When you are planning to build a new patio, walkway, or driveway, it is easy to get caught up in the aesthetics. You spend hours picking out the perfect pavers or the right shade of decorative stone. However, the most important part of your project is the part you will never actually see: the base.
In the world of professional hardscaping, the debate often comes down to two primary contenders: DGA vs RCA.
Choosing the right foundation is the difference between a driveway that stays level for decades and a patio that begins to shift and sink after the first winter thaw. Cedar Bridge Landscape Supply helps contractors and DIY enthusiasts across Barnegat, New Jersey, and the surrounding Ocean County area select the right materials for their specific soil conditions.
Let’s break down the differences between Quarry Blend and Crushed Concrete so you can make an informed decision for your next build.
What is DGA (Quarry Blend)?
DGA, or Dense Graded Aggregate, is often referred to in our industry as Quarry Blend or 3/4″ minus. This material is a manufactured mixture of crushed stone (typically granite, limestone, or trap rock) and “fines” (stone dust).
The key to DGA’s success as a base material for pavers is its grading. Because it contains a specific mix of large and small particles, it packs together tightly, leaving very little void space. When properly compacted, it creates a surface that is almost as hard as concrete but retains enough flexibility to handle the natural expansion and contraction of the New Jersey soil.
The Benefits of Using Quarry Blend
- Consistency: Because DGA is sourced directly from a quarry, the quality is incredibly consistent. You won’t find foreign debris like wood or plastic in a high-quality load of DGA.
- Superior Compaction: The blend of stone dust and crushed rock allows for maximum density, making it the gold standard for paver base material.
- Longevity: DGA is a “virgin” stone product, meaning it hasn’t been used in previous construction. It is durable and resistant to breaking down over time.
DGA vs RCA: The Head-to-Head Comparison
When deciding between quarry blend vs. crushed concrete, you need to consider the specific requirements of your site. Both materials serve a similar purpose, but they perform differently under certain conditions.
1. Compaction and Stability
Both materials compact exceptionally well. However, DGA is generally preferred for intricate paver work. Because DGA is more consistent in its particle shape, it provides a smoother, more predictable surface for your bedding sand.
RCA, on the other hand, can sometimes contain small amounts of brick or porcelain, which may result in slightly less uniform compaction if the material isn’t screened to the highest standards.
2. Drainage Capabilities
Neither DGA nor RCA is considered “free-draining” because they both contain fines (dust). If you need a base that allows water to move through it rapidly, you would look toward a clean stone like #57. However, for a standard patio or driveway, the goal is to create a solid, shed-like surface.
DGA tends to handle moisture a bit more predictably, whereas RCA can become very “tight” and almost impermeable once it fully sets.
3. Availability in Ocean County
In Ocean County, New Jersey, both materials are readily available. However, the quality of RCA can vary depending on the source. At Cedar Bridge Landscape Supply, we pride ourselves on sourcing the cleanest RCA available to ensure our customers don’t have to deal with the “trash” often found in lower-grade recycled products.
Choosing the Best Base Material for Pavers
If you are laying a high-end Techo-Bloc or Cambridge paver patio, we almost always recommend DGA (Quarry Blend). The precision required for paver installation demands a base that won’t shift.
As stated by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), a proper aggregate base is the single most important factor in preventing “rutting” or settling in a paver system. For a patio, you typically want a 4-to-6-inch base of compacted DGA.
This provides the structural integrity needed to support foot traffic and heavy patio furniture without the risk of individual pavers dipping over time.
The Ideal Driveway Base Stone
RCA is often the choice in the matter of a driveway base stone. Driveways require much deeper bases—8 to 12 inches deep depending on the weight of the vehicles. The cost savings by RCA are very attractive because of the amount of material needed.
Furthermore, the “re-hardening” property of crushed concrete is a benefit for driveways. It creates a bridge-like effect that can support the weight of SUVs and delivery trucks. If you are looking for a reliable, budget-friendly driveway base stone in Barnegat, RCA is often the way to go.
Getting the Best Results for Your Project
Regardless of whether you choose DGA or RCA, the secret to a successful project is the installation process.
You must excavate to the proper depth, remove any organic “soft” soil, and compact your base in “lifts.” A lift is a 2-to-3-inch layer of stone that is run over with a plate compactor before the next layer is added. If you dump 6 inches of stone and try to compact it all at once, the bottom layers will remain loose, leading to future failure.
At Cedar Bridge Landscape Supply, we are more than just a place to buy stone. We are your partners in ensuring your outdoor living space lasts a lifetime. Whether you are looking for the consistency of quarry blend or the value of crushed concrete, we have the inventory and the expertise to get your project started on the right foot.
If you are ready to start your next project in Barnegat, New Jersey, or anywhere in Ocean County, stop by our yard. We can help you calculate exactly how much paver base material you need and arrange for a prompt bulk delivery directly to your job site. Let’s build something that lasts together.
