In the world of construction and landscaping, finding materials that balance affordability with sustainability is a top priority. Crushed concrete has emerged as a game-changer, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional aggregates. But what is the real cost of crushed concrete, and how does it stack up against other materials? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pricing, applications, and benefits of crushed concrete, with a focus on its environmental and financial advantages.
Understanding Crushed Concrete
Crushed concrete is a recycled product. It is crushed to specific sizes for use in construction and landscaping projects. Its strength, versatility, and environmental friendliness have made it a go-to choice for everything from road bases to decorative gravel. Two popular types of crushed concrete are 21AA Crushed Concrete and 1×3 Crushed Concrete. Each type has different uses and price structures.
The price of crushed concrete also depends on factors such as location, quantity, and individual grading requirements. For instance, 21AA Crushed Concrete, which complies with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) specifications, is $12.00 per ton, whereas 1×3 Crushed Concrete, which has a coarser particle size, is $15.50 per ton. The prices make crushed concrete a great choice for cost-conscious homeowners and contractors alike.
Segmenting the Price of Crushed Concrete
In determining the cost of crushed concrete, both the crushed concrete price per yard and the cost per ton need to be taken into account. Because a cubic yard of crushed concrete weighs about 1.4 to 1.6 tons, the crushed concrete price per yard for 21AA Crushed Concrete would be between about $16.80 and $19.20 based on the $12.00 per ton cost. For 1×3 Crushed Concrete, the crushed concrete price per yard would be around $21.70 to $24.80 since it is $15.50 per ton.
Other charges may be delivery charges or minimum load charges, and that may be $70.00 for small orders. These charges are worth considering to include in your budget when attempting to calculate the total cost of crushed concrete for your project. Crushed concrete is usually cheaper than virgin materials like limestone or gravel. This is especially true when purchased from quality suppliers like Caveman Crushing & Recycling.
Why Crushed Concrete is Green
A hallmark of crushed concrete is its effect on the environment—or lack thereof. Recycling ground-up concrete, like what Caveman Crushing & Recycling does, keeps landfills from getting plugged up and conserves new quarry mining. Recycling conserves natural resources and lowers the carbon footprint of making traditional aggregates.
The cost of crushed concrete is further offset by its sustainability benefits. Choosing recycled materials aligns with green building practices, potentially qualifying projects for certifications like LEED. Whether you’re constructing a road, stabilizing a foundation, or enhancing a landscape, crushed concrete delivers both ecological and economic value.
Applications of Crushed Concrete
The versatility of crushed concrete makes it suitable for many uses, all of which make it affordable. The following is a more in-depth examination of how 21AA Crushed Concrete and 1×3 Crushed Concrete can be used:
1. Road Construction
21AA Crushed Concrete is a suitable road base material because it compacts and provides a solid base for concrete or asphalt. Its long-lasting nature saves municipalities and contractors money in the long run since it is a good investment. Crushed concrete, being cheaper than virgin aggregates, provides cost savings on massive projects.
2. Sub-Base Material
Both 21AA and 1×3 Crushed Concrete are perfect sub-base materials for foundation construction, parking lots, and driveways. The larger particle size of the 1×3 Crushed Concrete provides excellent stability when applied in support of heavy loads, while 21AA provides a finer and more compact base.
3. Drainage Systems
The porous quality of crushed concrete is such that it finds itself to be the best option for drainage. 1×3 Crushed Concrete performs very well, with water flowing through it, and yet being sound structurally. This use is essential when flooding and erosion in landscapes and construction uses need to be prevented.
4. Landscaping and Erosion Control
Crushed concrete brings an environmentally friendly appearance to garden styles. Gravel, as a base for paths or mechanism to wear down–21AA Crushed Concrete and 1×3 Crushed Concrete both improve yards at an affordable rate. Crushed concrete by the yard is affordable enough for homeowners to have their garden or patio level.
Crushed Concrete vs. Traditional Aggregates
When the Cost of crushed concrete is compared to conventional aggregates such as gravel or sand, the cost savings are apparent. Virgin materials tend to be mined and transported extensively, which increases cost and environmental footprint. Crushed concrete, on the other hand, uses existing resources, saving costs and environmental footprint.
For instance, while gravel may cost $20–$30 per ton in a given location, 21AA Crushed Concrete at $12.00 per ton is a considerable cost reduction. Even after shipping, crushed concrete is a competitive option overall, particularly for large-volume projects.
Variables That Impact Crushed Concrete Prices
Various variables may impact the crushed concrete price, including:
- Quantity Bought: Large bulk purchases are discounted, reducing the cost per yard or ton.
- Delivery Distance: Transport costs are influenced by distance from the supplier. Purchasing locally from suppliers like Caveman Crushing & Recycling will keep costs down.
- Project Specifications: Grading specifications, i.e., MDOT or Wayne County specifications for 21AA Crushed Concrete, can influence cost.
- Market Demand: Cycles of construction activity have the potential to influence material price and availability.
By pre-ordering and using an approved supplier, you can stretch your budget and have a consistent supply of higher-quality crushed concrete.
The Caveman Crushing & Recycling Advantage
Selecting the perfect supplier is essential to achieving the full potential of crushed concrete. Caveman Crushing & Recycling presents the best quality, sustainability, and customer service. Rigorous quality control on both 21AA Crushed Concrete and 1×3 Crushed Concrete guarantees that they are of first-class standards, which means continuous performance for every project.
Aside from their product offerings, Caveman Crushing & Recycling also offers mobile, on-site crushing services that are tailored to your unique project requirements by customized specifications. Our one-stop-shop concept of offering recycling for concrete, asphalt, and construction waste gives value to their service beyond selling their product.
Maximizing Crushed Concrete’s Value
To maximize the value of crushed concrete, do the following:
- Estimate Accurately: Calculate the volume needed for your project to avoid over- or under-ordering. Online calculators can help convert tons to yards based on the crushed concrete cost per yard.
- Source Locally: Minimize delivery costs by choosing a nearby supplier.
- Combine Applications: Use crushed concrete for multiple purposes, such as a road base and landscaping feature, to maximize cost savings.
- Check Quality: Ensure that the material satisfies project requirements, particularly for structural uses such as foundations or highways.
Final Thoughts
The affordable cost of crushed concrete is turning it into a desirable option for contractors, homeowners, and governments that are looking for affordable, environmentally friendly materials. The cost of crushed concrete, such as $12.00 a ton of 21AA Crushed Concrete and $15.50 a ton of 1×3 Crushed Concrete, makes it easy to understand why recycled aggregate is increasingly becoming popular. It is a versatile material, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive to purchase, making it the preferred option in new construction and landscaping.
By working with a reliable supplier such as Caveman Crushing & Recycling, you can realize the full potential of crushed concrete for your next project. Whether you’re constructing a road, securing a foundation, or improving a garden, crushed concrete is unbeatable value, demonstrating that green and affordable can be an ideal pair.