Frequently Asked Questions

Professionally Laid Quality Materials

Decorative Stone/Gravel Calculator:

Recommended Depths for Decorative Gravel on a Driveway

  1. Base Layer (Crushed Stone or Larger Gravel):

   – Depth: 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm)

   – Purpose: Provides a stable foundation and improves drainage. Use a larger size gravel, such as 3/4 inch (20 mm) crushed stone.

  1. Middle Layer (Smaller Gravel):

   – Depth: 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm)

   – Purpose: Fills in gaps between the base layer and helps distribute weight. Use smaller gravel, such as 1/2 inch (12 mm) crushed stone.

  1. Top Layer (Decorative Gravel):

   – Depth: 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm)

   – Purpose: Provides the finished appearance and surface texture. Use decorative gravel, such as pea gravel or other aesthetically pleasing options.

Total Recommended Depth

– Total Depth: 7 to 11 inches (17.5 to 27.5 cm)

Additional Considerations

– Compaction: Each layer should be compacted thoroughly to ensure stability.

– Edging: Installing edging can help contain the gravel and maintain the driveway’s shape.

– Weed Barrier: Consider placing a landscape fabric between the sub-base and base layer to reduce weed growth and improve stability.

– Drainage: Ensure proper drainage to prevent water pooling and erosion.

Following these guidelines can create a durable and visually appealing gravel driveway.

Bark Mulch Calculator:

Recommended Depth for Bark Mulch in Flowerbeds

  1. General Purpose Mulching:

   – Depth: 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm)

   – Purpose: Provides good weed suppression, moisture retention, and temperature regulation.

  1. Weed Suppression:

   – Depth: 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)

   – Purpose: Better weed suppression for flowerbeds with persistent weed problems.

  1. Moisture Retention and Soil Insulation:

   – Depth: 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm)

   – Purpose: Helps retain moisture in the soil and insulates plant roots from extreme temperatures.

Application Tips

Avoid Over-Mulching: Mulching too deeply can lead to issues like root rot and may inhibit water penetration.

Keep Mulch Away from Plant Stems: Ensure that mulch is kept a few inches away from the stems of plants to prevent rot and pest problems.

Refresh Annually: Bark mulch breaks down over time and should be replenished annually to maintain its effectiveness.

By maintaining the recommended depth and following proper mulching techniques, you can enhance the health and appearance of your flowerbeds.

Coverage of Topsoil

  1. Coverage Formula:

   – Coverage (square meters) = Volume (cubic meters) / Depth (meters)

Typical Depths and Coverage

– 1 Cubic Meter of Topsoil:

  – At 1 cm depth: Covers approximately 100 square meters

  – At 2 cm depth: Covers approximately 50 square meters

  – At 5 cm depth: Covers approximately 20 square meters

  – At 10 cm depth: Covers approximately 10 square meters

  – At 15 cm depth: Covers approximately 6.7 square meters

  – At 20 cm depth: Covers approximately 5 square meters

Examples:

For 10 cm Depth:

  – 1 cubic meter of topsoil will cover approximately 10 square meters.

For 15 cm Depth:

  – 1 cubic meter of topsoil will cover approximately 6.7 square meters.

For 20 cm Depth:

  – 1 cubic meter of topsoil will cover approximately 5 square meters.

General Recommendations for Garden Use

Lawns: 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) depth is usually sufficient.

Flowerbeds and Vegetable Gardens: 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) depth is typically recommended.

By understanding these coverage guidelines, you can better estimate the amount of topsoil needed for your gardening projects.

FAQs

We love to help our customers and pride ourselves on our customer service. Use the Contact Page on this website, Give us a call, Drop us a text or a Whatsapp or send us an email. We are happy to help no matter how you get in contact !

Orders can be placed directly through our website for some products (visit our Shop page), you can order other products  by phone, text or Whatsapp, via email or by filling in our contact page form. We will have a chat about what you need, give you sound advice and a competitive quotation. 

Yes, we offer delivery all over Ireland. Products on our website shop are generally delivered by our courier partner with orders typically arriving 1 – 2 working days after the order is placed. Shipping costs and delivery times vary based on the destination/quantity to be delivered and the cost is shown when you enter your Eircode and update the cart. For all other items not on the website shop, we deliver by grab lorry and will offer you a competitive bespoke quotation based on where you are. Please contact us for a no-obligation quote. By the way, our grab lorry can often save you time by dropping materials exactly where you need them, if space allows.

We offer a wide variety of decorative stones, including pebbles, cobbles, slate chippings, and gravel, in different sizes and colours. Have a look at our products page for photos. We also have a display area on Tuam Road, in Galway City. These can be delivered in 1-tonne bags or in bulk (truckloads).

Decorative stones can be used for:

– Landscaping

– Garden pathways

– Driveways

– Patio surfaces

– Mulching

– Water features

– Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits

– Graveyard stone

Consider factors such as:

– The colour and style that complements your home and garden.

– The size of the stones and the space they will cover.

– The purpose (e.g., drainage, aesthetic appeal, durability).

– Give us a call- we are always happy to discuss your project and give our many years of advice.

Measure the area you want to cover and at what depth, and calculate the volume required. Use our handy calculator. CLICK HERE.

