#57 Stone: Uses, Benefits, and Delivery in Central Florida
Everything contractors need to know about one of the most versatile aggregates in construction.
Everything contractors need to know about one of the most versatile aggregates in construction.
If you have spent any time ordering construction materials in Florida, you have almost certainly encountered #57 stone. It is one of the most widely used aggregates in the industry. From drainage systems and pipe bedding to concrete mix and road base, #57 stone shows up on job sites of every size. Understanding what it is, when to use it, and how it compares to other options will help you make better material decisions.
The "#57" designation comes from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) aggregate grading system. This system classifies crushed stone by particle size using a numbering system, and #57 refers to a specific gradation where the stone particles range from approximately 3/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter, with some smaller particles mixed in as the stone passes through standard sieves.
Specifically, #57 stone must pass through a 1.5-inch sieve and be retained on a No. 4 sieve (approximately 3/16 inch). The result is a clean, angular, uniformly sized aggregate that provides both structural support and drainage while being easy to work with. In Central Florida, #57 stone is available in two primary variants: FDOT-approved limestone quarried from Florida's abundant limestone deposits, and crushed concrete produced by processing recycled concrete to the same gradation.
#57 stone is valued for its combination of drainage capability, structural stability, and workability. Here are the most common applications you will see on Central Florida construction projects.
Drainage and French Drains. The angular shape and uniform size create consistent void spaces, allowing water to flow freely. This makes #57 stone the standard choice for French drain systems, curtain drains, and any application where you need to move water away from foundations or retaining walls.
Pipe Bedding and Utility Trenches. For underground water, sewer, or stormwater pipes, #57 stone provides a stable, well-draining bed that supports the pipe evenly and prevents settlement. Most Florida municipalities specify #57 stone for pipe bedding.
Concrete Mix Aggregate. #57 stone is a standard coarse aggregate in ready-mix concrete production. The size range provides good interlock with cement paste, creating strong, durable concrete.
Road Base and Parking Areas. While not a primary base material on its own, #57 stone is frequently used as a sub-base layer, a stabilization material for soft subgrade, or as the surface for temporary construction roads and staging areas.
Retaining Wall Backfill. Behind segmental and poured concrete walls, #57 stone provides structural support and drainage, preventing hydrostatic pressure buildup — one of the leading causes of retaining wall failure.
Septic System Drain Fields. Florida building codes require clean, graded stone in septic drain fields. #57 stone is the standard aggregate for this application.
Erosion Control. #57 stone works well for lighter erosion protection around culverts and swale inlets where sheet flow needs to be slowed.
#57 stone has earned its popularity through a combination of performance characteristics that make it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Excellent drainage is the defining advantage. The void ratio allows water to pass through at high rates. In Florida, where afternoon thunderstorms can dump inches of rain in minutes, reliable drainage material is not optional.
Good compaction properties allow #57 stone to form a stable, load-bearing layer. The angular particle shape creates interlock between stones, resisting lateral movement under load.
Versatility means you can often use one material for multiple purposes on the same job site, simplifying ordering and reducing the number of materials you need to coordinate.
Cost-effectiveness and availability. #57 stone is produced in high volume at quarries throughout Florida, so it is competitively priced and readily available. Crushed concrete #57 is typically even less expensive than virgin limestone. Alex and Family Trucking can typically arrange aggregate delivery within one to two business days.
In Central Florida, you will encounter both crushed concrete and quarried limestone versions of #57 stone. Understanding the difference is important because it affects where you can use the material and how much you will pay.
FDOT Limestone #57 is quarried virgin stone that meets Florida Department of Transportation specifications. It is required for FDOT-oversight projects, municipal stormwater systems, and concrete production. It is the more expensive option, but the only choice when specifications demand it.
Crushed Concrete #57 is produced by recycling demolished concrete — foundations, sidewalks, roads. It performs similarly to limestone for drainage, backfill, and base applications at a significantly lower cost. However, it is generally not accepted for FDOT projects or concrete mix production.
For private construction — residential drainage, commercial parking lots, retaining wall backfill — crushed concrete #57 is often the smarter economic choice. For public infrastructure and engineered concrete, limestone #57 is required. When in doubt, check your project specifications or ask your engineer.
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Estimating #57 stone quantities requires knowing both the volume you need to fill and the weight-per-volume of the material. Here are the key numbers to work with.
Weight per cubic yard: Limestone #57 weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 pounds) per cubic yard. Crushed concrete #57 is slightly lighter at roughly 1.2 to 1.3 tons per cubic yard, depending on the source material.
Coverage estimates depend on the depth of stone you need:
To calculate total cubic yards, use the formula: Length (feet) x Width (feet) x Depth (feet) / 27 = Cubic Yards. For example, a French drain trench 100 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet deep requires: 100 x 2 x 2 / 27 = approximately 14.8 cubic yards, or roughly 20.7 tons of limestone.
Always add 5 to 10 percent to account for settling and minor overages. For pipe bedding, account for stone around and above the pipe — most specs call for 4 to 6 inches below and at least 6 inches above the pipe crown. Not sure how much you need? Call us at (321) 947-9535 and we will help you estimate.
Alex and Family Trucking delivers #57 stone — both FDOT limestone and crushed concrete — across Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Daytona, and greater Central Florida. Whether you need a single tandem load for a residential drain project or daily deliveries for a commercial site, we have the capacity to keep your project supplied. We also haul sand, gravel, and all standard construction aggregates.
Call (321) 947-9535 or request a quote online to schedule your #57 stone delivery.
Alex and Family Trucking delivers aggregate materials across Central Florida. Get a fast quote for #57 stone delivery today.