Stone Dust: Size, Uses, and Cost Per Ton (2026)
Also called: Crusher Fines, Screenings, Rock Dust
Stone Dust at a Glance
| Size | Fine crushed stone particles under 1/4 inch. |
|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 2,800 to 3,200 lbs (1.40 to 1.60 tons) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 0.63 to 0.71 |
| Cost per ton | $15 to $30 per ton |
| Cost per cubic yard | $20 to $40 per cubic yard |
| 10-ton truckload | $150 to $300 before delivery |
| Compaction | High (15%). Packs into a firm, almost paved surface. |
| Drainage | Low. Fines fill the voids, so it sheds water instead of soaking it in. |
| Best for | Paver installations, Leveling uneven ground, Compacted walking surfaces |
| Wrong for | Driveways, High-drainage applications |
What Is Stone Dust?
Stone dust is a finely crushed aggregate made up of stone particles smaller than 1/4 inch. It compacts tightly when installed and lightly moistened, creating a firm, smooth surface ideal for leveling and base preparation.
Project guide: Gravel Patio Guide: How Much You Need, Depth, and Cost per Square Foot
How Much Stone Dust Do I Need?
Draw your project area on the map to get an instant material estimate for Stone Dust.
Plan your gravel project
Type your address, trace the area on a satellite photo, and see how many tons to order.
Loading the planner...
Start typing and pick your address from the list. The map jumps straight to your property.
Your satellite view shows up here
Enter an address in step 1. Then click around the edge of the spot you want to cover and the planner does the math.
What Stone Dust Costs in 2026
Stone Dust costs $15 to $30 per ton, or $20 to $40 per cubic yard. A 10-ton single-axle truckload runs $150 to $300 before delivery. An 18-ton tandem load runs $270 to $540. Delivery adds $50 to $150 within 10 to 15 miles of the supplier.
| Quantity | Material cost |
|---|---|
| 1 ton | $15 to $30 |
| 1 cubic yard | $20 to $40 |
| 10-ton single-axle load | $150 to $300 |
| 18-ton tandem load | $270 to $540 |
| 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep | $24 to $57 |
Heavy for its volume due to dense fines. Commonly delivered in bulk or sold in bags for small projects.
Prices vary by region and order size. See the gravel cost per ton guide and the delivery cost guide.
How Much Stone Dust for Common Projects
Tons include 15% compaction and a 10% waste allowance. Formula: cubic yards = square feet x depth in inches / 324.
| Project | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons to order | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 20 ft patio (200 sq ft) | 2 in | 1.2 | 2.2 to 2.5 | $33 to $75 |
| 12 x 40 ft driveway (480 sq ft) | 4 in | 5.9 | 10.5 to 12.0 | $158 to $360 |
| 3 x 50 ft walkway (150 sq ft) | 3 in | 1.4 | 2.5 to 2.8 | $38 to $84 |
Different size? Use the gravel calculator or convert with the tons to yards calculator.
Where Stone Dust Works and Where It Fails
Best uses
- ✓ Paver installations
- ✓ Leveling uneven ground
- ✓ Compacted walking surfaces
Wrong uses
- ✗ Driveways
- ✗ High-drainage applications
Common Uses
- ✓ Paver base
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Patios
- ✓ Leveling layer
- ✓ Pathways
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Compacts very tightly | − Poor drainage |
| + Creates a smooth, level surface | − Can become muddy if overwatered |
| + Affordable and widely available | − Dusty when dry |
| + Easy to shape and grade | − Erodes without edging |
Stone Dust Sizes and Colors
Fine crushed stone particles under 1/4 inch. Color varies by source rock and is typically gray or tan.
Compare Stone Dust With Other Materials
Side-by-side size, cost, drainage, and best-use comparisons.
- Pea Gravel vs Stone Dust
- Crushed Stone vs Stone Dust
- Crushed Limestone vs Stone Dust
- River Rock vs Stone Dust
- Decomposed Granite vs Stone Dust
- #57 Gravel vs Stone Dust
- #8 Gravel vs Stone Dust
- Crusher Run vs Stone Dust
- #89 Stone vs Stone Dust
- Fill Dirt vs Stone Dust
- Stone Dust vs Topsoil
- Brown Shredded Mulch vs Stone Dust
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Stone Dust
- Rip Rap vs Stone Dust
- Compost vs Stone Dust
- Stone Dust vs Washed Gravel
- Bank Run Gravel vs Stone Dust
- Marble Chips vs Stone Dust
- Lava Rock vs Stone Dust
- #411 Gravel vs Stone Dust
- Construction Gravel vs Stone Dust
- Recycled Asphalt vs Stone Dust
- Bluestone vs Stone Dust
- Jersey Shore Gravel vs Stone Dust
- Mexican Beach Pebble vs Stone Dust
- #4 Stone vs Stone Dust
Project Guides That Use Stone Dust
Gravel Patio Guide: How Much You Need, Depth, and Cost per Square Foot
A gravel patio needs 2 to 3 inches of pea gravel, decomposed granite, or #89 stone over a compacted base. A 10 x 20 ft patio takes about ...
Gravel Walkway Guide: 2 Inches Deep, 1 Ton per 100 Sq Ft, $3 to $6 per Foot
A gravel walkway needs 2 to 3 inches of pea gravel, decomposed granite, or #89 stone inside rigid edging. A 3-foot-wide path uses about 1...
Stone Dust by City
Suppliers stock Stone Dust in these cities:
Find Stone Dust Near You
520 South Byrkit Avenue, Mishawaka, Indiana
171 Tolland Tpke, Willington, Connecticut
22 McBride Rd, Slate Hill, New York