NATURAL STONE FAQS

How do I calculate square feet?
length x width = square feet

How do I calculate cubic feet?
length x width x height = cubic feet

How many square feet does 1 ton of thin stone cover?
On average 1 ton of thin stone will cover 100-120 square feet.

How many square feet does 1 ton of irregular flagstone stone cover?
On average 1 ton of irregular flagstone will cover 80-100 square feet.

FAQ Topics

• Natural Stone

• Gravel & Aggregate

• Mulch

Questions? Contact Us

• 9207 Old Staples Mill RoadRichmond, VA 23228

• (804) 288-7436

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 4:30pm

Saturday: Closed Until Early March 2023

Sunday: Closed

GRAVEL & AGGREGATE FAQS

What is the average coverage per ton?

A good rule of thumb is that one ton of sand or gravel (1-1/4″ or smaller) will cover an area of 100 square feet at a depth of two inches*. Coverage decreases as the size of the aggregate increases.

What is Crusher Run?

Often called or #26, Crusher Run is a crushed gravel that has “fines,” or granite dust, mixed in. Crusher Run packs well and is ideal for driveways or as a substrate to create a level base for patios, walkways, or retaining walls.

Which gravel should I use for a French Drain?

#57 clean stone is commonly used for driveways and French drains. Water flows well through it, and the pieces are large enough so that they won’t fall though the drainage holes in the pipe used for this type of drain.

What is the difference between masonry sand & coarse “concrete” sand?

Masonry sands have a fine consistency and are mixed with mortar or cement. The fine grains also make it a good choice for children’s sandboxes or to put underneath the liner of an above-ground pool. Coarse sand is very much like beach sand. Applications vary, but it is used largely as the second layer (on top of the Crusher Run) in the base of a patio or walkway.

I expanded a dry creek bed that I installed last year and the color of the gravel doesn’t match. Why?

Gravels and other aggregates are natural products, therefore the color, size and texture will vary each time the stock is replenished.

Besides driveways, drains and basis for patio construction, in what other ways can I use gravel or aggregates for landscaping?

Depending on the size of the aggregate, you can use them in dry creek beds, waterfalls, as a garden accent, borders, and for dog runs. Use larger river rocks under the eaves of you house to limit runoff and in low spots to reduce standing water. Carefully placed aggregates can reduce or eliminate erosion in areas of heavy water flow. Aggregates have a variety of functions from practical to cosmetic.

PAVERS FAQS

How to prep your patio area?

Before digging, call your local utility companies to help ensure all plumbing, cable or electrical lines are marked.

How to plan for drainage?

We will plan for a quarter inch drop in elevation for every two feet of distance. This will ensure your patio has a slight slope for water drainage, away from the home’s foundation and toward an area that can handle moisture preferably an existing drainage area.

How to deal with color variations in your pavers?

There tend to be slight variations in color in pavers similar to natural stone.  This can create a patchwork appearance when designing your patio.  We can combat this by blending varying piles of styles or sizes and colors to create a natural look.

How to keep your patio weed free?

Landscape fabric creates a barrier between the old substrate and the new one, and it deters weed growth and unwanted vegetation.

How to keep pavers from moving?

To help minimize the effect of movement of your pavers, we use additional pavers, a solid cement lip or vinyl edging.  This will also help minimize creeping weeds.

How to pack in the cracks?

To help keep pavers set in place, minimizing weeds and allowing for drainage,  we apply a layer of sand over and between the cracks until they are completely full.

MULCH FAQS

What is the average coverage per cubic yard?

One cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 165 square feet at a depth of two inches.

Are your mulches treated with chemicals?

No, none of our products are treated with chemicals of any kind.

Will the color‐enhanced mulches harm my children or pets?

The dyes used to create the color‐enhanced mulches are safe for children to be around, they won’t harm your pets, and they are eco‐friendly.

Does the dye stain the ground?

No.

Why do I have to re‐mulch my beds every year?

Mulch is composed of the shredded bark of hardwood or pine trees. Since it is biodegradable, the natural effects of the elements break it down after a period of time. As the mulch decomposes, the nutrients it creates are absorbed by the soil. By adding new mulch a few times each year, you’re enhancing the appearance of your beds and you’re enriching the soil naturally, too.

For new mulch beds, a four-inch depth is recommended. When refreshing beds, we recommend a two-inch depth.

What is the advantage to using pine mulch?

Pine mulch is a good alternative for acid‐loving plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons. Pine mulch is not recommended for use on hills and slopes since the bark does not intertwine like hardwood bark.

What about termites?

Mulch is shredded tree bark and termites do not live in the bark. Termites live in the pulp of the wood. If you have a termite warranty for your home, you should check the details regarding mulch application.