Section 1: What is gravel?

Gravel is a common landscaping material made up of small stones ranging from 1/8 inch to 3 inches in diameter; we will help you understand and prepare for gravel delivery. It’s often used for Seattle area pathways, driveways, and around plants to improve drainage. The amount of gravel needed depends on the area to be covered and the desired depth. A single cubic yard of gravel can cover about 100 square feet at a depth of 3 inches. Some types of gravel are smooth, while others are rough and angular.

Section 2: What are the different types of gravel?

Generally speaking, there are several types of gravel, including:

1. Crushed stone:

This is the most common type of gravel and is made from crushed rock. It’s available in various sizes and is often used for driveways and as a base for pavers.

2. Pea gravel:

This type of gravel is small and round, like peas. It’s often used for pathways, playgrounds, and around plants because it’s smooth and doesn’t hurt bare feet.

3. River rock:

This type of gravel is smooth and rounded, like river stones. It’s often used for decorative purposes, such as in water features and rock gardens.

4. Decomposed granite:

This is a type of gravel made from granite that has been weathered and broken down into small pieces. It’s often used for pathways and as a base for patios and walkways.

Section 3: What size gravel should I use?

The size of gravel you need depends on the project. For example, if you’re creating a pathway, you’ll want to use smaller gravel that’s easy to walk on. If you’re creating a driveway, you’ll want to use larger gravel that’s more durable and can withstand the weight of vehicles.

It’s important to consider the purpose of the gravel and the weight it will need to support.

Section 4: How much gravel do I need?

The amount of gravel you need depends on the size of the area to be covered and the desired depth of the gravel. We, at Builders Sand & Gravel, can help you calculate the amount of gravel you need based on these factors.

When ordering gravel, it’s important to order slightly more than you think you’ll need to account for any errors in calculation or unexpected obstacles.

Keep in mind that one cubic yard of gravel weighs about 2,700 pounds, so it’s important to have a plan for how you’ll move and distribute the gravel once it’s delivered.

Section 5: How do I prepare the area for gravel?

Before laying gravel, it’s important to prepare the area properly. This typically involves removing any grass, weeds, or other vegetation and leveling the area with a rake or shovel.

If you’re creating a driveway or other heavy-use area, you may need to dig down and lay a layer of gravel or crushed stone as a base layer to support the weight of the gravel.

It’s also important to consider drainage and ensure that water can flow away from the area properly. This may involve creating a slope or installing a drainage system.

Section 6: How do I install the gravel?

Once the area is prepared, the gravel can be installed. It’s typically easiest to use a wheelbarrow or other heavy-duty cart to move the gravel from the delivery truck to the installation site.

Spread the gravel evenly over the area, using a rake or shovel to distribute it as needed. It’s important to avoid creating piles or uneven spots in the gravel, as these can be tripping hazards and can cause drainage issues.

Once the gravel is installed, it’s important to compact it to ensure it stays in place. This can be done with a hand tamper or a rented plate compactor.

Section 7: How do I maintain the gravel?

Maintaining gravel typically involves periodically raking it to ensure it stays level and removing any debris that accumulates on top of it. It’s also important to fill in any areas where the gravel has been displaced or compacted over time.

If you notice that the gravel is sinking or becoming uneven, it may be necessary to add more gravel to the area or to compact it more thoroughly.

Section 8: Can I use gravel in place of mulch?

While gravel can be used around plants to improve drainage, it’s typically not a good replacement for mulch. Mulch provides several benefits that gravel doesn’t, including retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and adding organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.

Additionally, gravel can reflect heat and create a hotter environment around plants, which can be harmful in hot, sunny areas.

Section 9: How do I choose a gravel delivery dealer?

When choosing a gravel delivery dealer, it’s important to look for a company that has a good reputation like Builders Sand & Gravel. Always look for dealers with positive reviews and testimonials from previous customers.

