How to Calculate Natural Stone Weights & Coverage for Your Project
When it comes to natural stone projects—whether you're building a wall, walkway, patio, or garden feature—knowing how much material to order is critical. At Wicki Stone, we help landscapers, masons, and homeowners determine how much stone they need & how much it will weigh by using easy calculations.
*Disclaimer: Natural Stone will vary in exact weight/coverage due to several factors. These are just generalizations to be used for estimating. Wicki Wholesale Stone Inc. is not responsible for errors, ommissions or suitability. No implied or expressed warranties.
Weight Calculations: The Basics
To estimate the weight of your natural stone, you’ll need to understand a few simple formulas and material densities.
Stone Weight (Density) Per Cubic Foot:
- Bluestone & Karney – 165 lbs/cu ft
- Limestone – 165 lbs/cu ft
- Granite/Indian Hill – 175 lbs/cu ft
Formula:
Square Feet × Thickness (in feet) = Cubic Feet
Cubic Feet × Stone Density = Weight in Pounds
Example:
Let’s say you’re using 1.5" thick Blue Thermal Pattern Bluestone and want to cover 100 sq ft:
- 1.5" = 0.13 ft
- 100 sqft × 0.13 ft = 12.5 cu ft
- 12.5 cu ft × 165 lbs = 2,062.5 lbs (or just over 1 ton)
To estimate the weight of your natural stone, you’ll need to understand a few simple formulas and material densities.
Stone Weight Per Cubic Foot:
- Bluestone & Karney – 165 lbs/cu ft
- Limestone – 165 lbs/cu ft
- Granite/Indian Hill – 175 lbs/cu ft
Formula:
Square Feet × Thickness (in feet) = Cubic Feet
Cubic Feet × Stone Density = Weight in Pounds
Example:
Let’s say you’re using 1.5" thick Blue Thermal Pattern Bluestone and want to cover 100 sq ft:
- 1.5" = 0.13 ft
- 100 sqft × 0.13 ft = 12.5 cu ft
- 12.5 cu ft × 165 lbs = 2,062.5 lbs (or just over 1 ton)
Stone Coverage by Type
Use the table below to estimate how much area (face feet or square feet) each ton of stone will cover.
| Item | Coverage Per Ton |
|---|---|
| Normal Wallstone | 13 Face Feet |
| Normal 2' Boulders | 6 Face Feet |
| Pattern Patio/Walkway 1" | 220 sq ft ** |
| Pattern Patio/Walkway 1.5" | 180 sq ft ** |
| Irregular Flagstone at 1" | 115 sq ft |
| Irregular Flagstone at 1.5" | 80 sq ft |
| Irregular Flagstone at 2" | 70 sq ft |
| Gravel 1/8-3/4" (2" depth) | 100 sq ft |
| Gravel 1 - 3" (2" depth) | 75 sq ft |
| Building Veneer 3 - 4" | 37 sq ft |
| Building Veneer 4 - 6" | 35 sq ft |
| Belgian Block Standards | 40 sq ft (105 pieces) |
| Belgian Block Jumbos | 40 sq ft (70 pieces) |
| ** Pattern Stone is sold by the square foot and not by weight. Exact square feet in a pallet varies. | |
Just plug in the quantity of tons to calculate approximate coverage based on the product type.
Example:
Normal Wallstone - you will be constructing a wall 26 feet long (x) 2 feet high = 52 square feet of face (the amount of stone you see when looking at the wall straight on).
Normal wallstone = 13 Face feet per ton.
52 Face feet needed / 13 face feet per ton = 4 tons (8,000 pounds)
Typical pallet = 3,000 pounds = 3 pallets (with some extra)
Palletized Stone Reference
Wallstone: 1 pallet ≈ 1.5 tons → Covers 18–20 face feet
Irregular Flagstone: 1 pallet of 2" thick ≈ 1.75 tons → Covers about 120 sq ft
Need Help Figuring It Out?
At Wicki Stone, we specialize in providing the guidance and materials you need to complete your natural stone project on time and on budget. Whether you're a contractor or homeowner, give us a call or stop by with your project dimensions and we’ll help you estimate what you need.
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