SOIL AMENDEMENT
ContractorLOADS supplies high-quality soil amendments designed to improve soil structure, enhance drainage, and promote healthier plant growth for residential and commercial landscapes. Available products include compost, planter mixes, topsoil, bark, and mulch for nutrient-deficient soil enhancement.
Increase soil permeability and effectiveness — Transform Your Soil with Our Enriching Amendments
ContractorLOADS offer a large selection of soil amendments, bark, and mulch to make every landscape look beautiful and drought tolerant.
Product List:
- Compost
- All-Purpose Planter Mix
- Nursery Mix
- Nitro Compost
- Lightweight Planter Mixer
- Class A Topsoil
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Frequently Asked Questions
(This page carries the site-wide FAQ set. Full text is archived on sand.md and decomposed.md; page-specific answers on this page match those below.)
Sand & Gravel
When would I use sand vs gravel in building stuff?
Sand's great for masonry work, like with cement, or for leveling things out. Gravel, on the other hand, is a champ for driveways, helping with drainage, or serving as the foundation for roads.
Do I need washed or unwashed sand for my project?
Washed sand recommended for cement mixing; unwashed acceptable for leveling and filling.
How heavy is a big pile of sand or gravel?
A cubic yard of this stuff usually weighs somewhere between 1.25 to 1.5 tons.
Any tips for figuring out how much material I need?
1 cubic yard can roughly cover about 100 square feet if you spread it 2-3 inches deep.
How quickly can I get a truck delivery?
You're usually looking at about a day or two. If open and available we can deliver the same day.
Does ContractorLOADS deliver on weekends, holidays and nights?
Yes we can deliver on Saturdays when arranged in advanced for a slightly higher service charge. Night delivery available upon arrangement. Closed on major holidays.
What are the main differences between sand and gravel?
Sand particles are typically smaller and come from pulverized rock or minerals. Gravel consists of larger particles, often rounded.
What are the primary uses of sand in construction?
Used in concrete mixing, masonry, plastering, as base for pavers, and landscaping.
How can I determine the right type of gravel for my project?
Depends on application; Class 2 for driveways, pea gravel or river rock for decoration.
How do I prevent weeds from growing through my gravel path?
Before laying gravel, it's advisable to place a weed barrier or landscaping fabric.
Can sand be used for pet areas?
Yes, play sand can be used for sandboxes and pet areas if free from chemicals.
What is the difference between washed sand vs unwashed screened dry sand?
Washed sand has been screened at 5/32" (finer) or 3/16" (corser) and cleaned of silt, clay, and other impurities.
How can I ensure my gravel driveway remains even over time?
Regular maintenance through raking; recommendation to use road base for better compaction.
How often should I replenish or top up my gravel areas?
Depending on the traffic and wear and tare, a gravel area might need replenishing every 1-2 years.
I'm planning a garden pathway. Would sand or gravel be better?
Both work; gravel provides firmness and drainage, sand offers softer aesthetic.
How do I calculate the amount of sand or gravel needed?
1 cubic yard can cover 100 square feet to a depth of 2-3 inches.
How much does a cubic yard of sand or gravel weigh?
Typically, a cubic yard of sand and gravel weighs between 1.25 to 1.5 tons, or 2,500 to 3,000 pounds.
What's the difference between pea gravel and decomposed granite?
Pea gravel consists of small, rounded stones, often used for decorative purposes. Decomposed granite is a granular material resulting from granite weathering.
Do you recommend a specific gravel size for drainage solutions?
Slightly larger gravels, often between 3/4", 1" inch and 1.5" inch, are ideal.
Contractors need high quality sand and gravel materials that meet specs?
ContractorLOADS adheres to standards; references Greenbook standards and ASTM testing procedures. Testing standards: Aggregate Gradation (ASTM C136/D6913), Specific Gravity and Absorption (ASTM C127/C128), Los Angeles Abrasion Test (ASTM C131), Soundness Test (ASTM C88), California Bearing Ratio (ASTM D1883), Unconfined Compressive Strength (ASTM D2938), Sieve Analysis (ASTM C136), Particle Shape and Surface Texture, Flakiness and Elongation Index, Sulfate Soundness Test, Alkali-Silica Reactivity Test.
Homeowners
I'm new to home improvement. How do I know which material is right?
Recommendation to consult landscaper or contractor; decomposed granite for pathways, gravel for driveways.
How can I calculate the amount of material I need?
Divide the area (in square feet) by 100 to estimate the number of cubic yards required, assuming a depth of 2-3 inches.
Using the formula, how many cubic yards would I need for a 500 sq. ft. area?
For a 2-3 inch depth, you'd need approximately 5 cubic yards.
Can I mix different materials, like sand and decomposed granite?
Yes, mixing can provide functional and aesthetic benefits with expert consultation.
Is there any prep work needed before material is spread?
Clear the area of any debris, ensure it's level, and, for some projects, lay a weed barrier or fabric beneath the material.
How long will the materials last?
Longevity depends on use; gravel requires occasional replenishment, decomposed granite paths last years.
Do the colors of materials fade over time?
Natural materials might experience slight fading over time. Sealing or using a stabilizer can help retain the color.
How do I maintain the appearance and function?
Regularly removing debris, occasional raking or leveling for even distribution, and replenishing material as needed.
Can these materials be laid in areas with heavy traffic?
Absolutely. Some materials, like compacted gravel, are designed to withstand heavy traffic.
Are these materials pet-friendly?
Most of our natural materials, like sand and gravel, are pet-friendly.
Do you deliver small quantities?
Generally, we have a 1 ton or 1 cubic yard minimum for small orders.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel at any time before the material is loaded and shipped. Once on the road, delivered, and unloaded, the material cannot be returned.
Can I look at the sand & gravel material before I purchase?
Yes, for most of our sand and gravel materials, we have pictures and material test lab reports.
Cobbles, Rip Rap, & Boulders
How big do these cobbles and boulders get?
We've got all sizes, from cobbles to massive boulders, from 6 inch all the way up to 24 inch and 36 inch.
Is your cobbles and rip rap appropriate for different applications?
Yes our materials are tested regularly and meet all required standards for constitution use.
Baseball Infield Mix / Red Clay
What makes your baseball infield mix special?
We've dialed in the perfect blend of sand for drainage, clay for that nice binding effect, and silt for a buttery-smooth play surface.
Would this infield mix work for major league fields?
Our mix suits all baseball fields in schools, little leagues, colleges, and minor and major leagues.
What's the ideal composition for a baseball infield mix?
Balance of sand (for drainage), clay (for binding), and silt (for a smooth surface).
How deep should the red clay/infield mix be laid?
3-4 inches is common for most baseball infields.
How often should the baseball infield mix be replenished?
Depending on usage and weather conditions, infield mix should be checked annually and replenished or replaced as needed.
What are the maintenance requirements for red clay?
Regular dragging to maintain a level surface, adequate moisture management to reduce dust, and occasional rolling for compaction.
Decomposed Granite (DG)
What's the best way to use decomposed granite in my garden?
Decomposed granite shines when used for pathways, driveways, and patios.
Which is better for landscaping, decomposed granite or crushed rock?
Decomposed granite gives a more rustic feel, while crushed rock is a bit more structured with its edgy look.
Do you have different varieties of decomposed granite?
We've got a mix of sizes and colors to match whatever you're dreaming up for your project.
What are the color options available for decomposed granite?
Decomposed granite (DG) typically comes in a variety of natural hues, including gold, tan, brown, grey, and rose.