Rock Salt (Untreated)

Rock Salt (Untreated) — Standard Sodium Chloride for Driveways & Walkways

Untreated Rock Salt is the standard de-icer New England has been spreading on driveways and walkways for generations. It's straight sodium chloride — no fancy treatments, no premium pricing — and it works in the temperature range that covers most Boston-area winter days (above ~20°F). For homeowners and small contractors who don't need cold-snap performance, this is the cost-effective workhorse.

At a glance

What it's good for

• Residential driveways, walkways, and front steps
• Small business sidewalks and entrance paths
• Standard New England winter conditions (above ~20°F)
• Stockpiling for the season ahead at the best per-ton price

How much do I need?

An average residential driveway (about 600 sq ft) burns through roughly 25–40 lbs of salt per storm event. Stockpile a half-ton in the garage and you'll cover most homeowners through a normal winter. Larger properties or commercial lots scale up from there — a 5,000 sq ft small commercial lot eats around 0.16 tons per application.

How Untreated Rock Salt compares

• vs. Treated Rock Salt: Treated works down to -15°F with a magnesium chloride coating. Untreated works above 20°F. Use treated for cold snaps, untreated for typical storms.
• vs. Salt & Sand 50/50: 50/50 mix adds traction along with melt. Use straight salt when you want max melt; use the mix when traction (slopes, ADA paths) matters more.
• vs. Salt & Sand 20/80: 20/80 is traction-first with light melt. Use straight salt on flat surfaces; 20/80 on slopes and budget-conscious routes.
• vs. Calcium Chloride: Calcium chloride is a different chemistry — works at lower temperatures but costs significantly more. Untreated NaCl is the value/volume pick.

Frequently asked questions

At what temperature does Rock Salt stop working?
Effectiveness drops below 20°F and essentially stops below 15°F. For New England's typical winter range (25–35°F days), standard rock salt works fine. For sub-20°F cold snaps, switch to Treated.

Will rock salt damage my driveway or concrete?
Sodium chloride can accelerate concrete spalling on newer concrete (less than 1 year old) and on damaged surfaces. For older intact driveways, it's generally fine. For new pours, use sand or calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) for the first winter.

How much salt for a residential driveway?
About 25–40 lbs per storm for a typical 600 sq ft driveway. A half-ton (1,000 lbs) typically covers a homeowner through a normal winter.

Is rock salt safe for pets?
It can irritate paws and is toxic if ingested. Try to keep dogs off salted areas, wipe paws after walks, and rinse heavy salt residue with water. For pet-friendly alternatives, look at salt-free calcium-magnesium products.

How long does rock salt store?
Indefinitely if kept dry. Store in a covered bin or bag — it absorbs moisture from air and can clump. Clumped salt is still usable; just break it up before spreading.

Do you deliver in the Boston area?
Yes — bulk dump truck delivery across Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Plymouth Counties. No minimum order.

Bulk dump truck delivery, no minimum order. We run salt routes across Norfolk, Middlesex, Plymouth, and Suffolk County.

Pair with our treated rock salt for the cold snaps when standard salt slows down, or our salt & sand 20/80 when traction beats melt.

Order today — the standard rock salt that handles the bulk of New England's winter.

• Same-day & next-day delivery available — weekends fill fast, order early.
• Curbside or on-property drop — let us know at checkout.
• Up to 6 yds per load for dense materials (gravel, soil, rock, sand) — mulch loads carry up to 10 yds. $100 flat rate, no minimum order.
• Job site delivery available — live load tickets and signed BOLs on request.
• Questions? Call (617) 645-0987 or see full delivery info →