Section 10: How do I get started with gravel delivery 

We deliver / haul crushed rock and driveway gravel. If you’re interested in ordering gravel from a delivery dealer, start by contacting us about pricing and delivery options. Builders Sand & Gravel, Inc. is the premier crushed rock and driveway gravel supplier to Seattle, Bellevue & Snohomish County. Our crushed rock is a basalt rock that is blue gray in color. We deliver / haul crushed rock & driveway gravel that is other colors, but please call for more information. We also carry crushed ledge rock, ⅝” clean, ⅝” chips, type 22, ¾” chip, 1″ clean, 1½” crushed drain rock, crusher run, 2″ minus, 4-8″, permeable base rock, and permeable top course.

With the right gravel and when you prepare for gravel delivery, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that will last for years to come.

When you need gravel delivery to be sure that you go to the right source that can provide you with in-depth information. It may sound strange but there is likely a lot that you do not know about gravel. A trusted gravel dealer that offers on-time gravel delivery can help you to understand more about your gravel options.

The first thing you should know is that gravel comes in different sizes. For example one of the most fielded questions about gravel is “how small is driveway gravel?” Understanding your options is one of the best ways to ensure you get the results that you are hoping for.

Size Does Matter When It Comes to Gravel

You may be under the impression that one size fits all when it comes to gravel for driveways. You are not alone, a lot of people, believe you get a gravel delivery, and you spread it out and call it a driveway. If you want to do things right, you need three different sizes of gravel.

A solid driveway is built layer by layer with alternating sizes of gravel. Doing things the right way means you will not have to keep replenishing the gravel every spring. A little bit of shared knowledge can go a long way in helping to keep costs down.

Another example of when size will matter to your results is with drainage gravel. You want to use ½ inch to about an inch in size to get the best results when you are using your gravel delivery for your drainage needs.

If you have other projects that you need gravel for, you might want to check with the experts are your local gravel delivery service before you place your order. Having the right size material will affect the outcome of your project.

Looking for an easy weed control material? You will need gravel that is small and you will need enough to create about a one-inch layer.

It is always best to do a little research before you place your order. The right dealer will be more than happy to answer your questions.

Gravel Delivery for All Your Projects

The beauty of getting your gravel delivery from a trusted local source is that you can get the materials that you need quickly and you get personalized support. It is a great way to ensure you get the project outcome that you want. Learn more about which size gravel is best for your project from a gravel dealer with insight and experience.

Spring is just around the corner. If you want an outdoor space that you can enjoy as soon as the flowers bloom, now’s the time to start sprucing up your yard. One of the best ways to do that without breaking the bank is to install a new gravel or crushed rock patio. In 2017, a Houzz Landscape Trends study found that 38% of homeowners that upgraded their patios, terraces, pathways, or driveways used gravel or crushed rock. Here’s why these materials are so popular and how you can use it in your next DIY project.

Less Expensive

Many homeowners are choosing to go to their local gravel dealer when they build a new patio because gravel and crushed rock can be much less expensive than pavers. A 100 square foot patio could cost you $500 or more if you use pavers. A gravel dealer, on the other hand, will charge you closer to $100 for the gravel or crushed rock to build a patio that’s the same size.

Quicker and Easier

If you’re looking for a quick and easy DIY patio, using gravel as opposed to pavers or other materials might be your best bet. With pavers, you need to dig and level the ground. Then, you need to painstakingly lay each paver so that it’s spaced correctly, which can take a long time. Crushed gravel or rock doesn’t require as much precision because it conforms to the base it’s poured on. For someone without much experience, a gravel patio can be much easier to get right.

Looks Good

One of the best things about using gravel or rock for your patio is that it looks good even if a first-time DIY-er is doing the work. Gravel and rock can hide mistakes much better than a misplaced paver can. Gravel and rock can also look more natural in an outdoor setting than many other materials.

Lots of Options

If you install gravel or crushed rock patio, you might be surprised at the number of different options you have when it comes to size, color, and type of rock your gravel dealer offers. You can choose from pea gravel, river rock, marble chips, limestone, or even granite.

