According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the United States construction industry uses around 1.5 billion tons of crushed stone each year. Most of this stone is used for landscaping and infrastructure projects.
One key material that’s used is CA6 gravel. This type of gravel is a compact, versatile aggregate that has become the go-to choice for both commercial and residential landscaping projects.
CA6 gravel provides you with numerous benefits, whether you’re redoing a driveway or renovating a backyard. This blog will talk about some of the advantages of landscaping with CA6 gravel. We’ll also go over how this gravel can transform your projects in ways you won’t find with other products.
What Is CA6 Gravel?
Before we dive into the benefits of CA6 gravel, let’s talk about some of the ways it differs from other kinds of aggregate. CA6 gravel is a crushed stone aggregate that’s known for its compaction and durability properties. Other names for it are Grade 8 limestone or road mix.
CA6 gravel is typically made from limestone or recycled concrete mix that’s mixed with stone dust to create a material that can be tightly compacted, creating a solid base.
Other characteristics of CA6 gravel include:
- Perfect for structural and drainage support
- High compaction rate
- Particle sizes range from 3/4″ to fine dust
These qualities make CA6 gravel ideal for creating a heavy-duty base layer beneath driveways and retaining walls. This makes landscaping with CA6 gravel long-lasting and functional.
CA6 gravel is more than a base product. It’s a foundational element for a wide range of outdoor projects gravel solutions. Its unique features set it apart from other aggregates in the market.
Explore the Main Benefits of CA6 Gravel for Landscaping
Landscaping is more than just about creating a space that looks good. It’s about creating outdoor areas that are built to last and are safe. That’s where CA6 gravel shines.
Superior Compaction
CA6 gravel easily locks in together when compacting, thanks to the stone dust filler. This compaction provides you with a solid and dense base that can withstand a lot of weight.
Durable and Long-Lasting
You can expect your driveway or other outdoor space to last for many years if it has proper CA6 gravel installation. It can withstand heavy loads and changes in the weather over time.
Other driveway materials may settle as the years go on. CA6 gravel maintains its shape due to its dense compaction.
Excellent Drainage
Having a driveway with improper drainage can result in standing water and your driveway quickly wearing down. CA6 gravel is the ideal solution for preventing water pooling under driveways and patios. That’s because the gravel promotes proper runoff due to the small particle sizes.
Versatile
What’s great about CA6 gravel is that it’s perfect for a wide range of outdoor projects. You can use it for some of the following things:
- Pathways
- Shed bases
- Patios
- Driveways
It’s also a great option for both commercial and residential applications.
Cost-Effective
CA6 gravel is readily available, especially compared to other gravel solutions. The price becomes even more affordable when you purchase it in bulk.
Low Maintenance
CA6 gravel is relatively low maintenance when compared with other kinds of specialty gravel. There are minimal repairs or upkeep needed after you’ve had the gravel compacted, especially if it’s been installed correctly.
Some of the maintenance tasks you should keep in mind include:
- Topping off the gravel every few years to keep the surface level
- Remove weeds and debris as they accumulate
- Rake the gravel to ensure distribution every so often
- Consider having the gravel compacted annually if it’s in a high-traffic area
- Routinely inspect the gravel’s drainage, especially after a rainstorm
Weather-Resistant
The tightly compacted surface of CA6 gravel reduces air gaps. This lowers the risk of freeze-thaw damage in colder climates
Popular CA6 Gravel Landscaping Uses
As we mentioned, CA6 gravel is an incredibly flexible product. Because of that, this type of gravel is one of the most widely used materials in landscaping and outdoor construction. Let’s talk about some of the ways you can use this gravel in your upcoming project.
Driveway Base
CA6 gravel is a popular choice for driveway bases due to its ability to drain and compact. Many companies use this gravel when installing concrete or asphalt driveways. What’s great about this gravel is that its ability to tightly compact and support its surface material decreases the likelihood of it cracking over time.
