Despite gravel’s commonplace and humble status, gravel is one of the most highly sought after substances in Northern VA. Gravel is produced (due to its many benefits) by dredging companies hauling up massive quantities of these small rocks from the beds of waterways. But what is all of this gravel being used for? Let’s explore the usefulness of these small sized rocks.
Construction Material:
Over the last hundred or so years, gravel has been elevated from rumble to rock star status as it is increasingly used in more and more projects. Today, it is used to make concrete, to create foundations for new roads, to mix with asphalt, fill construction sites, and even create other construction materials like blocks, pipes, and bricks.
Landscaping and Outdoor Design:
Gravel is the main material used in creating pathways, driveways, and outdoor patios. The landscape industry flourishes thanks to gravel because many homeowners desire these types of features to enhance curb appeal and create perennial interest.
Erosion Control:
Erosion is the process of soil being washed away by rain or tide waters in Virginia. Gravel is spread across areas where runoff creates a potential for mudslides, like mountainsides and yard hill slopes. The gravel can be layered on top of dams, fences, planks, and patches of dirt in order to prevent the soil from being swept away by water. This works because the soil is able to latch onto the gravel, ensuring it stays in place.
Agricultural Uses:
To create agricultural lime, which farmers use to reduce the acidity of their soil and promote crop growth. It is also ground down, and used as a form of mineral feed for poultry, like chickens and turkeys. Poultry requires small rocks and minerals in order to properly break down their food.
Please call (703) 339-8095 today or visit
our web page for more details.
Whether you need a decorative feature or finish in your garden and driveway, bulk bagged aggregates or loose aggregates are an inexpensive choice, really easy to work with, and they certainly help you reduce the time you spend on property upkeep. You can pick-up or request delivery.
Aggregates come in different gradings, and textures, with varying moisture content and various other characteristics that determine the kind of job they are suited for. Let’s look at different types of aggregates and some of their uses so you can make the best choice for your next project.
SAND – There are different types of sand available for construction: sharp sand, ballast, and even recycled sand. Each type has its own uses.
BALLAST SAND – Ballast is a mix of sand and gravel and is generally used when building foundations for specific jobs such as houses and roadways as well as railways.
GRAVEL – Gravel has larger grains than sand. It can be used as part of driveways or pathways, occasionally mixed with concrete but often simply laid down on top.
ROCKS, PEBBLES AND SHINGLE – These types of aggregate come in a variety of colors, shapes, and surface textures. Shingle and stone aggregate can be glassy, smooth, rough, honeycombed, and more, and can be used to create unique and beautiful decorative garden features.
CRUSHED ROCK – One particular type of aggregate is crushed rock, made when larger pieces of rock are crushed into smaller pieces. This makes for another excellent base for forming concrete slabs and driveways.
ROCK DUST – Fine rock dust is a by-product of the quarrying industry and results from rock crushing. Also known as crusher dust, it can be used to improve the soil by remineralization, helping to rebuild topsoil and to speed up growth in your garden.
If you know the type of aggregates you require, use our aggregate calculator to estimate how much you’ll need for your project. Just call (703) 339-8095 to speak to our staff about our aggregates and our pricing or please visit
our webpage for more details.
River Rocks range in size from 3/8 inches to 8 inches and are round in shape. Rock Stone and Sand Yard RSSY carries a large inventory. Depending on your project, we can recommend the proper size and shape. Decorative river rocks can be a longer lasting low maintenance alternative to organic mulches.
Primary Uses:
Decorative Landscaping
Garden Border
Walkways
Drainage & Wash Areas
Mulch Alternative
After laying down decorative river rock, we recommend wetting it down to wash off any dust to really make the colors stand out. Also if the project involves a wash area you want to use our premium weed block as a base. Please call (703) 339-8095 or visit our website for more details. See you at the Yard.
RSSY offers mortar sand. White sand is also available as play sand.
Grey gravel is a granite stone that is most often used for driveways and to help with drainage.
Fancy Gravel is a variety of colorful stone that can be used for driveways, walkways, and plant beds.
Click through our selections of sand & gravel on the web site to learn more about each specific type, or browse specific galleries to view the selection detail. We can deliver materials directly to your site or you can pick-up. Please call the Yard (703) 339-8095 for help with your aggregate order.
To use the aggregate calculator, select your stone or sand aggregate type from the pull down menu, and enter length, width, and depth requirements in the blanks provided. This calculator will estimate how much stone and/or sand (in tons) that are required for your job based on your material type and measurements. Please be advised that the total calculated tons may differ from your actual requirement due to variances in sub-grade depth, compaction, material density, losses, etc
https://rssy.com/aggregate-calculator/
The 4th of July Holiday is almost upon us bringing hot Summer weather. This is a good time to look at your yard to plan a beautiful outdoor living space that you can use year round. Before you get started on creating an outdoor living space, you need to have a clear idea of the kind of design you would want in your yard. Stop by the RSSY design center to speak to our sales persons to get some ideas and then study your existing landscape. We will help you imagine how the space will be used and research different materials to insure proper function and design features. Please call today (703) 339-8095 to set up an appointment or visit our website for more details.
Rock Stone and Sand Yard, RSSY wants to be the one source for all your aggregate needs. We have the capability to quote our customers delivered or pickup pricing for virtually any type of construction aggregate required, and we are fully equipped to handle any job no matter the size.
With your busy schedule, why take the time to chase down numbers from multiple suppliers when RSSY can give you all your pricing in one call – (703) 339-8095. Our sales office is open Monday thru Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday 7:00 am to 12 noon. The Yard is equipped with a knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to assist you. We look forward to seeing you soon!
RSSY inventories crushed stone, stone dust, bluestone, pea gravel, wash gravel, river rounds, and washed gravels that are available in a full range of colors and sizes for drainage or decorative landscaping. From topdressing, to erosion prevention, to proper drainage construction, we have all the raw materials your landscape projects require. RSSY carries several different types of decorative aggregates. Ranging from 3/8″ up to 8″ size, these aggregates have many uses including driveways, pathways, groundcover, and water features.
Stop by the yard today and pick out the right gravel for your job. Call (703) 339-8095 for pricing and details. You can visit our website for additional information and images.