No Maintenance

Patios built from wood planks or stone pavers usually have to be power washed, stained, or painted frequently. Gravel patios, on the other hand, are virtually maintenance-free. You don’t have to worry about moss or mildew growing on it, and a leaf blower will get rid of any debris that catches. You may need to add more gravel over the years if yours gets kicked about too much, but adding a border can keep it in place longer.

Now that spring is near, you should consider what DIY outdoor projects you’d like to tackle. Installing a gravel or crushed rock patio can be inexpensive, quick and easy, attractive, and maintenance-free. It’s a project you can do yourself and one that will give you an outdoor space to enjoy for years to come.

Drain rock is uniform gravel that is used to help with drainage. Drainage gravel helps to ensure that water does not pool. It is often used as the first layer in a drainage system.

A trusted gravel dealer will have the drain rock that you need to ensure your project comes together perfectly. This is multi-purpose gravel that can be used for many different applications in your landscaping.

What You Need to Know About Gravel

Gravel is rocks that have been broken into pieces. It comes in different sizes that can be used for different applications. The smallest of the sizes are sometimes referred to as pea gravel. Gravel comes in a wide range of colors (dependent on the quarry of origination). It can be gray, blueish, black or white.

Gravel typically is offered in sizes that range from 3/8ths of an inch, 7/8ths of an inch, 3/4ths of an inch, and 1/2 inch. The edges can be smooth or jagged on the gravel. Drain rock is so named not because of the specific size, color or shape, but because of the application that it will be used for.

This multi-purpose gravel can be used in:

• French drains
• Trenches
• Garden areas, landscaping, and driveways

Gravel can be used anywhere in landscaping. Drain rock (gravel) helps water to drain and can also help to control weeds in the garden. A one-inch layer of gravel in the garden can inhibit weed growth. A simple three-inch trench filled with gravel in areas where there is a drainage problem will in most cases solve the problem.

Driveways, walkways, and garden paths that are constructed with a layer of drain rock and topped off with some decorative river rock Seattle homeowners have found, create a sturdy path that holds up to the largest amounts of rain.

It’s a Natural Solution

Struggling with drainage problems? Drain rock is an easy solution that is natural. You never have to worry about replacing parts, or materials leeching into the ground with drain rock. Get gravel delivery right to your home and cure your drainage problems the natural way.

Landscaping rock is not a new idea. This is a very popular way to provide weed control in garden ad landscaping areas. Landscaping rock has a beautiful look, it provides drainage, and it’s a very low-maintenance landscaping choice. But what is washed gravel? If you’re thinking about using crushed gravel or any type of rock in your landscaping, start thinking about using washed gravel to create a beautiful, high-end look.

What Is Washed Gravel?

So, what is washed gravel? This is a specific type of landscaping rock that looks like smooth river rocks. This gives it a very high-end custom look that’s different from the sharp, jagged pieces of crushed gravel you may see in other types of landscaping rock. River rock is a popular type of smooth gravel used in landscaping. The individual rocks are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Washed gravel has the appearance of river rocks, which means it is often more affordable than actual river rock.

Small gravel like this is ideal for many landscaping situations because t provides excellent drainage while still creating a high-end look and creating great weed control. There are lots of uses for landscaping rocks. These rocks can be used for pathways, driveways, play areas, grilling areas, and anywhere else you want it in your outdoor areas. What is washed gravel? It’s an all-around landscaping rock that can be used anywhere — and everywhere it’s placed, it creates a beautiful, customized look.

What Makes Gravel Washed?

So you know the answer to what is washed gravel as far as its look and landscaping use. But what makes gravel washed? Gravel is washed gravel when it has been passed through water to loosen and remove dirt from the rock. It has also been screened to remove any debris that doesn’t belong. Washed gravel has truly been washed, so there is no dirt or dust on it. This gives it a shiny, gleaming look that makes landscaping areas look especially beautiful.

