Ton

What is a Ton?

A ton (specifically a "short ton" in the United States) is a unit of weight measurement equal to 2,000 pounds. In construction and landscaping, tons are used to measure and order heavy bulk materials that are sold by weight rather than volume.

Understanding tonnage helps contractors accurately estimate material needs and costs for projects.

Materials Sold by the Ton

Aggregates and Stone

• Crushed stone: Various sizes for bases and drainage
• Gravel: Pea gravel, river rock, decorative stone
• Sand: Concrete sand, mason sand, fill sand
• Limestone: Agricultural lime, construction aggregate
• Recycled concrete: Crushed concrete for base material

Asphalt and Paving

• Hot mix asphalt: Road paving and driveway material
• Cold patch: Pothole repair material
• Millings: Recycled asphalt for base courses

Soil and Organic Materials

• Topsoil: Screened soil for landscaping
• Compost: Organic soil amendment
• Mulch: Wood chips, bark mulch (sometimes sold by ton)

Ton to Volume Conversions

Common Material Weights

Crushed Stone: ~1.5 tons per cubic yard Sand: ~1.3-1.7 tons per cubic yard Topsoil: ~1.3 tons per cubic yard
Gravel: ~1.3-1.7 tons per cubic yard Hot Mix Asphalt: ~2.0-2.2 tons per cubic yard

Conversion Formula

Tons = Cubic Yards × Material Weight per Cubic Yard

Example Calculation

For a driveway base requiring 10 cubic yards of crushed stone:

• 10 cubic yards × 1.5 tons/cubic yard = 15 tons needed

Coverage Calculations

Estimating Coverage Area

Formula: Tons ÷ (Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ (Weight per cubic yard) × 27 = Square feet covered

Practical Coverage Examples

1 ton of crushed stone at 2" depth: Covers ~160 square feet 1 ton of sand at 1" depth: Covers ~320 square feet
1 ton of topsoil at 3" depth: Covers ~100 square feet

Ordering Considerations

Minimum Orders

Many suppliers have minimum delivery requirements:

• Small loads: 1-5 ton minimum
• Standard delivery: 5-10 ton minimum
• Full truck loads: 15-25+ tons

Delivery Logistics

Truck Access: Ensure delivery trucks can reach drop location Drop Location: Plan where material will be placed for easy use Timing: Schedule delivery when ready to use material Spreading: Consider equipment needed to move and place material

Pricing Factors

Material Costs

• Basic aggregates: $15-$30 per ton
• Decorative stone: $30-$100+ per ton
• Topsoil/compost: $20-$50 per ton
• Hot mix asphalt: $40-$80 per ton

Additional Costs

• Delivery fees: $50-$200 depending on distance
• Fuel surcharges: Variable based on fuel prices
• Overtime/weekend delivery: Premium charges may apply

Weight vs. Volume Benefits

Why Materials Are Sold by Weight

• Consistent pricing: Weight doesn't vary with moisture or compaction
• Fair measurement: Volume can be difficult to measure accurately in trucks
• Industry standard: Established practice for bulk materials
• Quality control: Weight specifications ensure proper material density

Common Applications

Driveway Construction

• Base layer: Crushed stone (typically 4-6 inches deep)
• Surface layer: Asphalt or additional gravel
• Calculate tons based on driveway area and depth

Landscaping Projects

• Walkway base: Sand or crushed stone
• Garden beds: Topsoil and compost
• Decorative areas: River rock or colored stone

Concrete Work

• Sub-base: Crushed stone under concrete slabs
• Backfill: Sand for pipe bedding and utility work

Estimating Tips

Measure Accurately

• Use precise length, width, and depth measurements
• Account for irregular shapes by breaking into sections
• Consider compaction - loose materials settle 10-15%

Add Extra Material

• Compaction allowance: Add 10-15% for settling
• Waste factor: Add 5-10% for irregular areas and waste
• Future maintenance: Consider ordering extra for repairs

Common Mistakes

Using Volume Instead of Weight: Remember materials are sold by ton, not cubic yard.

Ignoring Compaction: Loose materials compact significantly when installed.

Incorrect Depth: Verify required depth for proper base support.

Poor Access Planning: Ensure delivery trucks can reach the work area safely.