Common Construction Material Densities (Yards to Tons)
Ordering aggregate from quarries and landscape yards requires converting volumetric estimates into purchase tonnages, as gravel scales bill strictly by the ton.
| Material | Lbs per Cubic Yard | Tons per Cubic Yard | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed D-1 Gravel | 2,900 lbs | 1.45 tons | Driveways, road sub-base, parking pads |
| Washed Drain Rock (1.5-inch) | 2,700 lbs | 1.35 tons | Septic leach fields, french drains |
| Coarse Sand (Washed) | 2,600 lbs | 1.30 tons | Paver bedding, pipe bedding |
| Screened Garden Topsoil | 2,200 lbs | 1.10 tons | Lawn seeding, flower beds |
| Cedar Wood Mulch | 800 lbs | 0.40 tons | Weed suppression, moisture retention |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions regarding this calculation and code compliance
One cubic yard of typical crushed gravel weighs roughly 1.35 to 1.45 US tons (approximately 2,700 to 2,900 pounds), depending on moisture level and rock compaction.
Need Licensed Hands-On Help in Anchorage, AK?
Calculations provide the theoretical baseline, but Alaska installations face sub-zero frost lines, glacial soils, and strict municipal codes. Our licensed master technicians provide full diagnostics, inspections, and repairs:
24/7 Emergency Plumbing Dispatch
Immediate dispatch for burst pipes, uncontainable leaks, and active structural flooding.
Non-Invasive Water Leak Detection
Acoustic line testing and thermal imaging to locate hidden pressurized leaks.
Water Heater Repair & Upgrades
Tankless and tank water heater diagnostics, element replacements, and anode service.
Pipe Repair & Whole-House Repiping
Upgrading corroded copper or defective piping with freeze-resistant PEX-A systems.
Interactive Plumbing & HVAC Calculators
Water Hammer Arrestor Sizing
Size surge suppressors to eliminate destructive hydraulic shock in piping.
Water Softener Capacity Tool
Calculate grain capacity requirements based on well water hardness.
Copper Pipe Weight Calculator
Calculate structural dead load of dry and water-filled piping runs.
Drain Pipe Slope Calculator
Determine required drainage fall to maintain self-cleansing velocity.

