Construction and Foundation Aggregates
Gravel Base
A compacted layer of gravel base provides a stable, load-bearing foundation. Its interlocking nature prevents settling and shifting, distributing weight evenly and ensuring the longevity of the surfaceabove.
- Use Cases: Driveways, patios, walkways, and shed foundations.
- Sourcing: Quarries blast and crush larger rock, then screen it to specific sizes.
- Keywords: gravel base, driveway gravel, compacted aggregate, road base, gravel foundation.
Stone Aggregate
Stone aggregate refers to amix of crushed stone and sand, sorted into specific size grades. It is a foundational material that provides strength, stability, and volume to building materials.
- Use Cases: Concrete mixes, road building, drainage systems, and as a filler.
- Sourcing: Quarries blast and crush rock, then use a series of screens to sort it into different sizes (grading).
- Keywords: stone aggregate, concrete aggregate, road building material, drainage stone.
Crushed Stone
Often designated by a number (e.g., #2 crushed stone), this versatile material is known for its angular shape which locks together for stability.
- Use Cases: Drainage, driveways, base layers for concrete, and decorative landscaping.
- Sourcing: Quarry blasting and mechanical crushing, followed by uniform screening.
- Keywords: crushed stone #2, #57 stone, drainage rock, driveway stone.
Slag Rock
Slag rock is a dense, durable material that is a byproduct of the steel manufacturing process. Its affordability and darker color make it a popular alternative to traditional gravel.
- Use Cases: Driveways, pathways, and base layers.
- Sourcing: Recycled industrial waste from the steel industry.
- Keywords: slag rock for driveways, steel slag, recycled aggregate, affordable driveway material.
Asphalt Millings
Asphalt millings are recycled pieces of old asphalt pavement. When compacted, they form a solid, durable, and cost-effective surface.
- Use Cases: Cost-effective driveways, rural roads, and road bases.
- Sourcing: Recycled from demolished roads and parking lots.
- Keywords: asphalt millings, recycled asphalt, milled asphalt, road base material.
Crushed Concrete (RCA)
Recycled Concrete Aggregate is a sustainable material made from recycling concrete from demolished structures.
- Use Cases: Base layers for driveways, roads, and building foundations.
- Sourcing: Recycled from demolished concrete structures.
- Keywords: crushed concrete, recycled concrete aggregate, concrete base layer.
Erosion Control and Landscaping Materials
Riprap Stone
Riprap consists of large, angular rocks specifically designed for erosion control. The jagged edges and varied sizes interlock to dissipate water energy.
- Use Cases: Shoreline stabilization, erosion control along riverbanks, and culvert protection.
- Sourcing: Mined or blasted from solid rock faces, then sorted by size.
- Keywords: riprap stone, erosion control rock, shoreline stabilization, gabion rock.
Limestone Rock
A sedimentary rock, limestone is a versatile material with applications in both heavy construction and landscaping.
- Use Cases: Road construction (base and binder), cement production, and decorative landscaping.
- Sourcing: Formed from ancient marine sediments, then quarried and crushed.
- Keywords: crushed limestone, road base limestone, cement production.
Topsoil
Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper layer of soil essential for plant growth. It is screened to remove large debris.
- Use Cases: New lawns, gardens, leveling uneven ground, and filling.
- Sourcing: Harvested from agricultural land and screened.
- Keywords: screened topsoil, bulk topsoil, garden soil, fill dirt.
Mulch Beds
Mulch is a protective layer of organic material used for moisture retention, weed suppression, and temperature regulation.
- Use Cases: Garden beds, tree surrounds, and walkways.
- Sourcing: Recycled wood products, bark from sawmills, and organic materials.
- Keywords: hardwood mulch, pine bark mulch, dyed mulch.
Sands and Finer Aggregates
Masonry Sand
Also known as mason sand, this is a fine, washed, and screened sand. Its uniform grain size is critical for creating smooth mortar.
- Use Cases: Mortar for bricklaying, paver bedding, and in playgrounds.
- Sourcing: Quarried from sand deposits, then washed and screened.
- Keywords: masonry sand, mason sand, paver sand, mortar sand.
Concrete Sand
This coarse, angular sand provides excellent stability and is a key ingredient in structural concrete.
- Use Cases: Concrete mixing, paver base, and drainage.
- Sourcing: Crushed and filtered from granite, gneiss, or limestone.
- Keywords: concrete sand, coarse sand, paver base sand.
Fill Sand
Composed of fine particles, it is the ideal choice for creating a stable, level surface for backfilling.
- Use Cases: Filling holes and trenches, backfilling foundations, and creating a compact base layer.
- Sourcing: Sourced from natural deposits with a high compaction rating.
- Keywords: fill sand, utility sand, compaction sand.
Play Sand
Processed to be clean, soft, and non-toxic, making it ideal for recreational use.
- Use Cases: Sandboxes, playgrounds, and beach volleyball courts.
- Sourcing: Processed and screened to remove impurities and ensure a soft texture.
- Keywords: play sand, sandbox sand, white sand.
Decorative Stone and Boulders
Slate Gravel
Decorative chips with natural color variations. Its flat shape makes it a popular choice for high-end landscaping.
- Use Cases: Walkways, garden paths, and decorative ground cover.
- Sourcing: Mined from slate quarries.
- Keywords: slate gravel, decorative stone, slate chips.
Meramec Rock
Smooth, golden-brown river pebbles with a naturally rounded texture.
- Use Cases: Decorative garden beds, water features, and dry riverbeds.
- Sourcing: Sourced from riverbeds in the Meramec River region.
- Keywords: Meramec rock, river pebbles, landscape stone.
Landscape Boulders
Large rocks used to create focal points and define garden spaces.
- Use Cases: Retaining walls, natural barriers, and focal points.
- Sourcing: Naturally harvested from fields or quarried.
- Keywords: landscaping boulders, boulder rocks, garden accents.