If you are pondering what can I use gravel for? You need to know about these applications. Gravel is a small pounded stone. They are used for many different applications both commercially and in landscaping for the home.

The first thing you do when you have a project in mind is to arrange for a gravel delivery from a trusted gravel dealer. Gravel for driveways and other applications can be delivered right to the job site. Gravel delivery Seattle and surrounding communities make it easy to use this aggregate anywhere that you need it.

What Can I Use Gravel For?

Let’s get right to the applications that you can use gravel for. Most people know that gravel for driveways is an inexpensive way to create a drivable surface but that is not all gravel can do for you. Here are five applications where gravel comes in handy:

• Drainage
• Erosion prevention
• Mulch replacement
• Walkways
• Decorative effect

Gravel is a great option to help with drainage. A layer or two of gravel around a home that is not outfitted with gutters can help to control drainage problems. It is also great to use in the bottom of flower pots and raised bed areas to increase drainage.

Keep Erosion Down

Gravel can help to keep erosion down. It gives the soil something to “hold on to” and helps water to seamlessly pass through without taking the dirt with it.

Safer Then Mulch In Garden Beds

Wood mulch, pine straw, and other organic mulches can be a fire hazard. Gravel in the garden bed gets the same moisture saving results without the risk of it igniting. Gravel is also less pest friendly than other forms of mulch.

Walkways

It is easy to create paths and walkways with gravel. Over time the gravel will become an even surface to walk on, or you can lay it and roll over it to compact it. It looks great and is an inexpensive way to create a walkway.

It Looks Great

In landscaping gravel can be used as a decorative tool. Using gravel is a great way to designate areas and to add some pop to any space. Learn more about how you can use gravel in your landscaping.

“What can I use gravel for?,” you might ask. The answer is: a lot! Gravel can often be found in landscaping projects, on property pathways, and — perhaps most prevalent — in U.S. driveways. As one of the most popular options, gravel for driveways can last anywhere from three to 10 years with regular upkeep and maintenance. But before you can start thinking about proper maintenance, you’ll need to decide what type to use during installation. While the type of gravel for driveways you’ll use might depend on your contractor’s recommendations and your personal preferences, today’s post will highlight some of the most frequently used types for your convenience.

Base Gravel #3 (Clean Stone)

When working with gravel for driveways, you’ll actually need at least a few different layers and different types of material to create a solid foundation and to maintain proper drainage. At the base, you’ll typically want to have some larger, angular gravel to start. One such option is referred to as #3 stone (or clean stone), which is irregular in shape and is made from stones measuring an inch or two in diameter that have been crushed by machines. You could also use #1 angular gravel for this purpose, which is a bit larger in size (around four inches in diameter). Because these bigger pieces do not have rounded edges, they’ll create a more stable base for your driveway.

Item #4

Another popular option for driveway bases is known as item #4. This type of gravel is actually a mixture of dirt, sand, and different stones that have been crushed to measure the size of a golf. You can find item #4 in recycled varieties (which can contain concrete, bricks, rocks, asphalt, and other stones), quarry varieties (which contain crushed limestone), or even gray- or blue-colored varieties, which give the driveway a distinctive tint. This type of gravel can also be used as the middle layer of a driveway, as its smaller size interacts well with larger gravel pieces underneath.

Crushed #57 Stone

There’s another option for crushed gravel for driveways, as well. Crushed #57 stone is also about the size of a golf ball (or sometimes smaller) and can be used as either the middle or the top layer of driveways. This type of gravel may also contain gravel dust (a mixture sometimes referred to as crushed stone #411), which is a particulate that helps the pieces of gravel stick together more easily. The shape of this stone can also promote improved drainage.

Not every contractor will agree on the best type of gravel to use for a given driveway project, but one thing’s for sure: there are a number of options available to you. Above all else, you’ll want to steer clear of round rock and work in multiple layers. For more information on why we provide the gravel delivery Seattle homeowners and business owners can count on, please contact us today.

What is topsoil made of? What is topsoil? Understanding what topsoil is made of and its definition can help you to understand the process of successful landscaping, gardening and more. First thing that must be defined is what is considered topsoil.

You can buy different types of topsoil at your local landscaping supply store, but topsoil also refers to the soil that is found at the upper most layer of the ground. Confused yet? Read below to find out more about what is topsoil made of and what the term describes.

