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Project FAQ
Quick answer: Most gravel and mulch questions come down to volume: area in square feet times depth in inches divided by 324 gives cubic yards. Convert to tons with your supplier's density, to bags with the bag size. Below are short answers to the questions people ask most, and links to every guide and calculator on the site.
Guides
Measuring and units
How do I convert square feet and inches to cubic yards?
Multiply square feet by inches and divide by 324. That is the same as dividing cubic feet by 27, because 12 × 27 = 324.
How many square feet does a yard cover?
At 1 in, 324 ft²; at 2 in, 162 ft²; at 3 in, 108 ft²; at 4 in, 81 ft²; at 6 in, 54 ft².
How do I measure an odd-shaped area?
Split it into rectangles, triangles (half of base × height) and circles (3.14 × radius²). Add the pieces. Slopes are measured along the surface.
What if I only have metric measurements?
Multiply metres by 3.28 for feet and divide centimetres by 2.54 for inches. Or compute in metric: m² × m depth = m³, and 1 m³ ≈ 1.31 yd³.
Gravel and stone
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
Often around 1.3 to 1.5 US tons, depending on stone, size and moisture. Your supplier's measured density is the number to use.
How many tons do I need for a driveway?
Volume first, then weight. A 12 × 50 ft drive at 4 in is about 7.4 yd³, or roughly 10.4 tons at 1.4. See the driveway guide.
Which stone is best for a path?
Fine crushed stone feels firm; pea gravel is comfortable but shifts. See gravel types.
Do I need to compact gravel?
For bases, driveways and patios, yes, in thin lifts. Decorative beds usually do not.
Can my truck carry a yard of stone?
Maybe not. One yard can weigh about 1.4 tonnes, beyond many half-ton pickups. Check the payload rating.
Mulch
How deep should mulch be?
Usually 2 to 3 inches in beds, kept back from trunks and stems. See mulch depth.
How many bags make a yard?
A cubic yard is 27 ft³, so divide 27 by the bag volume: thirteen and a half small bags or nine large ones.
Should I put fabric under mulch?
Under organic mulch it blocks the soil benefit; many gardeners skip it. Under gravel it can help separation. See fabric guide.
When is the best time to mulch?
Spring after soil warms, or autumn to insulate roots. Avoid smothering emerging perennials.
Sand, soil and bases
How much sand under pavers?
Typically a thin bedding layer, often around an inch, over a compacted base. Your installer or the paver maker specifies it.
How much topsoil for a new lawn?
Many lawns use 4 to 6 inches. A 1,000 ft² lawn at 4 in needs about 12.3 yd³ before settling.
Why do my numbers differ from the supplier's?
Different density, compaction allowance, or rounding to full truck loads. Ask how they calculated it.
Safety and scope
Everything on this site is a geometry estimate. We do not design driveways, retaining walls, drainage or play surfacing. For those, talk to a qualified local contractor and follow local rules. Before digging, call your utility locate service. When hauling, respect vehicle and trailer payload ratings.
Calculators
Every tool is listed on the calculators page.
Ordering and delivery
Where should the truck drop the load?
On a firm, level spot close to the work area, ideally on a tarp. Keep trucks off septic fields, soft lawns and buried utilities.
What is a minimum order?
Some yards charge for a minimum volume or a flat delivery regardless of size, which is why small orders cost more per yard.
Can I pick up myself?
Yes, if your vehicle is rated for the load. A yard of stone weighs about as much as a small car.
How long does a delivered pile take to spread?
One person with a wheelbarrow might spread a couple of yards of mulch in a morning; stone is heavier and slower.
Metric quick table
A short metric reference for orders quoted in cubic metres, using 1.4 US tons per yard equivalent for stone:
| Area (m²) | 5 cm: m³ / t | 10 cm: m³ / t |
|---|---|---|
| 5 m² | 0.25 / 0.29 | 0.50 / 0.59 |
| 20 m² | 1.00 / 1.18 | 2.00 / 2.36 |
| 50 m² | 2.50 / 2.95 | 5.00 / 5.90 |
About our numbers
Every example on this site is dated 2026-10-29 and labelled illustrative. Densities are typical values offered as defaults; your supplier's figure always takes priority.
Planning and seasons
When is the best time to order gravel?
Any time the ground is firm enough for a truck; late summer and autumn are often easier to book than spring.
Can I spread gravel on frozen ground?
You can, but compaction and grading are difficult and the surface may shift during thaw. Many people wait for spring.
How long does a mulch layer last?
Fine mulch may break down within a year; coarse bark can last two or three seasons.
How do I keep gravel out of the lawn?
Firm edging set slightly above the stone, a modest top layer, and a mowing strip all help.
What about weeds in gravel?
Keep leaves and debris off the surface and pull young weeds early.
Do you have a metric version?
Results include cubic metres and tonnes; guides include metric tables.
Why does my bag count round up?
Stores sell whole bags only.
Worked example
Illustrative examples (2026-10-29), not quotes or guarantees.
Question: "I have a 9 × 9 ft shed pad and want 4 in of crushed stone." 81 ft² × 4 ÷ 324 = 1.0 yd³ ≈ 1.35 t at 1.35 t/yd³; add 10% for compaction → order 1.1 yd³.
FAQ
Do you give site-specific advice?
No, only estimates and general guidance.
Can I suggest a calculator?
Yes: hello@charlandandco.com.
Are prices current?
They are illustrative and dated 2026-10-29.
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