CA6 vs CA7 Gravel – [Uses, Prices Strongest & More]

Ca6 and ca7 are equally popular for construction works. Sometimes you may confuse when you want to choose gravel for your construction project. So today, we will explain to you what the different uses of these gravels are. Let’s begin the discussion of ‘ca6 vs ca7 gravel.’

What is CA6 Gravel? 

Ca6 is a type of base stone (also known as road gravel) that is widely used for driveways, parking areas, sidewalks, or building pads. You can also use it as a trench backfill. The main reason this stone is popular is it can be associated with many other types of gravel, such as ca6 road gravel, ca6 base stone, road rock, grade 8 gravel, grade 9 gravel, etc. since this is a base material, it is widely used for concrete, especially the recycled ca6. Moreover, it is IDOT certified. You can purchase ca6 gravel in multiple sizes of crushed stones.

What is CA7 Gravel? 

Ca7 gravel is also known as ¾ inch bedding stone or 1-inch limestone, and this crushed stone type makes a base for some construction works. It does not have a consistent shape and it is self-compact. Ca7 gravel comes in white or gray. It works well as a bedding stone for concrete flatwork. Further, you can use it for underground pipes and drainage applications. Nowadays, ready-mix concrete is widely used, so ca7 gravel can be used with it, too. Indeed, bedding stone is a must to prevent any cracking in concrete works.

Uses of CA6 Gravel 

Ca6 gravels are ideal for constructing roads, parking areas, sidewalks, patios, bike trails, and so on because it is a recycled limestone. Besides, those construction projects need a smooth surface of the concrete, so ca6 is the better option because they come as fine particles than other varieties. Ca6 is available from ¾ inch to fine pieces. So ca6 is okay for any kind of construction project that requires a less coarse material for the base.

Uses of CA7 Gravel 

Ca7 is the most suitable gravel for bedding because it is a granular material and comes with a highly compact ability. In bedding, the material that is used to surround the pipe should protect the pipe from the load. So ca7 can provide an edge beyond ca6. Further, ca7 can be used for drainage systems.

The reason why, that construction needs highly coarse gravel like ca7. And gravel with fine particles is not suitable for drainage systems since it can clog the pipes. Therefore, ca7 is the best choice here. What’s more, ca7 is the better option for asphalt binding because ca7 lets the water drain properly. And it is widely used for backfilling as well.

CA6 vs CA7 Gravel; Which One to Choose? 

ISO 14688 grades the gravel as fine, medium, and coarse. Both cas6 and ca7 are categorized as coarse gravels, and 6 and 7 indicate their coarse aggregates. Besides, the weight of these two is the same. The weight of 1 cubic yard lies between 2400 pounds to 2900 pounds. These two factors are the similarities of ca6 and ca7.

And both varieties are used for various construction projects. But there are some differences between them, as listed below.

1. The major difference is the consistency and appearance of these two gravels. Ca6 is less coarse than ca7. The reason why, ca7 contains more rough aggregates. And ca7 is larger than ca6. Ca7 is measured from ¾ inch to 1 – ¼ inch while ca6 is measured from ¾ inch to ½ inch. And the ca6 contains fine particles when compared with ca7. There is a slight difference in colors as well. ca6 comes in a light gray; in contrast, ca7 has white or gray colors.
2. Secondly, the contrast exists in their uses. Ca6 is widely used for both temporary and permanent roads, and it provides the foundation for walkways, driveways, pavements, bike trails, etc. on the other hand, ca7 is mostly used for sewer and pipe bedding. Additionally, it is suitable for drainage systems and wall backfills. And you can utilize it as a binder.
3. Thirdly, there is a price difference between these two gravels. In general, ca7 is a bit more costly than ca6. However, the prices may vary depending on various matters, such as the manufacturing company, the quantity you purchase, etc.

These are the major factors that are not compatible with both gravels. When you want to choose one, consider these comparisons. Especially according to the construction project, your choice might vary since the usages of these are different.

What is the Best Gravel for Compaction? 

For perfect compaction, you will need gravel that hardens as concrete. However, there are a lot of gravel varieties for landscaping and other constructions. Among them, decomposed granite is considered the best gravel for compaction because it is a gravel of very fine particles that are made from pulverized granite. So, it compacts on the surface like concrete. However, due to this quality, it is not suitable for drainage systems and other piping projects.

Can CA7 be Compacted? 

Yes, ca7 gravel has the ability to self-compact. Thus, ca7 is often used for backfilling and drainage systems. You can do it by tamping the stone along with a vibratory plate. Or else you can use a bucket of the backhoe. That’s why this variety of gravel is used as a bedding stone. And its uniform size also helps for better compaction.

What Size Gravel is the Strongest for Concrete? 

To secure the durability of concrete, you will need to use strong gravel. So, it is recommended to use coarse aggregates that come with a size of 20mm that are capable of fulfilling the threshold. This size of gravel is suitable for heavy work, and it is easy to pour if you use gravel in this size. It is enough to use 10mm gravel for finer concrete, such as for paths.

What Size Gravel is the Best? 

The size of the gravel you need to choose depends on the construction work. If you do heavy work, you can go for a larger size and vice versa. If you want gravel in average size that is not too big or flat, the size of around ¼ – 1 inch is better. The types of gravel with that size are Small Pea gravel, 57 granites, Crusher Run, etc.

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