1. What is Stone Dust?

Stone dust, also known as rock dust or quarry dust, is a byproduct of crushing stone. It's commonly used as a base material for patios, walkways, and driveways, or as a setting bed for pavers and flagstones.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( Length \) — Length in feet
• \( Width \) — Width in feet
• \( Depth \) — Depth in inches
• \( Density \) — Material density in tons per cubic yard (typically 1.5 for stone dust)

Explanation: The formula first converts all measurements to yards (depth from inches to feet, then to yards), calculates cubic yards, then multiplies by density to get tons.

3. Importance of Accurate Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation helps in proper project planning, budgeting, and ensures you order the right amount of material - avoiding both shortages and costly overages.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your project area carefully. For irregular shapes, divide into rectangles. Typical depth for most applications is 2-4 inches. Standard density for stone dust is 1.5 tons/cu yd.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical density of stone dust?
A: Most stone dust has a density of about 1.5 tons per cubic yard, but this can vary slightly by material type and moisture content.

Q2: How deep should I spread stone dust?
A: For most applications, 2-4 inches is typical. For heavy use areas or vehicle traffic, 4-6 inches may be needed.

Q3: Can I use this calculator for other materials?
A: Yes, but you'll need to adjust the density value accordingly (e.g., sand is typically 1.2-1.3 tons/cu yd).

Q4: How do I measure irregular areas?
A: Break the area down into rectangles, calculate each separately, then sum the totals.

Q5: Should I order extra material?
A: It's wise to order 5-10% extra to account for compaction, spillage, and measurement variations.