Materials Guide
Not sure what material to order or how much you need? Use our calculators and video guides to plan your project before you call.
Material Calculators
Enter your project dimensions to estimate how much material you need. Results include cubic yards and approximate tons.
Gravel & Crushed Stone
For driveways, road base, drainage, and construction. Includes #57, crusher run, surge stone, and others.
Mulch
For landscape beds, playgrounds, and erosion control. Sold by cubic yard.
Topsoil
For lawn establishment, grading, raised beds, and landscaping projects.
* All calculations are estimates. Material densities vary. We recommend adding 10% overage to your order to account for settling and waste. Call us if you're unsure.
Common Questions About Materials & Delivery
Our dump trucks carry 19–23 tons per load — we specialize in bulk material delivery for driveways, farms, construction sites, and larger projects. We're not a one-ton pickup truck service — we're a full dump truck operation built for volume.
How many tons does your dump truck carry?
Our dump trucks carry 19–23 tons per load depending on the material and truck configuration. This makes us the right choice for driveways, farm projects, construction sites, and any job that needs serious volume. If you're looking for a single ton of material, a landscape supply yard may be a better fit — if you need a real truckload delivered, that's what we do.
How many yards of gravel fit in a dump truck?
A full dump truck load holds approximately 14–16 cubic yards of gravel depending on the stone size and truck configuration. Heavier materials like surge stone or shotrock come in at fewer yards per load due to weight limits.
How many tons of gravel are in a dump truck load?
Our trucks haul 19–23 tons of gravel per load. The exact tonnage depends on the material — crusher run and dense-graded aggregate run heavier than washed stone or #57. We can confirm the expected tonnage when you call.
What size crushed rock is best for a driveway?
For most driveways in the Shenandoah Valley, crusher run is the material of choice — both for the base and the top layer. Crusher run compacts tightly, binds together, and creates a hard, smooth, durable driving surface. It doesn't shift or rut like round stone. A properly installed crusher run driveway — packed in layers with a good base — will outlast most other gravel options.
What is the difference between crusher run and #57 stone?
Crusher run is a mixed-grade crushed stone that includes fines — the fine particles bind together when compacted, making it ideal for driveways, road base, and foundations. It creates a hard, compact surface that holds up well under traffic. #57 stone is a clean, washed angular stone about 3/4" in size with no fines — it's used for drainage applications, pipe bedding, and French drains where water needs to pass through freely. For driveways, crusher run is almost always the better choice in our area.
How much rip rap do I need?
Rip rap coverage depends on stone size and placement depth. As a general estimate, one ton of rip rap covers approximately 35–50 square feet at a 6-inch depth. For slope stabilization, creek banks, or culvert aprons, coverage will vary based on the grade and exposure. Call us with your dimensions and we can help estimate your load requirement.
How much topsoil fits in a dump truck?
A full dump truck load holds approximately 10–12 cubic yards of topsoil, weighing roughly 15–18 tons depending on moisture content. Topsoil is heavier when wet, which affects how much we can carry per load. This is enough topsoil to cover approximately 1,000–1,200 square feet at 3 inches deep.
What is the minimum order size?
We deliver full dump truck loads — typically 19–23 tons depending on the material. We can accommodate partial loads when needed, but here's what most customers find: our delivery price is the same regardless of load size. A full truckload costs the same to deliver as a half load — so the more material you take, the lower your cost per ton. If you're on the fence about how much to order, we'll always recommend rounding up. You get more material for the same delivery cost, and you won't be calling us back for a second run.
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Use our calculator above — enter your length, width, and desired depth and we'll estimate cubic yards and approximate tons. As a general rule, add 10% overage to account for settling and waste. When in doubt, call us — we've delivered enough loads throughout the Shenandoah Valley to give you a reliable estimate based on your project type.
Video Guides
Comparing Crushed Rock & Gravel Sizes and How They're Used
A side-by-side comparison of the most common crushed rock and gravel sizes — from fine screenings and crusher run up through #57, #4, #2, and larger rip rap stone. Learn how each size behaves differently for compaction, drainage, and surface stability, and which is the right choice for your specific project.
Why Crusher Run is Best for Driveways
Crusher run — also called crush & run or crush and run — is one of the most popular materials for driveway base and surface. This video explains why it compacts better than round gravel, how it locks together to create a stable surface, and when to use it versus other stone types. A must-watch before ordering material for a new or existing driveway.
Stone Sizes Explained: Which Gravel is Right for Your Project?
Not all gravel is the same. This video walks through the most common crushed stone sizes — #57, #8, #4, crusher run, and others — and explains which works best for driveways, drainage, road base, and construction projects. If you're not sure what to order, start here.
Still Not Sure What You Need?
Call or text us and describe your project — driveway, drainage, grading, farm, construction — and we'll tell you exactly what material to order and how much. We've been hauling throughout the Shenandoah Valley long enough to know what works.