What are quarries and what do they do?
Quarries are surface mining operations where raw materials are extracted and processed for construction. In Texas, aggregate quarries supply crushed limestone, base rock, gravel, and sand—core materials used in roads, building pads, concrete mixes, and drainage systems. These sites are a critical part of the construction supply chain, providing the bulk materials that most projects depend on.
While San Antonio has a high concentration of these quarries, many operate quietly and aren’t easily found through public listings. That’s where Twisted Nail comes in. We help contractors and builders connect directly with the right aggregate sources. We know what each site produces, where it’s located, and how to coordinate delivery based on your timeline and budget. Our job is to match your needs to the right materials and get them to your site without delay.
What are the most common materials found in Texas quarries?
Most quarries in Texas focus on construction-grade aggregates, with limestone being the most commonly produced. River rock, sand, and soil blends are also available, though regional supply can vary. Some materials are only produced in specific areas and may require longer hauls, which can increase overall cost.
But knowing what’s available isn’t enough. Many producers don’t advertise, and material availability can change without notice. Twisted Nail keeps a real-time network of quarry contacts across Texas. We know which sites are producing what, where they’re located, and how to coordinate delivery quickly and cost-effectively. Our role is to connect your project with the right source, based on product, location, and lead time, so you can keep moving forward.
Fill Materials:
Common Fill and Select Fill
Common fill and select fill are two of the most frequently used sand-clay blends sourced from Texas quarries. The key difference is consistency. Common fill is untested and unregulated, often used for general backfill where compaction isn’t critical. Select fill, by contrast, meets specific engineering standards for plasticity and gradation. It provides reliable compaction and long-term stability, making it a better choice for building pads, foundation work, and structural subgrades.
Topsoil
Topsoil is a nutrient-rich material used for landscaping, gardening, and turf prep. It contains organic matter that promotes plant growth and is often spread as a top layer to revive lawns or prepare garden beds. While it’s not suited for load-bearing use, it’s a valuable finishing layer in many outdoor projects and helps with erosion control.
Silica Sand
Silica sand is a quartz-based material known for its purity, fine grain, and bright white color. It’s rarely found in Central Texas and often has to be sourced from specialty locations. Because of its cost and limited availability, silica sand is used in higher-end applications like golf course bunkers, artificial beaches, and certain industrial or filtration systems. Twisted Nail can coordinate with regional suppliers when these projects call for it.
Limestone Materials:
Limestone Base (Flex Base and State Spec)
Limestone base is one of the most widely used construction materials in Texas. It’s a mix of crushed limestone and fines that compacts tightly when moistened, creating a stable surface for driveways, pads, roads, and utility work. There are two primary types: flex base and state spec base. Flex base is unregulated, with slight variations in composition depending on the source. It works well for general-purpose builds where precise gradation isn’t necessary. State spec base is produced to meet specific standards for use in commercial and public projects. It provides greater consistency and is approved for TXDOT and engineered jobs.
Crusher Fines
Crusher fines are a byproduct of the limestone crushing process, made up of small particles typically under three-eighths of an inch. While not used for structural work, they compact well and are often chosen for residential driveways, walking paths, or light-use areas where cost control is more important than appearance.
Crushed Rock
Crushed rock is used across nearly every stage of construction—from drainage systems to concrete production to base layers. It comes in both tested and untested varieties, with the tested options meeting regulatory specs. Crushed rock can also be washed or screened to remove fines and improve drainage. Standard sizes range from one-quarter inch to two inches, allowing for flexibility across different job types.
Bull Rock
Bull rock consists of large limestone pieces between two and six inches. It’s built for durability and is often used at construction site entrances to prevent rutting or displacement from heavy equipment. It also works well in drainage channels and erosion-prone areas.
Riprap
Riprap is composed of limestone boulders ranging from six to thirty-six inches in diameter. Its size and weight make it ideal for erosion control, especially along bridge foundations, culverts, and steep banks exposed to heavy runoff. It’s commonly used where long-term slope stability is needed.
River Rock Materials:
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is made up of small, naturally rounded stones typically under three-eighths of an inch in diameter. Sourced from riverbeds, it comes in a range of muted tones like tan, brown, and red. Its smooth texture and clean appearance make it a go-to material for garden paths, patios, playgrounds, and decorative landscaping where looks matter more than load-bearing strength.
Screened River Rock
Screened river rock is sorted into uniform size ranges, usually between three-eighths of an inch and two inches. It can be ordered washed or unwashed, depending on whether the natural sediment is removed during processing. Known for its consistent size and color variety, it’s used mainly in landscaping applications. However, it does not compact well and isn’t recommended for driveways or structural bases where long-term stability is needed.
Oversized River Rock
Oversized river rock refers to stones larger than two inches in diameter. These are typically left unwashed due to the difficulty of cleaning material that size. Most quarries that produce river rock will have some oversized stock available. These larger stones are used in landscape designs like dry creek beds, erosion buffers, and decorative edging, where visual impact is more important than structural function.
What does Twisted Nail do?
Twisted Nail specializes in sourcing and delivering aggregate materials throughout Central Texas. We work directly with quarries to get contractors, builders, and project managers the right material, delivered on time and within budget. From crushed limestone and river rock to select fill and specialty sands, we handle the logistics so you don’t have to waste time chasing availability or coordinating shipments.
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Our service area stretches from San Antonio to Austin to Waco and beyond. If your project requires aggregates, we’ll match you with the best option based on location, material type, and cost. Reach out to get started — we’ll take it from there.
FAQs
What types of quarries are common around San Antonio?
San Antonio has a high concentration of aggregate quarries producing materials like sand, gravel, limestone base, and river rock. These are used in road construction, site prep, utility work, and landscape projects throughout the region.
Are all quarries open to the public?
No. Most are not publicly listed and don’t sell directly to individuals or small contractors. Getting access often means knowing the right contacts and understanding production schedules. Twisted Nail manages that entire process for you.
What’s the difference between a sand and gravel quarry and a limestone quarry?
Sand and gravel quarries produce materials like washed sand, select fill, and rounded river rock. Limestone quarries supply more angular materials such as flex base, crushed rock, bull rock, and riprap. Each supports different jobsite needs depending on drainage, compaction, or aesthetics.
Can I get specialty materials like silica sand or #57 rock in San Antonio?
Some specialty products aren’t produced locally and may need to be hauled in from other parts of Texas. Twisted Nail monitors statewide availability and can arrange delivery of these materials when required.
How do I know which quarry has the material I need?
Most quarries don’t post real-time inventory. Availability changes often. Twisted Nail keeps an active network of producers and tracks what’s being made where so you don’t have to guess.
Does it matter how far the quarry is from my jobsite?
Yes. Distance affects haul costs. A cheaper material from farther away may end up costing more than a closer option. We help you weigh material cost against freight to find the most cost-effective solution.
Can Twisted Nail coordinate deliveries from multiple quarries to one site?
Yes. We regularly manage multi-source deliveries and coordinate timing to keep projects running smoothly. That means fewer delays and better control over your material flow.
What if I need material fast — can you help?
In many cases, yes. Depending on truck availability, load schedules, and the type of material needed, we can often arrange same-day or next-day delivery. Let us know early and we’ll give you a clear answer on timing.
What if I’m not sure what material I need?
You don’t need all the specs upfront. Just tell us what you’re building, what kind of traffic it will handle, and your schedule. We’ll help you figure out the best material for the job.