Crushed Limestone vs Crushed Concrete: Which One is Right for You?
Whether you're planning a home improvement project or sourcing supplies for a construction job, it's imperative to choose the right materials for the job. One common question involves the various uses and differences regarding crushed limestone vs. crushed concrete.
Each material offers unique advantages for contractors, homeowners, and engineers. It all depends on the specific needs and size of your project.
Our comprehensive guide will unpack what you need to know about both crushed limestone and crushed concrete so you can choose the ideal option for your intended use.
Uses of Crushed Rock: Limestone Rock and Concrete Rock
Our experts receive many questions about crushed limestone vs. crushed concrete. In general, our customers want to know how these materials differ, as well as which one might be best for their next project.
These types of rock are abundant in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston areas. Both types of rock are used to formulate concrete and have numerous other applications.
What Is Crushed Concrete Rock?
Crushed concrete rock is aging concrete that has been recycled, crushed, and reused in the construction industry.
Aging structures (sidewalks, road surfaces, foundation slabs) are removed for various reasons. When these old concrete structures are demolished in large urban areas (such as Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, or Houston), they're transported to a concrete recycling company.
These concrete recycling companies will crush the old concrete into various sizes of crushed concrete rock for different applications.
Manufacturers screen the concrete for metal or large debris. It's then crushed into smaller particles and used as a construction aggregate. Stringent quality control ensures that the material is uniform and free from any debris that may prevent it from being used to meet construction needs.
New concrete can also be crushed, but it's not as cost-effective as using recycled materials.
Some of the recycled material is crushed to be used for the following applications:
- Road base
- Construction entrance rock
- Driveway gravel
- Concrete rock for utility (pipe bedding) applications
- Landscape gravel drainage
- Erosion control rock (rip rap, gabion crushed rock material)
Applications of Recycled Crushed Concrete Rock
Using recycled crushed concrete can provide cost savings compared to new material. It's the best choice when you want to keep costs down while sourcing a durable material that requires minimal maintenance.
Possible use cases include:
Road base
Construction entrance rock
Driveway gravel
Concrete rock for utility applications
Landscape gravel drainage
Erosion control
While it may not be well-suited for decorative purposes, the physical properties of crushed concrete make it a durable option for many different projects.
Crushed concrete rock can be used for some of the same applications as limestone. For instance, you can use it to fill in potholes in parking lots.
Crushed concrete is also considered a sustainable option, as it recycles materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. It's also common in road construction, retaining walls, and other projects that require a solid base.
It's important to note that because the concrete material is recycled into crushed rock, it may not be aesthetically pleasing. However, it can be used very effectively for the right project.
What Is Limestone?
Limestone is a naturally occurring stone found in abundance throughout much of the United States. It's a sedimentary rock that's largely composed of the remains of marine organisms.
Limestone's composition makes it ideal for use in acidic soils. It also offers aesthetic appeal and is an excellent choice as filler in industrial applications.
The Strength and Appearance of Crushed Limestone
Limestone can be used as:
A building material
An ingredient in concrete
Limestone driveways
An aggregate for the base of roads
A filler in different consumer products
Crushed limestone tends to be lighter in color than whole stone. It's typically off-white, white, or tan, which gives it a polished look in driveway and landscaping applications.
Comparing Crushed Limestone to Crushed Concrete: Aesthetic and Functional Considerations
When choosing between crushed limestone vs. crushed concrete, many customers want to know, "Which one looks better?"
Crushed concrete has a grayish hue and doesn't have the same aesthetic appeal as natural resources like stone. However, it's effective for projects that require durability and affordability, such as job sites and gravel driveways.
By contrast, crushed limestone has a more attractive appearance. As such, it's commonly used in paving projects, landscaping projects, and as bedding for drainage systems.
If aesthetics are a key concern for your project, you may also want to explore other crushed rock and gravel options. While some of those options may be pricier, they can boost the visual presentation of your landscape project.
Comparing Environmental Impact
Over time, many crushed limestone rock quarries have moved away from cities due to continual sprawl and resources being exhausted. However, crushed concrete rock can be processed right in the middle of town, which means it's less expensive and more readily available.
Using recycled concrete rock is also more environmentally friendly, meaning you can get the materials you need while reducing your carbon footprint. Purchasing recycled concrete supports the local economy and keeps reusable resources within the community.
When considering long-term impacts, working with recycled materials can drastically reduce negative effects on the local environment. While recycled materials aren't right for every project, you should incorporate them whenever possible.
Counting the Costs of Crushed Limestone vs. Crushed Concrete
On average, crushed concrete is less expensive than crushed limestone. That's particularly true if you source it from a reliable, local provider like Select Sand & Gravel. The larger the scale of your project, the greater your cost savings will be.
That said, limestone is a popular choice for select use cases, especially when aesthetics are a priority. If you'd like to compare the costs of limestone vs. crushed concrete, our team can help. Contact us today to request a free quote or explore your options.
How to Choose the Right Material for Your Project
Now that we've broken down the differences between crushed limestone vs. crushed concrete, it's time to place your order.
Select Sand & Gravel provides same-day and next-day delivery options for customers throughout Texas.We can deliver truckloads of construction materials, including:
Larger stones
Crushed concrete driveway materials
Crushed stone
Concrete aggregate
Fill materials
Larger rocks
Concrete mix
Natural stone
Why do customers consistently turn to Select Sand & Gravel to source crushed stone and other building materials? The answer is simple:We offer the best prices and the fastest delivery options in central Texas.
Our hardscaping professionals can help you determine which material is right for your project and how much you need, providing timely, accurate quotes to help you make an informed decision.
When you need the best materials at competitive prices, there's no better choice than Select Sand & Gravel.
Have questions about an upcoming project? Ready to place your order? Contact our experts today.