Topsoil Defined

Topsoil is the upper most layers of earth. The top two to eight inches of soil is considered topsoil. What makes it different from the under layers of soil in the yard? The top layers of dirt are richer in nutrients than the lower layers.

Organic decomposition from leaves, plant matter and even insects add nutrients to the top layer of soil making it richer in nutrients. Commercially prepared topsoil has already been amended with organic matter to mimic the natural process.

The advantage of purchasing topsoil compared to using what you have already in the yard is that commercially prepared bags of soil have exact measurements of the right materials to provide healthy soil.

What is Topsoil Made Of?

Topsoil is composed of a varying percentage of materials. Clay, sand, organic materials, microorganism and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and more.

There are different types of topsoil like organic types and soils that are prepared for specific purposes. In almost all cases these preparations are used to add quality soil to gardens, lawns and flower beds.

If you are wondering what type of topsoil do I need for my garden, your best bet is to consult with a landscape supply company. They can provide you with information about topsoil and topsoil Seattle delivery to information about rockery rocks to bark delivery Seattle. They will have the answers you need.

How to Use Topsoil Properly

No matter where you purchase this type of soil from it is going to be different from the soil that you have. One of the biggest mistakes that are made using this soil is that it simply laid on top of the existing soil.

To get the most benefit out of adding topsoil to your space you should mix it in with the soil that is already there. Introducing new topsoil by laying it on top of the old soil can cause problems for plants and grasses that are planted in it. You want to incorporate the new with the existing to get the best results.

If you’re landscaping at your place of business or creating a garden at home, you’ll certainly have heard the term “topsoil” thrown around. But what exactly is topsoil and why is it so important? We’ll answer some of the most common questions (including the “what kind of topsoil do I need for my garden?” query) in today’s post.

What Is Topsoil?

Technically speaking, topsoil is the top layer of the earth’s surface. Usually, the topsoil layer extends about five to 10 inches down into the ground. This dark-colored soil is rich in organic matter and microorganisms, so it makes sense that this layer is also where the bulk of biological activity takes place. In other words, the topsoil layer is where plant roots can be found, as nutrients are easy to obtain here.

What Is Topsoil Used For?

As you might have guessed, topsoil is often used for gardening and landscaping. But topsoil uses extend beyond planting. It can also be used to repair damage to lawns and level out a yard, as well as to improve soil drainage on a given property. It can even be used to change the slope of the ground surface.

Are There Different Types of Topsoil?

Yes! Although all topsoil contains the same ingredients, there are actually three distinct types of topsoil. It all depends on the proportion of components. That may prompt you to inquire: “what kind of topsoil do I need for my garden?” Before you can determine that, it helps to know your options.

Sand, loam, and clay topsoil make up the three categories available to you. Sand topsoil, as you might have guessed, has a higher proportion of minerals and rocks. This category can be further divided into two types: silica (which is quartz-based) and aragonite (which is made from shellfish, coral, and other beach lifeforms). Sand topsoil is often used for commercial and agricultural projects. Loam topsoil contains even proportions of silt, clay, and sand. It’s often used in farming and can be found in naturally fertile areas; it generally contains more moisture and nutrients than sand topsoil. Clay topsoil contains a greater proportion of decayed organic material (often, powdered rocks and dried plants). Because it’s less prone to water erosion, clay topsoil can be a good choice when creating barriers.

What Kind of Topsoil Do I Need For My Garden?

Now, it’s time to answer your “what kind of topsoil do I need for my garden” question. Ultimately, there’s not one definitive answer to this. That’s because the type of topsoil you need will largely depend on the type of topsoil you naturally have in a given space. If you don’t know what type of soil you already have on your property, you might want to consider having a sample tested. That can allow you to know more about what your garden is missing and what it really needs to thrive. In the end, you’ll want to choose a topsoil with the correct proportions of sand, clay, and organic matter, as well as the nutrients your plants need to survive. Your topsoil should also retain enough moisture for your plants without creating drainage issues.

Where Can I Get High-Quality Topsoil?

While there are many places that offer topsoil for sale, you should consider working with a resource for topsoil delivery Seattle homeowners and business owners trust. Not all topsoil is created equal, but when you work with a great provider, your property will look its best for the whole season. To learn more, please contact us today.

