1.2 or 1.3X to get the right amount of material delivered. Crusher run generally weighs about 1.3-1.5 tons per yard. The stone materials are 1-1.3 tons per yard.

Good luck!

 

[hhsco]

Here in Montana geotextile "fabric" is also highly recommended for roads and parking areas. I'm sure that someone in your area can help you figure out which variety you need if that is the direction you to decided to go in.

 

[SPIKER]

I have found the rule is STONE in a driveway or parking area SINKS, while stones in the yard or garden will GROW up high enough to hit your mower blade... :/

same suggestions as others for rest of it. Starting from scratch with new drive in a field, take off top soil, lay in geo-textile fabric then some #3 or #4 and top with some 57's and final layer of crusher run. If existing base that is sinking year after year, start at the geo-textile fabric and then the crusher run. If it has been a LONG time 4 or 5 years and drive/parking area is good then the crusher run may be just fine by it's self.

M

 

[Western]

I think we call crusher run here "#1 road base", but basically the same material, gravel with fines. A good rain or heavy soaking before you drive on it will give a nice smooth, hard surface.