When you’re trying to find the right aggregate or stone product for your next project, there are many different factors to consider. These include the type of project you’re completing, the scope, and the ultimate purpose. Here is everything you should know when choosing the right type of construction limestone to suit your project needs.
Types of Limestone
There are many different uses for limestone in construction, from foundations to ornamental exteriors. Because it contains fewer pores than other types of sedimentary rock, it’s more durable and able to withstand abrasion or freeze-thaw temperature extremes—despite the common misconception that it’s a relatively brittle mineral.
These are the types of limestone that are most commonly used in construction applications of any kind.
Travertine
Known for its classic appearance and porous texture, travertine is a type of limestone used in construction for paving, flooring, and walls in interior and exterior projects. In outdoor construction, it’s an ideal material because it’s so durable and can withstand heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions.
Chalk Limestone
Because it’s lightweight and has a smooth finish, chalk limestone is a popular choice for architectural detailing and as a durable addition to cement and concrete. It creates a cement-like compound when combined with other materials and is durable and long-lasting.
For the restoration and preservation of historic neighborhoods and buildings, chalk limestone is an ideal choice for preserving and restoring historic districts while minimizing negative impacts on the surrounding areas.
Oolitic Limestone
Oolitic limestone is a popular form of limestone that is famed for its durability and unique appearance thanks to the round, spherical grains that formed it over millions of years. It’s popularly used in exterior cladding and for landscaping purposes, such as on the exteriors of the Empire State Building and the U.S. Pentagon.
While generally reserved for long-term architectural projects, oolitic limestone is prized for its durability, hardness, and variety of available colors.
Tufa Limestone
Tufa is a porous variety of limestone that is commonly used for exterior features, sculptures, or gardens across the world. While it is not commonly used in heavy-duty construction on its own, it has been used as part of building foundations and as ornately decorated walls in ancient walls and gardens from more recent centuries.
Crushed Limestone Gradations
21A Stoneco
This type of gravel is dense and versatile. At Stoneco, our 21A gravel is commonly used for driveways, parking lots, and parking lots as a form of construction limestone. It’s a mixture of crushed stone and stone dust that provides excellent compaction and stability.
Because of this level of compaction, 21A gravel makes for a solid, durable surface as either a base or pavement in all types of projects.
6A Stoneco
One of the most versatile limestone materials, 6A is frequently used in septic systems, drainage, and concrete production. It has a clean uniform size that is ideal for a range of different construction and building projects.
1 x 3 Limestone
As a larger limestone grade, 1x3 limestone is ideal to use as rip rap for erosion control along highways and embankments. It can also be used in landscaping and as a building material for heavier construction projects.
Because the average stone size at this grade tends to be larger, it tends to have better longevity and stability than other bases or smaller grades of limestone.
4 x 8 Limestone
This is among the largest grades of limestone used in construction projects. At this size, the stone offers superior strength and durability, all while being a practical and affordable material. These stones are suitable for large-scale drainage projects, heavy-duty construction foundations, and railroad ballast.
Additional Options
At Stoneco, we provide multiple grades and product types to fit the compliance and regulatory requirements for any MDOT- or ODOT-sponsored project across several dimensions. Some of the most notable materials include:
- MDOT 4G: This specialty stone grade was designed to adhere to the needs of state-funded projects in Michigan of all types.
- MDOT 6AA: While many different county- and state-level agencies have different dimensions for this particular product, the commercial sizes typically average 1” x 3/8” with some variation depending on local regulations and requirements.
- Rip rap: Stoneco’s rip rap comes in multiple size options and adheres to strict quality control measures based on the requirements of your project.
Determining How Much Limestone You Need
The amount of construction limestone you’ll need for your project largely depends on the type of material you need and the dimensions you need to cover. Using our material calculators, you can determine how much limestone you need for your project based on square footage and weight, as well as by the type of material your project may require.
Where to Buy Limestone
With the right material provider, you’ll never have to worry about halting material from one end of Michigan to the other. At Stoneco, we have dozens of locations throughout South Michigan to help you find the limestone materials you need, at the grade that best suits your project requirements.
Chances are, we can deliver limestone and other materials to your location. Just connect with us today to see how we can take the stress out of halting material wherever you may need it.
Order Crushed Limestone Today
The team at Stoneco is ready to help you find the best limestone and aggregate materials for your next project, all with unmatched commitments to safety and quality. Request a quote from us to get started with an estimate and receive recommendations that are tailored to your project.