Summer is here, which means that home renovation season is upon us. Not only can weekend warriors looking to add value to their homes have more space for indoor projects, it also means that there’s more time and good weather for landscaping projects as well. If you’re looking for the opportunity to spend time in your yard and add beauty to your landscape, but you’re concerned about the hefty addition to your water bill, consider a rock garden! These eco friendly and striking additions can provide stability and majesty to any landscaping project. Today, we’ll be discussing rockery rocks, the larger end of the spectrum of offerings your gravel dealer can provide. We’ll not only talk about what they are and what advantages they can offer your landscape design project, but we’ll also tackle the question everyone’s asking: “what are rockery rocks used for?“

What Are Rockery Rocks?

If you’ve ever made a visit to a gravel dealer, you’ll know that you can find options from pea sand to river rock and more. Rockery rocks are the boulders that range in size from half-man (8-12 inches in size and 10-50 lbs in weight) to five-man, which can weigh over 1,000 lbs. Actual weight depends on the density of the stone, which will determine whether your new addition can be carried by hand, or if you should leave the movement to the professionals. Make sure to ask your quarry what your options are in terms of residential delivery.

What Are Rockery Rocks Used For?

Rockery rocks are primarily used in rock or alpine gardens, offsetting both smaller stones or plants grown at high ranges. In addition to the aesthetic contrast they can offer to smaller stones, they are also useful in retaining walls, stone pathways, and borders surrounding properties. They can also create striking bases for architectural features such as columns or benches. When you ask yourself “what are rockery rocks used for,” the ultimate answer is that the only limit to their use is the garden designers imagination. These versatile stones offer a visually and texturally striking addition to any landscaping project.

What Are the Advantages of Rockery Rocks?

In a recent report from Houzz in 2017, 38% of homeowners reported making the switch or adding rocks and gravel in their updates to patios and terraces. The reasons for turning to quarry products instead of greenhouses range from increasing curb appeal to cutting down on lawn maintenance and the associated water fees. Because of their sheer size and easy visibility from the curb, rockery rocks also offer an alternative to cookie-cutter landscape design in order to add a unique and environmentally conscious twist to home improvement.

Today, we’ve had a chance to discuss some of the finer points of rockery rock placement, but we’d love to hear about your ideas for your projects. When you imagine your dream rock or alpine garden, what does it look like? Let us know in the comments below.

Everyone loves a good garden. You can use different types of topsoil, a variety of flowers, and maybe even a few vegetables in the mix.

But have you ever thought of building a rockery?

A rockery displays different types of landscaping rocks to create a unique and outdoorsy look. Upon creating something cool to look at, rocks are useful for your garden, too – a small layer of rocks, about one inch in size can fight off the mean weeds attacking your plants.

Rockeries best suit alpine plants, like primrose, tulips, or daffodils. You want to make sure your rockery rocks can maintain the garden you’re aiming for.

First, you want to choose the best base for your rockery. Crushed rock will not be your best bet here. Start with finding local rocks with features. This would be a great time to fish out some river rocks from your local bodies of water.

Rocks such as river rocks have a better ability to contain your garden. River rock also has character, making your garden much more interesting. Make sure to include a variety of sizes within your river rocks.

You must consider your wants and needs for your rockery. When choosing where to locate it, consider how far you will have to carry your rocks (if it’s far away from your river rocks, that’s a lot of heavy lifting for you!) different soil uses, and whether the land is slanted or level.

Place your rockery in a place that gets plenty of sunlight. If you are using a slanted slope, large river rock can keep your garden from sliding down the hill.

It’s time to get much more specific than just simply river rocks to decide what types of rocks to use.

Sandstone

Sandstone have well-defined lines that make your rockery the coolest in the neighborhood. They also make adjusting the size of the rock much easier.

Tufa

Tufa is nutrient rich, which makes it great for helping your alpine plants grow. It also typically has a porous surface, so plants can mold to it. However, it’s not a common rock, so you’ll probably have to search for it.

Decorative Rocks

While not having so much practical use, decorative rocks will add a touch of personality to your rockery. Consider having your family name engraved in a larger bolder or memorializing your lost pet in a smaller stone. Whatever you decide, it will truly make your rockery, “yours.”

No matter how you go about designing your rockery, it will be sure to set you apart from all of the normal gardens on the block. Happy planting!

