How much mulch, gravel, or topsoil do I need?
Cubic yards, bags, and truck weight for beds, paths, and fill. Free, no email required to see the math.
Your inputs
2–3" for mulch, 2–4" for a gravel path, 4–6" for a base.
You'll need
Assumptions (tap to adjust)+
The math, in plain English.
Bulk landscape material is sold by the cubic yard, so we take the area of your bed or path, multiply by the depth in feet, add a little for settling, and divide by 27. Bag count is that volume divided by the bag size, and weight is yards times the material's density — the number that decides whether it goes in your pickup or on a delivery truck.
Depth is the input people get wrong. Mulch wants 2–3 inches (more smothers roots and holds water against siding); a gravel path wants 2–3 inches over a compacted base; a new bed wants 4–6 inches of topsoil. Every extra inch across a 200 sq ft bed is another two-thirds of a yard.
Around the house, the material matters more than the amount: bark against the foundation traps moisture, which is how dry rot gets a start in the crawl space. Keep mulch a few inches below the siding, slope beds away from the wall, and keep the gutters clear so the yard isn't fighting roof water. That is preventive maintenance that also happens to help curb appeal.
Mulch, Gravel & Topsoil questions
How deep should mulch be?+
2–3 inches. Less than 2" does not hold moisture or block weeds; more than 3–4" starves roots of air and, against the house, keeps siding wet. Top up an existing bed with an inch, not a full three.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?+
About 2,700 lb — call it 1.35 tons — for typical drain rock or 3/4" minus. Sand is close behind at 2,600 lb, dry topsoil around 2,000 lb, and bark mulch is the lightweight at roughly 800 lb.
Will a yard fit in my pickup?+
By volume, yes — a full-size bed holds about 2 yards heaped. By weight, no: a half-ton pickup is safe with about half a yard of gravel or a full yard of mulch. Past that, have it delivered.
Bags or bulk delivery?+
Bags are convenient under about a yard — a yard of mulch is 14 bags, a yard of gravel is 54. Past a yard, bulk is cheaper per yard even with the delivery fee, and the truck drops it where you want it.
How should I handle drainage around my foundation in the PNW?+
Our wet season means water needs somewhere to go besides your crawl space. Slope soil away from the house, keep mulch off the siding, use drain rock (not bark) in the strip along the foundation, and keep gutters and downspout extensions working. If you already smell damp under the house, have the crawl space checked for dry rot.
What does landscape material cost delivered in Vancouver, WA?+
These ranges reflect the Vancouver, WA / Portland metro market — outside the area, treat them as a rough guide. A typical range is a few tens of dollars per yard for bark and topsoil, more for gravel and crushed rock, plus a flat delivery fee. If the beds are part of a bigger exterior fix — grading, drainage, siding — request a free estimate and we price the whole thing together.
Get a free estimate for exterior and yard work.
You've got the numbers — we've got the crew. Free onsite consult and a line-item quote, usually same day to 48 hours, depending on scope.