Adding landscaping adds to the value of your property. Improving the look of your home makes it more attractive to buyers and it can even increase your asking price. What is washed gravel? It may just be that little something extra that helps you get a lot more value from your home. And before you sell, if you plan to sell, you’ll get lots more enjoyment from your property because you’d have beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy. washed gravel can e used for good looks in garden beds as easily as it can be used in entertaining and gathering areas, even poolside. There are few places in your yard that cannot benefit from good weed control and excellent drainage, right?

What is washed gravel? It may be the answer you’ve been looking for when it comes to creating beautiful landscaping that will stand out, areas that you can enjoy for their beauty and for their practicality. Washed gravel is a great addition to any outdoor area ad it will immediately create an improvement. Try adding this to your landscaping design, and see how you like the results.

How can getting a crushed gravel delivery change everything about the way your yard looks? Well, it’s time to find out. Everyone knows that landscaping is a big part of any home. A house that doesn’t have good landscaping just doesn’t look nice. On the other hand, a home that’s surrounded by great landscaping is far more noticeable and looks far nicer. Good landscaping increases the value of your home. And getting a crushed gravel delivery can help you get amazing-looking landscaping.

What Happens with Crushed Gravel Delivery?

Crushed gravel actually has a ton of uses. Not only can this be used in landscaping areas, but it can also be used for driveways and walkways. There are many types of gravel, from pea gravel to river rock, and you can get crushed gravel delivery with all sorts of specific types of rock to create the exact look for your property that you want.

When you order crushed gravel delivery, usually from a quarry or a landscaping company, you will schedule a specific day to receive the delivery. A large truck containing the gravel will arrive at your property and dump the gravel as specified. You may have the gravel dumped in multiple places. Usually, the delivery person or people driving the truck and dumping the gravel will also spread out the rock somewhat.

There are many reasons why you should use crushed rock in your landscape, and not just because it looks very nice. There are actually many practical reasons why this is such a great addition to your overall outdoor design.

What Can Crushed Rock Do?

A mere one-inch layer of crushed rocks, gravel, or small rocks provides weed control. The weeds have trouble growing between the rocks. The soil does not receive direct sunlight that would otherwise facilitate the growth of weeds, and the weeds have no place to go because they push up through the soil and encounter rocks instead of air. Crushed gravel also helps to keep soil in landscaping areas moist. Any kind of covering on all types of topsoil can help the soil stay moist by allowing it to retain more water. This is why mulch is used; it helps the soil retain water after rainfall by preventing evaporation. Crushed rock does the same thing, and many people find it much more attractive then mulch.

Gravel is a long-lasting material. Where mulch has to be replaced every year and frankly begins losing its looks well before the summer season is over, crushed rock is highly durable. It takes a long time for crushed gravel to lose its color, and it can be washed off if it begins to look dirty or mossy. When it’s time to replace the look of your landscaping again, you can always order another crushed gravel delivery.

Landscaping greatly increases your home’s value and your home’s curb appeal. If you make a landscaping investment before you sell your home, that money will come back to you probably tenfold in resale value. It’s worth it to take the time and spend a little extra money on beautifying the outside of your home because this is what people will see.

Driveway gravel is simply crushed rock pieces. A lot of people make the mistake of installing driveway gravel by having a gravel delivery, then just spreading the gravel out and calling it a day. The fact is if you want your driveway to keep its shape there is a process you need to follow.

Your first step, of course, is to connect with a gravel dealer that offers gravel delivery. Then, you will want to learn the proper way to install a gravel driveway to get the best results.

How Small Is Driveway Gravel?

Here is a little fact that most people do not know. Driveway gravel comes in different sizes, which is an important attribute. Experts recommend that you use 3 different layers of 3 different sized gravel. The first layer should be about baseball-sized rocks, the second layer should be about 3 inches of golf-ball-sized rocks, and finally, the third layer should be about 3 inches of marble-sized rocks.

Gravel is graded by size. For example, large baseball size gravel is usually a #3 gravel. When you speak with the supplier just let them know what you are using the gravel for and they will be able to tell you what sizes you need to get the job done.

