What Are Aggregates? Types, Uses & Applications
Aggregates are granular materials such as crushed stone, gravel, sand, limestone, and recycled materials used in construction, drainage, driveways, hardscaping, sitework, and other applications.
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Aggregate Material Guides
Whether you're building a driveway, preparing a road base, improving drainage, supporting a foundation, or planning a construction project, choosing the right aggregate can make a significant difference in your project's success.
Browse buying guides, material comparisons, project tutorials, cost information, and delivery resources to help you choose and order aggregate with confidence.
What You'll Learn
What aggregates are and when to use them
How much aggregate your project needs
What affects aggregate pricing
How bulk aggregate delivery works
Start Here
Start with the essential guides to understand, compare, and choose the right aggregate for your project.
What Is 57 Limestone? Uses & Applications
#57 limestone is a crushed limestone aggregate commonly used in drainage, construction, hardscaping, driveways, and sitework applications where its size and material characteristics are appropriate.
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Best Gravel and Aggregate for Drainage
The best aggregate for drainage depends on the drainage system, but materials that maintain interconnected void spaces and meet the required gradation are commonly selected where water needs to move through an aggregate layer.
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Best Aggregate for Driveway Base
The best aggregate for a driveway base depends on the driveway design, subgrade conditions, expected loads, and project requirements. Base materials are typically selected for characteristics such as gradation, stability, and compaction rather than simply by a stone name or size.
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57 Limestone vs. Recycled Concrete: What's the Difference?
#57 limestone is a crushed aggregate produced from limestone, while recycled concrete aggregate is produced by crushing and processing recovered concrete. Both can be used in construction, drainage, driveway, and sitework applications, but they aren't automatically interchangeable.
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How Much 57 Limestone Do I Need?
To estimate how much #57 limestone you need, measure the project area and determine the required depth. Multiply length x width x depth to calculate volume, then convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27.
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Planning Tools & Resources
Use these tools and resources to estimate material quantities, calculate project volume, understand pricing, and plan your aggregate project before ordering.
Cubic Yard Calculator
Need to calculate volume for a landscaping or construction project? Convert your project dimensions into cubic yards before choosing a material or placing your order.
Aggregate Material Calculators
Estimate material quantities for the most commonly used aggregates, including 57 limestone, crushed asphalt millings, recycled concrete, and concrete screenings.
Available calculators:
Bulk Delivery Guide
Learn how bulk material delivery works, what to expect on delivery day, and how to prepare your property for a successful dump truck delivery.
Material Costs
Understand the factors that affect bulk material pricing, including quantity, delivery distance, and material type, to help you budget your project with confidence.
Browse by Topic
Explore in-depth guides covering aggregate selection, project planning, buying advice, material comparisons, delivery, and more.
Aggregate FAQs
Find answers to some of the most common questions about choosing, estimating, and ordering aggregate materials.
What are aggregates used for?
Aggregates are commonly used for driveways, road base, drainage, foundations, construction access, parking areas, and other projects that need a stable stone or gravel material.
How much aggregate do I need?
The amount of aggregate required depends on the project dimensions, target depth, compaction, and material type. A material calculator can help estimate cubic yards or tons before ordering.
Which aggregate is best for a driveway?
The best driveway aggregate depends on the surface type, base conditions, drainage, traffic, and desired finish. Common options include limestone, crushed concrete, recycled asphalt millings, and other graded stone products.
Do aggregates need to be compacted?
Many aggregate projects perform best when installed in lifts and compacted, especially driveways, base layers, and construction access areas. Installation needs vary by material and project.
Related Products
Choosing the right material often means using more than one product. These bulk materials are commonly ordered alongside aggregates for driveways, drainage, hardscaping, and construction projects.
57 Limestone
A versatile crushed stone commonly used for driveways, road base, drainage systems, parking areas, and hardscape projects.
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Crushed Asphalt Millings
An affordable, recycled paving material that compacts into a durable surface for driveways, private roads, parking areas, and equipment yards.
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Recycled 57 Concrete
A sustainable alternative to traditional limestone that's commonly used for drainage, road base, parking areas, and general construction projects.
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Recycled Concrete Screenings Fines
A finely crushed, compactable material used as a stable base beneath pavers, patios, walkways, and other hardscape installations.
View ProductReady to Order Aggregate?
Whether you're building a driveway, preparing drainage, or planning construction sitework, Soils.com makes it easy to estimate the quantity you need and view delivered pricing before ordering.
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