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How Much Class A Rip Rap (5–10″) Do I Need?
Assumes Class A Rip Rap ≈ 32 ft³ per ton. Typical placement is 12–18″ thick over geotextile fabric. Coverage varies with slope and placement.
Depth under 12″ was adjusted to 12″ (minimum practical layer for 5–10″ stone).
Sales tax (varies by county) is added at checkout.
About Class A Rip Rap
Class A Rip Rap is a large, angular granite stone averaging 5–10 inches in size. It is engineered to resist water flow, soil sloughing, and erosion by locking together and adding mass.
In Upstate SC, rip rap is commonly placed in drainage channels, culvert outlets, creek and pond shorelines, and steep or exposed slopes. Unlike Crusher Run or Screenings, rip rap does not compact. Instead, it is installed in layers 12–18 inches thick over geotextile fabric. The fabric separates soil from stone, preventing the rock from punching into soft subgrades and stopping fines from migrating upward.
Because of its heavy-duty performance, rip rap is often specified in civil and environmental designs across Spartanburg, Greenville, Cherokee, Union, and Laurens counties.
Local Applications
Erosion Control: Armor for swales, roadside ditches, and stormwater channels
Culvert Protection: Energy dissipation at inlets/outlets
Shoreline & Bank Stabilization: Creek and pond edges prone to undercutting
Slope Protection: Steep grades where soils erode after heavy rain
Construction Entrances: Heavy pads (installed over fabric, sometimes topped with smaller stone)
Drainage Features: Check dams, outfall aprons, and scour protection
Coverage and Density
Average Density: ~22 cubic feet per ton
Coverage: ~30–35 sq ft per ton at 12″ depth
Coverage: ~20–25 sq ft per ton at 18″ depth
Note: Actual coverage depends on slope, placement, and gradation.
Comparison to Other Materials
Surge Stone (2–4″): Smaller bridging stone, often placed under Rip Rap.
Crusher Run: Compactable base material; used beneath pads, not for erosion.
#57 Stone: Smaller clean stone for drainage layers or septic systems.
Local Performance in Upstate SC
Stormwater Systems: Widely used in DOT-style ditch armor and culvert aprons across Spartanburg and Greenville counties.
Pond & Creek Banks: Helps stabilize waterlines at Lake Bowen, Lake Blalock, and other Upstate reservoirs.
High-Rainfall Areas: Performs reliably on steep clay slopes after summer storms.
Public Road Projects: Used for scour protection where county roads cross creeks.
FAQ – Class A Rip Rap (Upstate South Carolina)
What is Rip Rap used for in Spartanburg and Greenville counties?
Primarily for erosion control in ditches, slopes, and waterways.
How thick should Rip Rap be installed locally?
Typically 12–18″ over geotextile fabric, depending on slope and water velocity.
Do I need fabric under Rip Rap in Upstate SC clay soils?
Yes. Fabric prevents soil migration and improves stability.
Can Rip Rap be used for driveways?
No. For driveways, use Crusher Run (compacts) or #57 Stone (drains).
What’s better for culvert outlets in Spartanburg County?
Rip Rap is standard; often sized per SCDOT specs. Smaller transitions may use #57 Stone.
How does Rip Rap compare to Surge Stone?
Rip Rap is larger (5–10″) for heavy-duty erosion control; Surge Stone (2–4″) is lighter-duty and often placed underneath.
How much area does a ton cover?
~30–35 sq ft at 12″ depth or ~20–25 sq ft at 18″ depth.
Is Rip Rap available year-round in Greenville and Spartanburg quarries?
Yes. It is stocked consistently due to demand for drainage and DOT projects.
Can Rip Rap be tailgate spread?
Sometimes, but most installations require equipment for placement.
What’s the minimum order and free delivery threshold?
Sold by the ton; free delivery applies at 15+ tons.
How heavy is a tri-axle load of Rip Rap?
About 20–22 tons per truckload, depending on quarry weight.
Is Rip Rap DOT spec in Upstate SC?
Class A is general construction grade. DOT jobs may require Class B or C by project specification.
Can Rip Rap be used for septic drain fields?
No. Septic systems require Washed River Sand or #57 Stone.
Is Rip Rap effective for pond banks and creek edges?
Yes. It is commonly used along shorelines in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Cherokee counties.
Does vegetation grow through Rip Rap over time?
Yes. Many projects allow natural vegetation for added stabilization.
Disclaimer
Natural products vary in size, color, and gradation. Coverage is approximate. See Disclaimer & Terms of Delivery for full details.