Preparation is Key

If you want a highly functional gravel driveway that gives you years of coverage, and holds it shape, it is important to prep the driveway. The driveway will turn out better if you prep the area first by smoothing out the surface, remove any debris, vegetation, and filling in any holes.

Compact Your Driveway Between Layers

You will want to be sure that you compact each layer of stone. You can do this with a roller or by driving a vehicle up and down the driveway. You can also use stone fine or dust to help the process. Compaction is an important step.

If you plan on eventually paving your driveway keep in mind that the professionals recommend that you wait two full years after your gravel installation to pave. The type of soil you have in your driveway will play a vital role in how the gravel settles.

Avoid This, the Biggest Mistake

Do not take short cuts when it comes to drainage. Be sure that you incorporate drainage into your driveway design. If you do not take the steps to plan for drainage in your driveway, heavy rain can cause your gravel (and hard work) to wash away.

Many homeowners choose to call in a contractor to install drainage. It is a worthy investment that will help to protect your driveway.

Another big mistake would be to skip layers. Do not skip layers of gravel. It is very important that you use a sufficient amount of gravel, and that you follow the layering suggestions. Connect with a trusted source for all your gravel needs today it will help the project to come together perfectly.

Most people have heard of topsoil, but some have no idea that there are different types of topsoil or what it’s used for. If you’ve determined you need topsoil delivery, you’ll also want to have a clear idea of what you’re getting.

The three kinds of topsoil are loam, clay, and sand. Before you order your topsoil delivery you want to be sure that you are ordering the right type for your garden.

What is Topsoil Made Of?

Topsoil is made up of sand, silt (loam), and clay in different proportions. The ideal ratio of ingredients is 15% clay, 25% loam, 60% sand. In those proportions, you have the ideal growing medium for most garden plants and shrubbery.

The proportions can vary from brand to brand, so you do want to turn to a trusted source for your topsoil delivery. Getting the right topsoil will ensure that your new garden does just fine.

One of the most common questions asked when people call for a topsoil delivery is: “what kind of topsoil do I need for my garden?” The answer is that it largely depends on what type of garden you are trying to grow. For example, if you are planning a succulent garden area, you’ll want to go for sandier topsoil. Other types of gardens will require topsoil with different ratios of components to promote better growth.

In most cases, well-balanced topsoil with the right proportions of clay, loam, and sand is ideal for most growing situations. Soil uses can vary, of course. If you are in doubt about which is best for your use, ask the supplier of the topsoil delivery they can give you the information you need.

Myths About Topsoil

There are some misconceptions about this type of soil — like whether it is well suited for potted plants. It is best not to use topsoil in planters. Potting soil is best for this application because it is enriched with the right nutrients.

Another myth is that you can take soil from anywhere in your yard to create a new garden bed and get good results. While it is true you can take soil from anywhere, it’s likely not going to be the same high-quality soil that you will find by ordering actual topsoil.

Starting Your Garden and Completing It

Ideally, you will use a supplier that can provide you with both topsoil delivery and bark delivery Seattle gardeners trust. It is much easier to have everything you need for your garden delivered at once.

Having everything on hand that you will need will make it easy to finish your garden project in one day. You can spread your topsoil and mix it in with the current soil to ensure even distribution of the topsoil, plant your plants, then finish the bed off with some bark mulch.

Order the topsoil delivery Seattle gardeners and landscapers trust for high-quality topsoil today.

Your landscape is important to you, and you may be wondering what types of topsoil to use on your land as well as how you can keep your lawn from getting any bare spots. When you take care of your landscaping needs correctly, you can end up with a beautiful yard you can appreciate more.

When it comes to a beautiful yard, making the space lush and even is what it’s all about. Topsoil delivery is something you can consider to help make the process even easier. So, to make your yard free of bare and sparse spots, use this guide to assist you.

Know the Types of Topsoil You Need

Did you know that there are many types of topsoil on the market today? Since every type of landscape is different, you want to make sure to choose the best topsoil for your yard’s specific needs. Your landscaper may suggest a more loamy topsoil or one that is more acidic in nature. They may also suggest mulch-lade topsoil to help you get greater and more healthy landscape coverage.

