Railroad Ballast in Iowa
Do not treat Railroad Ballast as a smooth driveway finish. In Iowa, it belongs in an open support course where water must leave loaded ground.
- Size: Roughly 1 inch to 2.5 inches
- Grading: Graded to interlock under load while draining freely
- Type: Large angular crushed stone
From $428 for 1 ton, delivery included (larger loads cost significantly less per ton)
Free delivery included
Free delivery anywhere in Iowa
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Weekday delivery, earliest Nov 3
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Everything You Need to Know About Railroad Ballast
Size and Grading
- Size
- Roughly 1 inch to 2.5 inches
- Grading
- Graded to interlock under load while draining freely
- Type
- Large angular crushed stone
A common mismatch is choosing Railroad Ballast for a surface meant to finish smooth and pack firm. Its angular pieces bear against one another under heavy weight while the open spaces continue to pass water. That makes it useful under rail track, heavy equipment areas, and access roads where a draining foundation matters. It can also serve beneath farm lanes and other heavily used acreage routes.
Iowa loess and glacial till can retain moisture, while deep frost works on a wet base through winter. Keep Railroad Ballast in the supporting stone course under a heavy-use route or pad so water has a path away from the loaded area. This is especially helpful where drainage is part of the base plan, not an afterthought. If the job needs a finer surface that compacts tightly, select material intended for that role instead of using ballast as the finish.
Quickly Calculate How Much You Need
Material: Railroad Ballast
How to Measure
Measure the length and width of your project area in feet
Decide on depth in inches (2" for landscaping, 4" for driveways)
Enter the values above and we'll calculate the tonnage you need
Need help figuring out the right amount? We can help!
Call or text us at (515) 852-5557 and we'll help you calculate the right quantity for your project.
Not sure how much you need? The Stone Calculator has depth guides, coverage charts and worked examples for this material.
Common Uses
Railroad Track Support
Keeps ties secure while allowing water to leave the rail base.
Equipment Working Pads
Provides footing for industrial loads, containers, and cranes.
Industrial Entry Roads
Handles traffic from equipment and heavy trucks.
Broad Drainage Areas
Angular stone sizing lets water flow while weight is applied.
Why Choose Railroad Ballast
Strong Weight Support
Designed for extreme weight.
Rapid Water Flow
Gaps in angular rock release water quickly.
Firm Interlock
Limits displacement when traffic passes over it.
Built to Last
Durable, hard rock remains sound through years of service.
Railroad Ballast delivery across Iowa
- Des Moines
- Cedar Rapids
- Davenport
- Sioux City
- Ankeny
- Iowa City
- West Des Moines
- Ames
- Waterloo
- Council Bluffs
- Dubuque
- Urbandale


