Frequently Asked Questions
Quantities & Weights
How much is a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. The weight varies by material — approximate weights per yard are:
- Crushed rock: ~2,800 lbs
- Soil: ~1,600 lbs
- Compost / bark: ~1,200 lbs
How much material can the average pickup haul?
For a standard half-ton pickup, we recommend loading no more than ½ yard of crushed rock or ¾ yard of soil. Overloading can strain your suspension and is unsafe to drive.
How much material do I need?
One cubic yard covers roughly:
- 324 sq ft at 1″ deep
- 162 sq ft at 2″ deep
- 108 sq ft at 3″ deep
- 81 sq ft at 4″ deep
A quick rule: divide 324 by your desired depth (in inches) to get the square footage one yard will cover.
How many wheelbarrow loads are in a yard?
About 5 to 9 full loads, depending on your wheelbarrow (a standard contractor barrow holds 3–6 cubic feet).
Do you sell in small quantities?
Yes. Most of our bulk material can be purchased by the 5-gallon bucket, and a select few of our gravels are available in 5-gallon bags.
Materials & Uses
What material should I use for filling potholes or restoring a driveway?
For larger potholes or muddy conditions, we recommend 1½″ crushed basalt. Otherwise, ¾″ clean or ¾″ minus works well in most situations.
What’s the difference between “clean,” “minus,” and “crushed” rock?
- Minus (e.g., ¾″ minus) includes the rock plus all the smaller fines and dust. It compacts tightly, making it ideal for bases, driveways, and pathways.
- Clean (e.g., ¾″ clean) has been screened to remove the fines, so it stays loose and drains well — good for drainage, around pipes, and decorative use.
- Crushed rock has angular, fractured edges (rather than smooth/rounded), which helps it lock together and resist shifting.
How is bark/mulch different from compost and soil?
Bark and mulch are spread on top of beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and finish the look. Compost is a nutrient-rich amendment mixed into existing soil. Topsoil is the growing medium itself. They’re often used together: amend with compost, plant, then top with bark.
How deep should I spread my material?
General guidelines:
- Bark / mulch: 2–4″
- Decorative rock over landscape fabric: 2–3″
- Gravel pathways: 2–3″
How much does a pallet of flagstone weigh, and how much does it cover?
Every pallet varies, but a typical pallet weighs approximately 4,000 lbs and covers roughly 300 square feet.
Delivery & Pickup
Do you deliver?
Yes. Delivery fees are based on distance and load size. Contact us for a quote.
Can I pick up material myself?
Yes. Our staff will load your vehicle or trailer using our equipment. Please make sure your vehicle is rated for the load — see “How much can the average pickup haul?” above.
Do I need to cover my load?
Yes — Washington law requires loads to be secured and covered to prevent material from spilling or blowing out during transport.
