WOOD CHIPS & LANDSCAPING BARK
Create landscapes that are as healthy as they are visually appealing with ContractorLOADS' premium wood chips and landscaping bark. Carefully processed for long-lasting performance, our natural mulch helps retain moisture, minimize weed growth, regulate soil temperature, and protect plant roots throughout every season.
Key benefits:
- Reduce germination of weed seeds
- Stabilize soil temperatures
- Reduce evaporation and conserve soil moisture
Wood Chips & Landscaping Bark Details
Uses for wood chips: Wood chips are good for pathways along a garden in that they are durable and prevent compaction from foot traffic. Natural colored options blend with surroundings; contrasting colors help direct foot traffic and protect plantings.
Product features: Wood Chips for landscaping boost soil stability, beat the elements, and simplify weed control. Our diverse blend, featuring hardwoods like oak, pine, and maple, not only looks great but also stands the test of time.
Landscape bark information: Landscape bark and wood chips for landscaping are often used around flowerbeds, trees, and shrubs as a mulch material. They add a decorative touch to your landscape while also suppressing weeds, retaining soil moisture, moderating soil temperature, and preventing compaction.
Material composition: Landscape bark is usually made from the bark of softwood trees such as pine, spruce, fir, and redwood and is used in gardens as a decorative mulch material. Landscape bark comes from the bark of trees, and from there, it is shredded or graded for use as a landscape material. It is available in a range of sizes and is usually processed into chunks, granules, or shredded material. Landscape bark chunks tend to last longer than shredded or granule products.
Frequently Asked Questions
(This page carries the site-wide FAQ set. Page-specific answers 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?
Well, if you're looking to mix with cement, washed sand's your best friend. But if you just need to level or fill something, unwashed should do the trick.
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. And if you're curious, a ton is about 2,000 pounds.
Any tips for figuring out how much material I need?
Remember this little tidbit: 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, but it might change based on how much you need and where you're located. 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. ContractorLOADS is not open on major holidays. And ContractorLOADS does offer night delivered of sand and gravel for construction jobs that work at nights.
What are the main differences between sand and gravel?
Sand particles are typically smaller and come from pulverized rock or minerals. Gravel, on the other hand, consists of larger particles, often rounded, and is commonly used for driveways and drainage.
What are the primary uses of sand in construction?
Sand is versatile. It's used in concrete mixing, masonry work, plastering, and even as a base for pavers. It also plays a role in landscaping, particularly for leveling purposes.
How can I determine the right type of gravel for my project?
It depends on the project. For driveways, a compactable gravel like Class 2 road base is ideal. For decorative purposes, pea gravel or river rock might be more appropriate.
How do I prevent weeds from growing through my gravel path or driveway?
Before laying gravel, it's advisable to place a weed barrier or landscaping fabric. This can inhibit weed growth, though occasional maintenance might still be necessary.
Can sand be used for pet areas, like a sandbox or a cat litter area?
Yes, play sand is often used for children's sandboxes and can be used for pet areas as well. Ensure it's free from chemicals and contaminants before using.
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. Also for those using washed arena sand the corser washed sand provides for better drainage in areas that require it.
How can I ensure my gravel driveway remains even over time?
Regular maintenance, like raking to spread the gravel evenly and adding a new layer as needed, can help maintain an even surface. Some homeowners and ranch owners would benefit by using our high quality road base instead of loose gravel.
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 can work! Gravel provides a firmer, crunchier path and offers excellent drainage. Sand gives a softer look and feel.
How do I calculate the amount of sand or gravel needed for my project?
A general rule is that 1 cubic yard can cover 100 square feet to a depth of 2-3 inches. To calculate, divide your area (in square feet) by 100.
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?
This depends on application use. But as a general rule drainage, 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. Testing standards: Aggregate Gradation, Specific Gravity and Absorption, Los Angeles Abrasion Test, Soundness Test, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Unconfined Compressive Strength, Sieve Analysis, Particle Shape and Surface Texture, Flakiness and Elongation Index, Sulfate Soundness Test, Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR) Test.
Homeowners
I'm new to home improvement. How do I know which material is right for my project?
We are happy to make recommendations, but its best you speak to a qualified landscaper or contractor.
How can I calculate the amount of material I need for my project?
A simple formula is to 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. (500 sq. ft. ÷ 100 = 5 cubic yards).
Can I mix different materials, like sand and decomposed granite, for my project?
Yes, depending on the project, mixing materials can provide both functional and aesthetic benefits. It's essential to consult with experts landscaper or contractor before mixing.
Is there any prep work I need to do on the site before the material is spread?
It's recommended to 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? Do I need to replenish them periodically?
The longevity depends on its use. While gravel driveways might require occasional replenishment due to displacement, a decomposed granite pathway can last years with proper maintenance.
Do the colors of materials like decomposed granite or gravel fade over time?
Natural materials might experience slight fading over time due to weather and wear. Sealing or using a stabilizer can help retain the color.
How do I maintain the appearance and function of the materials once laid?
Regularly removing debris, occasional raking or leveling for even distribution, and replenishing material as needed can maintain both appearance and function.
Can these materials be laid in areas with heavy foot or vehicle traffic?
Absolutely. Some materials, like compacted gravel, are designed to withstand heavy traffic, making them perfect for driveways and high-footfall paths.
Are these materials pet-friendly?
Most of our natural materials, like sand and gravel, are pet-friendly. However, it's always good to monitor pets initially to ensure they don't ingest or get hurt by the materials.
Do you deliver small quantities suitable for homeowner projects, or is there a minimum order?
Generally, we have a 1 ton or 1 cubic yard minimum for small orders. We cater to projects of all sizes, from large construction jobs to small homeowner needs.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel at any time before the material is loaded and shipped from the plant or quarry to your job site. Once on the road, delivered, and unloaded, the material cannot be returned.
Can I look at the sand & gravel material before I purchase it?
Yes, for most of our sand and gravel materials, we have pictures and material test lab reports if your jobs requires them. Small samples are available for large volume orders of over 100 cubic yards on certain materials.
Cobbles, Rip Rap, & Boulders
How big do these cobbles and boulders get?
We've got all sizes, from cobbles to massive boulders. We offer from 6 inch all the way up to 24 inch and 36 inch in smooth, natural and sometimes angular and crushed pieces.
Is your cobbles and rip rap appropriate for different types of public and private construction job applications?
Yes our materials are tested regularly and meet all required standards for constitution use such as hardness, specific gravity, and other test needed and required by appropriate government agencies.
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?
An ideal baseball infield mix typically consists of a balance of sand (for drainage), clay (for binding), and silt (for a smooth surface).
How deep should the red clay/infield mix be laid on a baseball field?
The recommended depth varies, but generally, 3-4 inches is common for most baseball infields.
How often should the baseball infield mix be replenished or replaced?
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 are key maintenance practices.
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. It has a natural feel that can really elevate your outdoor space.
Which is better for landscaping, decomposed granite or crushed rock?
It's all usage case. Is there a decorative element and a look you are going for. Decomposed granite gives a more rustic feel, while crushed rock is a bit more structured with its edgy look.
Any chance you've got different varieties of decomposed granite and crushed rock?
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?
We offer decomposed granite (DG), which typically comes in a variety of natural hues, including gold, tan, brown, grey, and rose, among others. Most common and best price is our tan.