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How Much Does a Yard of Pea Gravel Weigh? A Quick and Easy Guide

You’ve decided to give your yard a makeover, and pea gravel is at the top of your list. It’s an attractive and versatile material that can be used for a variety of landscaping projects. You might be wondering, “How much does a yard of pea gravel weigh?” No worries! We’ve got you covered. In this easy-to-understand and engaging article, we’ll explore the factors that affect the weight of pea gravel, and provide a helpful example to make sure you’re ready for your next DIY project.

What is Pea Gravel?

Pea gravel is a small, rounded, and naturally weathered rock that’s perfect for landscaping projects. It’s typically found in shades of brown, white, gray, and even a touch of blue. The size of pea gravel ranges from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch, which makes it perfect for creating pathways, patios, and play areas. It’s also an excellent choice for drainage and can be used as a mulch alternative.

Factors That Affect the Weight of Pea Gravel

There are a few key factors that determine the weight of a yard of pea gravel. These include:

  1. Size of the Pea Gravel: The weight of pea gravel can vary depending on the size of the stones. Larger stones will typically weigh more than smaller ones. Remember, pea gravel typically ranges from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch in size.
  2. Material Density: The weight of a yard of pea gravel also depends on the density of the material. In general, pea gravel has a density of around 100 pounds per cubic foot.
  3. Moisture Content: The weight of pea gravel can be affected by its moisture content. Wet pea gravel weighs more than dry pea gravel due to the added weight of the water.

A Real-Life Example to Help You Understand

Now that we’ve covered the factors that can impact the weight of pea gravel, let’s dive into an example to help clarify things. Let’s say you’re planning to cover a 10×10-foot area of your yard with pea gravel. To determine the amount of pea gravel you’ll need, we’ll need to do a little math:

  1. Calculate the area: First, you’ll need to determine the area you’re covering. In this example, the area is 10 feet by 10 feet, which equals 100 square feet.
  2. Determine the depth: Next, decide how deep you want the pea gravel layer to be. For most landscaping projects, a depth of 2-3 inches is recommended. For this example, let’s assume a depth of 2 inches.
  3. Convert the depth to feet: Since the depth is given in inches, we need to convert it to feet. In this case, 2 inches is equal to 1/6 (0.167) feet.
  4. Calculate the volume: Now, multiply the area by the depth to find the volume. In our example, that’s 100 square feet x 0.167 feet = 16.7 cubic feet.
  5. Convert to cubic yards: Finally, to find the amount of pea gravel in cubic yards, divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 (since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard). So, 16.7 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 0.62 cubic yards.

Now that we know we need 0.62 cubic yards of pea gravel let’s determine the weight. We mentioned earlier that the density of pea gravel is around 100 pounds per cubic foot. To find the weight, multiply the

volume in cubic feet by the density:

  1. Find the weight in pounds: In our example, that’s 16.7 cubic feet x 100 pounds per cubic foot = 1,670 pounds.
  2. Convert to tons: Since pea gravel is often sold by the ton, it’s useful to know the weight in tons. To do this, divide the weight in pounds by 2,000 (since there are 2,000 pounds in a ton). So, 1,670 pounds ÷ 2,000 = 0.835 tons.

In our real-life example, 0.62 cubic yards of pea gravel weighs approximately 1,670 pounds, or 0.835 tons. Of course, this weight can vary depending on the factors we discussed earlier, such as the size of the stones, the density of the material, and the moisture content.

Tips for Handling and Purchasing Pea Gravel

Now that you know how much a yard of pea gravel weighs, here are some helpful tips to make your landscaping project a success:

  1. Measure your space accurately: To avoid over- or under-ordering pea gravel, be sure to measure your space carefully. Use a tape measure to get the length and width, and then calculate the area, depth, and volume as we demonstrated in our example.
  2. Consider delivery options: Pea gravel can be heavy, so consider having it delivered to your home, especially if you’re ordering a large quantity. Many landscaping supply companies offer delivery services for a fee.
  3. Use a wheelbarrow and shovel: When it’s time to spread the pea gravel, use a wheelbarrow and shovel to make the job easier. This will help you avoid straining your back or overexerting yourself.
  4. Use landscaping fabric: To prevent weeds from growing through the pea gravel, consider laying down landscaping fabric before spreading the gravel. This will also help to keep the gravel in place and make maintenance easier.
  5. Maintain your pea gravel: Over time, pea gravel may become compacted or discolored. To maintain its appearance, you can use a rake to fluff up the surface or add a fresh layer of pea gravel as needed.

Now that you’re well-equipped with the knowledge of how much a yard of pea gravel weighs and some helpful tips for handling and purchasing it, you’re ready to tackle your next landscaping project with confidence. So go ahead, grab that wheelbarrow and shovel, and get ready to transform your yard into a beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance space.

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