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Limestone Calculator: How Much Limestone Do I Need?
Photo: DIGIcal / E+ / Getty Images
Photo: DIGIcal / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
Limestone is a landscaping material that comes as crushed stone, pavers, and bricks.
How much limestone you need depends on the area and the stone's density.
Limestone costs an average of $25 to $50 per linear foot.
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Limestone is a star in the world of landscaping, thanks to its sturdiness and attractiveness. It’s often used in landscaping for paths, patios, retaining walls, edging, and decorative rock due to its durability and natural look. If you're wondering, “How much limestone do I need for a landscaping project?” this handy limestone calculator will help you figure out the correct amount to use.
How Much Limestone Needed For Landscaping
Whether you're creating a walkway or using limestone as a decorative feature in a garden area, use the table below to get an idea of how much you'll need based on your project's size
| Limestone Density | Area (Square Feet) | Depth (Feet) | Limestone Needed (US Tons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 30 | 0.5 | 1 |
| Medium | 30 | 0.5 | 1.2 |
| High | 30 | 0.5 | 1.3 |
| Crushed | 30 | 0.5 | 1.1 |
| Solid | 30 | 0.5 | 1.3 |
Calculating Limestone Needs
Photo: Alena Shafieva / Moment / Getty Images
To find out how much limestone you'll need, you first need to find the volume of your project, which is the depth multiplied by the area. Then you'll multiply the volume by the limestone's density:
Limestone Needed = Volume x Density
How to Measure for Limestone
Measuring for a limestone walkway or other landscaping feature area is relatively simple. If the walkway is a rectangle, you'll need to measure the total width and the length. You'll also need to measure the depth of the walkway.
If your walkway is curvy or has bends, divide it into sections, measuring the length and width of each one. Multiply the length by the width of each section, then add them together to get the total area.
How to Measure a Circular Area for Limestone
To measure a circular area for limestone, such as around the base of a tree or for a circle-shaped garden, calculate the area of the circle.
First, measure the diameter of the circle. Then, divide that by two to get the radius. To find the area, square the radius by multiplying it by itself and multiplying that by π, or 3.14.
For example, a 10-foot diameter circle has a radius of 5. The area of the circle is 3.14 x 5 x 5, or 78.5 feet.
Who to Hire to Install Limestone
If you're hoping to use limestone to enhance the landscaping around your home or to install a walkway, a professional hardscaper is the best person to hire. Specifically, a hardscaper specializes in outdoor features, such as patios and walkways. They'll be able to help you choose the best limestone materials for your project and the appropriate amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beyond landscaping, limestone has multiple uses. For example, there are multiple pros and cons to limestone countertops, such as a lower cost compared to other types of stone and heat resistance. Limestone is also a key ingredient in limewash, a type of paint with a chalky texture. Other uses for limestone include siding, retaining walls, and mixed into cement.
If you allow for wastage or extra limestone when purchasing for your landscaping project, you may end up with more product than you can use. One option is to give away any extra limestone, either by advertising it in your local area or putting a pile of the stone in front of your yard with a "free" sign. You can also find uses for it around your home, such as a mulch or the border for a fire pit.
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