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You need _____ Tons of #8 Clean Limestone
How To Measure
For patio bases, measure the total square footage and add at least 6 inches beyond the edge of your planned patio to support the border. For trenches, measure length, width, and depth. Always factor in the displacement of your drainage pipe when estimating stone.
Depth Recommendations
Open-Grade Patio Base: 6-8 inches (compacted in layers over non-woven fabric).
French Drains/Trench Drains: 12+ inches (Ensure at least 3 inches of stone surrounds the entire pipe).
Driveways: 2 inches top dressing (Not recommended for this stone type).
The Ultimate Drainage & Open-Grade Base Stone
In the hardscaping industry, #8 Clean Limestone (typically 3/8" to 1" angular stone) is the workhorse of modern construction. Because it has been washed to remove the stone dust ("fines"), it does not pack down into a solid, impenetrable sheet. Instead, it maintains millions of tiny void spaces between the stones, allowing water to pass through instantly.
The Open-Grade Advantage: In the Michiana area, our freeze-thaw cycles destroy traditional sand-and-gravel patio bases. As water gets trapped under pavers and freezes, it expands, causing the patio to heave and sink. We highly recommend using #8 Clean Limestone for an "Open-Grade Base." When wrapped in geotextile fabric, this system allows heavy rains to drain completely through the foundation, completely eliminating the trapped water that causes winter frost heave.
FAQ
I’m building a French drain in heavy clay soil. What’s the biggest mistake to avoid?
Failing to use non-woven geotextile fabric. If you just dump #8 Clean stone into a trench dug in Michiana clay, that clay will eventually migrate into the void spaces between the rocks and clog the drain completely. You must line the entire trench with high-quality non-woven fabric before adding the pipe and stone to keep the system draining forever.
Should I use this to top-dress my gravel driveway?
We strongly advise against it. Because this stone has no "fines" (stone dust) to bind it together, it stays relatively loose. If you use this on a driveway in our area, the first time a snowplow comes through, you will end up with a massive pile of limestone pushed into your yard or snow-holding area. Stick to a compactable stone (like #53 or #73) for driveways.
The stone arrived, and it looks a little gray/filmy. Is it actually "Clean"?
Yes! While the quarry washes the stone, there is often a very slight residue or film created while the rocks rub against each other during transit. It is nothing like the heavy, messy dust found in standard road gravel. The first good rainstorm will wash that light film away, leaving a perfectly clean, gray-white stone.