What is Crushed Concrete?
Crushed concrete is a tough, reliable material that’s found a second life in everything from driveways and walkways to building foundations. By reusing old concrete, we ease the burden on overflowing landfills and reduce the demand for other base materials like limestone or natural crushed stone. The method of recycling concrete has been used for decades across the U.S. and has proven itself time and again as a dependable solution. Plus, thanks to its steady availability, it’s one of the most affordable options on the market. Now that we’ve got a handle on what crushed concrete is and where it comes from, let’s take a look at where it performs best, how much it costs, & how to order in Texas.
How is Concrete Crushed?
Typically, recycling concrete occurs across a few steps. First, crushing equipment is used to break up large chunks of concrete from the original structure. Then, these concrete chunks are further impacted, growing increasingly smaller before they are sifted and screened to remove debris. From there, different size chunks can be sorted allowing more versatility in size for your crushed concrete while remaining pure of other material.
Crushed Concrete for Roads, Driveways and More
Crushed concrete is a tremendously durable material that makes for a base under driveways or walkways. Able to withstand heavy use while encouraging good drainage are key features that allow crushed concrete to excel here. What’s more, after compaction, crushed concrete holds a stable base that is resistant to shifting/settling. If superior drainage is what you’re after, having smaller, uniform rock pieces is optimal.
Crushed Concrete Alternatives
Crushed Limestone
An aggregate product of quarry production, crushed limestone makes for a solid foundation material for driveways and patios. Similarly to crushed concrete, crushed limestone promotes good drainage throughout the foundation while providing a solid base to build on. Compared to crushed concrete, though, crushed limestone will cover the same area, but carries a higher price per cubic yard on average.
Crushed Granite
Similarly, crushed granite is also an aggregate product from quarries that can be employed as a foundational material in pathways and patios. These durable rocks also provide good drainage as a base while able to withstand heavy use. Crushed granite is often considered more aesthetic when compared to other crushed stones, but often carries a larger price tag per yard.
Asphalt Millings
Asphalt millings are the crushed project of asphalt that has some of the same benefits as crushed concrete, especially being more environmentally friendly. A durable base layer, millings can be used for pathways, but is often seen as less aesthetic and not as good at drainage when compared to crushed concrete.
Cost of Crushed Concrete Compared to Alternatives
Compared to products like crushed rocks that could serve a similar role, crushed concrete is one of the cheapest options on the market. Essentially a waste product from old concrete, there is usually a good supply of crushed concrete that makes acquiring easier and prices lower. Some crushed rock alternatives can be more than twice the amount per square foot as crushed concrete!
Quarries in Austin and Waco Texas: What They Produce
Texas Quarries provide pit-to-plant, pit-to-job site, and pit-to-consumer hauling. What this means is that we can take resources and building materials and haul them straight to wherever you may need them.
How to Order Crushed Concrete in Texas
We at Twisted Nail understand the complexities of construction, material management, and trucking that has led us to years of success in Texas. Whatever your build may be, if you’re near Central Texas, Twisted Nail can be just the right supplier and delivery service of crushed concrete for you. With specific service to Austin, Bryan, San Antonio, Waco, and more, we can work with your local concrete recycling plants to get you the material you need at an affordable rate. With competitive prices and an all encompassing delivery service, you can worry more about your project than about if your materials will make it. Come see what Twisted Nail can do for you!
Crushed Concrete FAQ
What is crushed concrete used for?
Crushed concrete makes for an excellent foundational material for driveways, walkways, and patios due to its durable nature and good drainage properties.
Is crushed concrete expensive?
Being the recycled product of concrete waste, crushed concrete is not only a cheap material, but also environmentally conscious as well. When compared to crushed alternatives, crushed concrete is typically around 10-15% cheaper.leo.
Is crushed concrete a good alternative to crushed stone?
Yes! Crushed concrete provides good drainage, typical of crushed stone, while being cheaper and more compatible on things like driveways. Many people opt for crushed concrete as an alternative.
Does crushed concrete look good?
Most users don’t find crushed concrete to be aesthetically pleasing. Instead, crushed concrete excels due to its superior functionality, greater availability, and more affordable price tag.
Are there downsides to crushed concrete?
Crushed concrete is a fantastic material, but there can be a tremendous range in quality, costs, and size for making it less predictable when compared to other crushed stone alternatives. Working with companies like Twisted Nail who can source quality material for your budget is the premier way to get the right crushed concrete for your project.
