River Rock Calculator

River Rock Calculation Formula:

\[ \text{Tons} = \frac{\text{Area} \times \text{Depth} \times 1.4}{2000} \]

River Rock Needed:

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1. What is the River Rock Calculator?

The River Rock Calculator estimates the amount of river rock needed for landscaping projects based on area coverage and desired depth. It uses standard density values for river rock (1.4 tons per cubic yard).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

\[ \text{Tons} = \frac{\text{Area} \times \text{Depth} \times 1.4}{2000} \]

Where:

\( Area \) — Coverage area in square feet
\( Depth \) — Desired depth in feet
1.4 — Density of river rock (tons per cubic yard)
2000 — Conversion factor (pounds to tons)

Explanation: The formula converts area and depth into cubic yards, then multiplies by the density to get weight in tons.

3. Importance of Accurate Calculation

Details: Proper calculation ensures you order the right amount of material - not too little that delays your project, nor too much that wastes money.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your project area accurately in square feet. Typical depth for landscaping is 2-3 inches (0.17-0.25 feet). For pathways, 4-6 inches is common.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the density of other rock types?
A: Crushed stone is ~1.25 tons/yd³, while decomposed granite is ~1.1 tons/yd³. Always check with your supplier.

Q2: How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
A: Multiply area (sq ft) by depth (ft), then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.

Q3: Should I order extra material?
A: It's recommended to order 10-15% more to account for compaction and irregularities.

Q4: How deep should river rock be for drainage?
A: For proper drainage, a minimum depth of 4 inches is recommended.

Q5: Can I use this for pea gravel calculations?
A: Yes, but adjust the density factor (pea gravel is ~1.35 tons/yd³).