Walkway and Patio Foundations
While walkways don’t receive as much surface pressure as driveways do, they’ll still benefit from having a CA6 gravel base. Installing a four to six-inch gravel base under a walkway gives it the structural foundation it needs to keep it intact and level.
Retaining Wall Backfill
CA6 gravel is perfect for supporting weight distribution when backfilling a retaining wall. It also helps prevent erosion, especially if you pair the gravel with a reliable drainage pipe system.
Trench and Pipe Bedding
CA6 gravel isn’t just used in residential projects. It’s often used by utility companies when installing pipes because it ensures proper water drainage around trenches and conduits.
Temporary Construction Roads
CA6 gravel is often used to create temporary access roads on large construction sites. That’s because this gravel can handle heavy equipment without sinking or rutting.
How to Use and Install CA6 Gravel
Proper CA6 gravel installation is important to ensuring long-lasting performance. Some of the tools you’ll need before getting started on your project include:
- Wheelbarrow
- Shovel
- Rake
- Hand tamper or plate compactor
- Landscape fabric
- Stakes
- Measuring tape
While many gravel delivery companies can dump your load close to where you need it, a wheelbarrow makes transporting the gravel even easier. Look into local tool-renting companies if you don’t already own a compactor. Many of these places will rent tools to you for a few days or until you complete your project.
Excavate and Level the Area
The first step to prepping your area for the gravel is excavation. You’ll need to remove around four to eight inches of soil from the area you’re working on, depending on the load requirements of your project.
Once you’ve excavated the unnecessary soil, you’ll then need to make sure the base is level. Use your rake and shovel to clear any debris.
Install Landscape Fabric
Installing landscape fabric is an optional step in the process. We recommend doing so as it helps prevent weed growth. It also stops the gravel from mixing in with the soil underneath.
Spread the Gravel
Pour the CA6 gravel evenly over the area. Make sure the depth of the gravel layer is consistent throughout. That’s why the excavating and leveling step is so important.
Compact the Gravel in Layers
Compact the gravel in two to three-inch layers using a plate compactor for the best results. This reduces air gaps and ensures the density of the final product.
Final Compacting and Top Off
Do one final round of compacting once you’ve reached your desired depth. Compacting one last time makes sure all the air bubbles are eliminated and the surface is smooth.
Another pro tip is to top the gravel with a finer material, like sand, if you’re using it as a base layer before putting on your concrete or pavers.
Tips for Landscaping With CA6 Gravel
There are a few things you should keep in mind when using CA6 gravel for your landscaping project. These tips include:
- Don’t skip compacting, as the gravel can settle or shift unevenly
- Use a gravel calculator to determine how many cubic yards you need
- Make sure the gravel is sloped slightly away from your house to prevent water intrusion
- Pair the gravel with crushed granite or river rock for a more aesthetic look
Where to Find CA6 Gravel
Where you purchase your CA6 gravel depends a lot on what you’re using it for. If you only need a small amount for a landscaping project, you may be better off purchasing individual bags. However, purchasing bulk gravel can save you money, and it can be delivered right to your doorstep.
Some of the places you can find CA6 gravel are:
- Landscape supply yards
- Local quarries
- Big-box retailers for smaller quantities
What’s great about working with a local gravel company, especially if you have a bigger project, is that you can have them come to your project site to give you an estimate. They have the skills and tools needed to accurately estimate how much gravel you’ll need. This helps ensure that you don’t purchase too much or too little gravel.
Partner With an Experienced Landscaping Company in North-Western Illinois
CA6 gravel offers homeowners and landscapers an affordable and practical solution for many different projects. Its strength and drainage properties make it the ideal choice for a base material. This gravel is also an excellent choice for a standalone surface in some applications.
The landscaping experts at Fox Landscaping Supply are here to assist with your gravel needs. We can deliver your bulk order of CA6 gravel to your home or jobsite at a cost-effective rate. Get in touch with us to get a quote for your upcoming project.
