Material Calculator

Coverage

These charts and calculators offer estimates of material coverage in general conditions. If your project requires additional calculations, please contact us.

Follow established installation instructions for best results.

Coverage Chart

One Ton of Rock Covers:   One Cubic Yard of Soil or Wood Mulch Covers:
240 square feet 1" deep 300 square feet 1" deep
120 square feet 2" deep 150 square feet 2" deep
80 square feet 3" deep 100 square feet 3" deep
60 square feet 4" deep 75 square feet 4" deep
50 square feet 5" deep 50 square feet 6" deep
40 square feet 6" deep 25 square feet 12" deep
20 square feet 12" deep    
Above coverage is approximate for
rock up to 1 " and sand, soils that are weighed.
Above coverage is approximate for
soil mixes / wood mulch that are sold by the cubic yard.

Material Coverage Conversion Chart

Material Category Area Per Ton Coverage
Flagstone coverage 120 sq. ft. per ton up to 1" - 1 1/2" thick
Flagstone coverage 80 sq. ft. per ton up to 2" - 2 1/4" thick
2" - 4" rock coverage 60 sq. ft. per ton
4" - 8" rock coverage 40 sq. ft. per ton
4" strip stone coverage 55 sq. ft. per ton
8" wall rock coverage 20 sq. ft. per ton
Above conversions are approximate for categories listed only.

Material Calculator for Rectangular Beds

What type of material do you want?
How wide is the area? (in feet)
How long is the area? (in feet)
How thick (deep) do you want to fill? (in inches)

You will need  for your project.

Material Calculator for Circular Beds

What type of material do you want?
What is the diameter? (in feet)
How thick (deep) do you want to fill? (in inches)

You will need  for your project.

Material Calculator for Triangular Beds

Measure the two longest sides of the triangle.

What type of material do you want?
What is length of the first side? (in feet)
What is length of the second side? (in feet)
How thick (deep) do you want to fill? (in inches)

You will need for your project.
 

Installing Decorative Rock

Colorado Materials offers many sizes and colors of decorative rock to choose from for your landscape project. To customize your landscape, see our display areas to find the product best suited for you.

For high-traffic areas, driveways and walkways, we recommend 3/4" rock, road base or breeze products. Where pedestrian traffic is not expected, and on slopes, borders, and around foundations, 1 1/2" rock is usually appropriate. For berms or steep slopes, we recommend larger cobblestone or rip rap for best results. A combination of materials, sizes and colors can provide for striking results. Weed prevention and water drainage issues should be addressed prior to installation.

Preparation of the designated area is crucial to the long-term success of the project. Water penetrates landscape fabric, draining into the soil beneath it while controlling weed growth. Landscape fabric also withstands extreme temperatures and ultraviolet rays and can be installed close to plant material.

Timely ordering of products and materials, and having necessary supplies ready can make the actual installation very efficient. Consult the experts at Colorado Materials for advice in planning the time of delivery for your products and the delivery location.

Project Planning

  • Determine area to be covered
  • Measure area and consider depth of coverage
  • Select the products or type of coverage material to be used
  • Determine weed barrier and edging product to be used
  • List other necessary tools (wheelbarrow, shovels, rakes, gloves, etc.)
  • Calculate the quantity and cost of products needed

Installation Procedures

  • Order products and materials to be delivered
  • Gather weed barrier (landscape fabric), edging product and tools
  • Site preparation
  • Clean off the designated area of any existing weeds, debris and large rocks
  • Install the edging so it overlaps at each joint, secure in place
  • Begin installing the landscape fabric from lower areas to higher areas
  • Overlap fabric a minimum of 4" at joints and 3" at foundations and edging
  • Install fabric so higher area fabric overlaps on top of lower area fabric
  • Always overlap fabric so any drainage flows over joints rather than under
  • Installation of product
  • Begin installing product at the low end of the area, work toward high end
  • This offers a foundation to work from, walking on installed product, not fabric
  • When all area is covered sufficiently, rake smooth for uniformity of appearance
  • Wash the rock products with a garden hose to clean off dirt and enhance color