The right topsoil will help make your yard greener and will also help to fill in bare areas by encouraging sod and grass growth. Speak to your landscaping specialist about topsoil options. There are three main styles and types of topsoil that you can consider, which are sand, loam, and clay.

River Rock for Landscaping

You can get river rock for landscaping to help fill in the bare areas of your yard that cannot be easily filled with grass or topsoil. River rock is versatile in the way it is laid out and makes the home more earthy and charming as a result. If you want to improve rocky areas where the house is not even in its grassy spots or has problems with the soil foundation, then investing in different uses for landscape rocks is a great place to start.

Gravel Rock for Gardens and Lawn Edges

Did you know that you can use gravel rock and washed gravel to make your home complete? Did you know that gravel makes for excellent drainage rock and can help you make the most of your yard in many ways? Did you know that gravel rock can be used in a way that can help make your home’s drainage easier?

Speak to your gardening contractor about both washed gravel and traditional gravel, and if you are wondering what is drainage gravel, they will explain to you what this type of gravel is. Your landscaping specialist will also explain to you how to make the most of this gravel style, and if you are using certain types of topsoil, you will want to use the appropriate gravel to help fill in bare and balding areas easily.

Whether you are wanting to create a new landscaping ideal for your property by filling in bare areas with topsoil or other means of coverage, you can do your part to make your home complete by using the correct type of reinforcements to make your lawn more whole. Speak to your landscaping specialist about your options so you can go into the process of correcting your yard with an open mind. The right repairs and focus on your yard will make your home complete and give your property a better, more appealing look.

Everyone’s heard terms like “curb appeal” before, but this isn’t something to think about only when you’re selling a house. You deserve to have beautiful outdoor spaces all the time, and a little landscaping can make a huge difference in the way your home looks to others. But for any big outdoor project you may plan, you’ll need dump truck hauling to pull it off.

Why You Need Dump Truck Hauling

Even adding landscaping rocks to your outdoor spaces can be a bigger project than you realized. Whenever you add new landscaping and new features to your yard, you’ll also be removing debris. You may end up gathering up a lot of sticks, raking up old mulch, even picking up rocks and broken pieces of pots. And if you plan on planting anything new to complete the look of your outdoor spaces, you’re going to need dirt removal services of some kind. Dump truck hauling is the solution to completing any outdoor project.

Dump truck hauling can help you get rid of all that debris, dirt, rocks, sticks, and other yard waste you’re bound to encounter when you’re working on any landscaping project. Once you beautify your outdoor spaces, it will be a lot easier for you to spend time enjoying the outdoors. According to a Harris Poll for the National Association of Landscape Professionals, three-quarters of all Americans (around 75 percent) feel that it’s important to spend time being outside and being in their own yards. After all, what’s the point of having it if you aren’t using it? Good landscaping makes it possible for you to enjoy your spaces.

Finding Dump Truck Services

Dump truck hauling isn’t always used just to haul the debris away. Some companies providing dump truck services also make deliveries to help you in your landscaping projects. Dump truck hauling may include delivers of commercial sand, crushed rock, river rock, gravel for driveways, fill sand, and other materials you may need in order to finish a big outdoor project. Once you have all the sand, dirt, and rock you need, you can create truly breathtaking, functional, beautiful outdoor spaces.

Landscaping and outdoor projects can be a great upgrade for your property. For example, a properly-installed gravel driveway receiving proper care and maintenance can last up to 10 years before it needs to be replaced.

Dump truck services often offer residential and construction delivery as well as standard removal services. Getting materials delivered and getting rid of debris are often two of the hardest factors in any big landscaping project. That’s what makes dump truck hauling such a valuable service. Look for companies in your area that provide dump truck services, and you can start looking toward the future of your landscaping.

Simply adding landscaping and other features can increase the value of your property, not to mention the curb appeal. Make an instant impression on people by creating amazing outdoor spaces, and start making the most out of your yard.