Material & Project Guides

Practical answers about choosing, calculating and ordering bulk materials for projects around Greater New Orleans.

• How Much Fill Dirt Do You Need to Raise a Low Yard?

  Work out how much fill dirt you need to raise a low yard. Measure the low side and the high side, average the depth, and get your cubic yards with worked examples.

• Which Sand Goes Under Pavers?

  Which sand goes under pavers? Washed concrete sand (ASTM C33), about 1 inch deep and uncompacted, over a packed crushed-stone base. Here's every layer, bottom to top.

• How Many Cubic Yards Are in a Dump Truck?

  How many cubic yards in a dump truck? A single-axle holds 5 to 7, a tandem 10 to 16, and a tri-axle more. See the full capacity table by truck class.

• How Much Gravel Do You Need for a Driveway?

  Figure out how much gravel for a driveway in two steps. Get the cubic-yard formula, a tons-per-size table, and recommended depth for a solid driveway.

• Tons to Cubic Yards: How to Convert Gravel, Sand, and Dirt

  Convert tons to cubic yards for gravel, sand, and dirt. A cubic yard of gravel is about 1.4 tons. Use our table, formula, and worked examples.