Adding a gravel driveway at your home or place of business can be an inexpensive way to create your own place to safely park and navigate vehicles. But while a properly installed gravel driveway can last anywhere from three to 10 years with regular upkeep, it can quickly fall into disrepair if you aren’t diligent. To ensure your driveway lasts as long as possible, you’ll want to stay up-to-date with your maintenance. Here are a few important tips you’ll want to follow.

Set a Speed Limit

Although gravel used for driveways is fairly durable, it’s a lot looser than what you’d expect with a paved or poured driveway. Therefore, the materials you obtained during your crushed gravel delivery could potentially be dispersed due to recklessness. Driving too fast over a gravel driveway could cause some damage to the driveway itself. If you want to prevent divots and potholes from forming, make sure to institute a speed limit on your property. By posting signs for guests or for employees, you can ensure that rough driving won’t cause problems.

Remove Debris Regularly

Keep in mind that while crushed gravel delivery is affordable (and a great choice in a lot of other ways), these driveways do require some ongoing maintenance. While you could easily hose down an asphalt driveway, you’ll need to rake a gravel one. This can remove debris like sticks, leaves, and other items that could eventually lead to damage. You don’t have to go over your driveway with a fine toothed comb, but you should make it a point to rake any obvious debris out on a weekly basis. Putting that time in now will allow you to avoid more significant issues later on.

Fill Holes Properly

Sooner or later, you may notice a rut or a pothole start to form. Instead of taking gravel from another part of the driveway to fill in those areas, you should always opt for a new crushed gravel delivery. The first option will actually end up creating more weak spots within the driveway, which can cause damage in the future. But filling the spots in with new gravel will provide a resolution quickly and will allow the entire driveway to retain its strength.

Add Fresh Gravel

In addition to filling in holes and ruts, you’ll also need to apply additional gravel once every couple of years. By obtaining a new crushed gravel delivery at regular increments will make the driveway more stable and address any low spots you might have missed. Adding a fresh layer once a year or once every two years will keep your driveway healthy for many more years to come.

Looking for a resource for gravel Seattle residents can count on? We’re here to provide exactly what you need. From gravel for driveways and parking lots to river rock for landscaping features, our materials are sure to fit the bill and keep your home or business looking its best. For further information, please contact us today.

When making a flower bed, you are putting your blood, sweat, and tears into a project that you want to look beautiful all year long. You are going to want to make sure you are using the right materials and giving your flowers the proper chance to bloom and grow with enough strength. Soil uses are going to be your main concern. The particular plants you are putting in the flower bed will need the proper conditions and soil for it to thrive. Additional soil than what your yard is currently providing is sometimes necessary for your new flower bed. This mostly comes down to a choice between garden soil uses or topsoil uses.

To someone outside of the gardening scene, they may think that all soils are the same. They would not realize the need for the proper nutrients and fertilizers to ensure long and strong plant life in their flower beds. They might get in contact with the cheapest topsoil delivery only to later find their flowers dying rather quickly. Here are a few tips for garden soil and topsoil.

Garden Soil

Although the term “garden soil” is used on many premixed soils sold in stores, truthfully it is not one natural soil, but multiple. Garden soil sold in stores are made up of a combination of fill sand, silt, clay and various minerals and will have a distinct texture to them. The variety of soils combined in that package were made specifically for a particular plant or type of garden.

Before purchasing any garden soil from a store, be sure to ask what kind of materials are in the mix to ensure that your garden and plants are getting the right soil. Soils are evaluated on their fertility and texture. They are the two basic features you need to know before buying soil. According to Home Depot, “Different plants need different types of support from their soil, so it’s important to determine what you’ll be planting before you pick out the corresponding soil.”

Topsoil

If you are asking yourself, “What is topsoil made of?”, it is the uppermost layer of soil on the earth. It is usually between two and eight inches thick, but in some areas can be up to twelve inches thick. Topsoil is sold in larger quantities for large-scale landscaping needs when compared to garden soil. It is also more of a general mixture of nutrients and not mixed with as many fertilizers or organic matter compared to garden soils.

You might be asking yourself, “What kind of topsoil do I need for my garden?” First, you are going to need to figure out what soil your yard is currently working with. According to SF Gate, “Adding topsoil that is different from the flowerbed’s current soil can change drainage in the flowerbed, leaving plants too dry or waterlogged.” Basically, in order to ensure consistent drainage, mixing soil types should be avoided. Of course, if you are unsure as to the type of soil in your flowerbed, contact an expert for a soil analysis.

All soil uses can differ from each other quite a bit, even if found in the same yard or moved from one flower bed to another. The sand, silt, and clay is all going to be combined in differing proportions. When combined together with the just right proportions as well as in the right location, you will have the best chance to grow healthy, strong flowers. If you end up adding soil that is different from what is currently in the flower bed, you risk changing the drainage in the bed. This can leave your plants too dry or waterlogged. Be sure to do the proper research and provide your plants with the proper soil they will need.

Sand is one of many types of topsoil; understand landscaping sand types will help your project material selection. What’s more, commercial sand can be used for countless purposes. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the different types of construction sand. These may be used in landscaping projects. This post should give you a better idea of what materials a sand supplier, like Builders Sand and Gavel, might recommend.

Different Types of Sand:

• Utility Sand: Also known as fill sand, utility sand is rather coarse in texture and is a mix of white, gray, beige, tan, and brown particles. It’s typically used underneath paving stones (e.g., as a base material for concrete) or to fill holes and trenches. It compacts especially well, despite the fact that it’s not processed or washed. Although utility sand isn’t the type of soft, pure sand you associate with your favorite beach destination, it does serve many important purposes in landscaping and in construction.

• Beach Sand:   Fine-textured beach sand is essentially what it sounds like. It’s similar in feel and look to what you might see on vacation. It’s often found on playgrounds, beach volleyball courts, and sandboxes. It may also be referred to as “play sand,” which indicates that it’s free of silica and safe for children to play in. If you want to have a soft spot to play in your backyard or your business is constructing a large athletic space outside, beach sand might be an excellent option.

• Masonry Sand: Masonry sand is sometimes called white sand, although it can come in beige and tan varieties in addition to a white-gray color. This fine-grained, clean sand is utilized in the creation of mortar or concrete. The final product is typically used to lay bricks, blocks, or stones. It’s actually a bit easier to work with than utility sand. This is why white masonry sand is so commonly found in patio construction. Masonry sand can be used to create a clean, white line between blocks or bricks, a desirable feature for many homeowners.

For more information about the sands we carry or their uses, please contact us today.

Using sand between your stone pavers to create a garden path? Want to design a safe play area for your kids? It helps to understand the main differences between types of commercial products. You’ll find plenty of options for outdoor applications. For more information about the sands we carry or their uses, please contact us today.

As summer draws near, your thoughts may be turning to fun afternoons outside enjoying your yard and getting you and yours some fresh air and sunshine. A survey for the National Association of Landscape Professionals found that 75% of Americans value time spent outside in the yard. A new sandbox makes a great addition and extra attraction, and is relatively easy to build. Sand for sandboxes comes in various forms. You can use fine sand or a combination of utility sand, construction sand, and crushed gravel for your fill. Sand and gravel delivery service makes the fill process that much easier. There’s always the classic sandbox, but consider these creative ideas for the coolest sandbox in the neighborhood.

The Pallet Box. Rather than tossing out those used pallets, they can be sanded, painted, assembled into formation and filled with sand for an easy play piece.

The Picnic Table Box. This idea is great for those with smaller yards that may not have sufficient room for a full-size sandbox, and provides both seating and sand play. Simply build a frame around the table top, fill it with sand, and add pals and shovels. Your kids can sit or kneel on the table’s seats while building sand castles on the tabletop.

The Tire Box. If you’ve got an old tractor, or other large tire, you can simply lay down liner under the tire, paint the tire in fun colors if you wish, and fill the center with sand. Adhering pool noodles to metal edges keeps things safe.

The Bed Box. This one requires a flat platform bed frame. Fill with sand or a combination of sand and crushed gravel and you are good to go. Bonus points for bed frames with a headboard. Fasten a chalkboard onto the headboard for extra fun.

The Tent Box. Repurpose that old or unused camping tent that’s just taking up space and turn it into a sandbox complete with shade. Once the tent is set up and filled, kids can play inside. This option is also great for kids especially sensitive to direct sun exposure.

One caution: If you make your sandbox cool enough, your yard may become the go-to fun spot for the neighborhood. You may need to stock up on lemonade and refreshing cocktails for your parent friends.