HOW TO INSTALL DECORATIVE STONE

 

Step 1: Plan Your Project

  1. Determine the Area: Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover with decorative stone.
  2. Choose the Stone: Select the type, colour, and size of the decorative stone that best suits your project’s needs and aesthetic preferences.
  3. Calculate the Quantity: Use a calculator to determine the amount of stone needed. Most suppliers provide guidelines to help you calculate based on area and depth.

Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools

  • Decorative stone
  • Landscaping fabric or weed barrier
  • Shovel
  • Rake
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Garden hose or water source
  • Edging materials (optional)
  • Stakes and string (for marking area)
  • Scissors or utility knife (to cut the fabric)
  • Gloves and protective eyewear

Step 3: Prepare the Ground

  1. Clear the Area: Remove any existing grass, weeds, roots, and debris. This can be done using a shovel or a sod cutter.
  2. Level the Ground: Ensure the ground is level. Use a rake to smooth the soil, creating an even surface.
  3. Edge the Area: If desired, install edging materials around the perimeter of the area to contain the stones and create a defined border.

Step 4: Install the Landscaping Fabric

  1. Lay the Fabric: Roll out the landscaping fabric over the prepared area. This helps prevent weed growth while allowing water to drain through.
  2. Cut to Fit: Use scissors or a utility knife to trim the fabric to fit the area. Overlap seams by a few inches to ensure complete coverage.
  3. Secure the Fabric: Anchor the fabric to the ground using landscape staples or stakes to keep it in place.

Step 5: Spread the Decorative Stone

  1. Transport the Stone: Use a wheelbarrow to move the decorative stone from the delivery point to the project area.
  2. Spread Evenly: Pour the stone onto the fabric in small piles. Use a rake to spread the stone evenly across the entire area.
  3. Check Depth: Ensure the stone layer is at the desired depth, typically around 2-3 inches. Adjust as necessary by adding or removing stone.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

  1. Rake Smooth: Use a rake to smooth the surface of the stone, creating an even, level layer.
  2. Water the Area: Lightly spray the area with water using a garden hose. This helps to settle the stones into place and reveals any low spots that may need additional stone.
  3. Inspect and Adjust: After watering, inspect the area for any uneven spots. Adjust the stone as needed to maintain an even surface.

Step 7: Maintain the Decorative Stone

  1. Regular Cleaning: Periodically remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the stone surface using a rake or leaf blower.
  2. Weed Control: Occasionally check for any weeds that may have penetrated the fabric. Remove them promptly to maintain a clean look.
  3. Top Up as Needed: Over time, some stones may shift or settle. Add additional stones as needed to maintain the desired depth and appearance.

By following these steps, you can ensure a successful and long-lasting installation of decorative stone, enhancing the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space.

Maintenance tips:

– Regularly remove leaves and debris

– Rake the stones to keep them even and in place

– Top up with additional stones if needed

Yes, decorative stones like pea gravel and river rock are commonly used to improve drainage in garden beds and around foundations.

Decorative stone is a natural product that is more eco-friendly than synthetic materials. It allows water to drain naturally into the environment rather than macadam or paving which can rely on draining into local sewer networks – putting extra pressure on the system. It is also durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Cleaning tips:

– Rinse with water to remove dust and dirt.

 

The cost varies depending on the type, size, and quality of the stone. It’s typically sold by the ton or cubic yard.

All our decorative stones can be viewed on this website, or at our showroom on Tuam Road in Galway. To purchase, just calculate your quantity, decide your stone type, and contact us with some details, and we will work with you to get the best solution at the best price for your project.

While generally safe, consider:

– Wearing gloves when handling to avoid cuts

– Ensuring stones are stable and secure to prevent tripping hazards

Yes, decorative stones can be used indoors for:

– Indoor water features

– Decorative accents in plant pots etc.

– Longer lasting and doesn’t need to be replaced as often

– Does not attract pests like some organic mulches

– Available in a variety of colours and textures for aesthetic appeal

Yes, our garden edgings are available in 2 formats. We have Flexiborder – which is a rubber-based product that comes in a range of colours and we also stock corten steel garden edging. Each one will suit different garden styles and needs, and both are quality products that are easy to install and look great.

A stabilisation grid is a plastic frame that fits together easily and holds gravel and decorative stone in place, preventing movement and ensuring a stable, even surface. It is commonly used for driveways, pathways, and parking areas. There are also a number of other uses for the grid, including grassed parking areas, shed bases and more. Check out the page for more or give us a call with any questions

We supply various types of mulch including wood chips and bark mulch. We offer both course and fine types. 

We offer high-quality topsoil that is screened, and ideal for gardening, landscaping, and lawn improvement

Installation methods vary depending on the material. Detailed installation guides for each type of garden edging are available on our website.

Use our online calculator to determine the quantity of decorative stone required for your project based on area and depth.

To maintain mulch, periodically rake it to prevent compaction, replenish it annually, and keep it away from plant stems to prevent rot.

Begin with a solid base layer (we can advise and supply the materials needed), then lay the grids and fill with your selected gravel or decorative stone. Detailed installation instructions can be found on our product page.

Prices are listed on our website for items available in our shop. For other orders, please contact us for a customised quote, based on your quantity, the materials chosen and your location.

We accept all major credit cards for our online shop. We accept cash on delivery, or card payment from our mobile card reader in the truck!

Yes, we offer bulk purchase discounts. Contact us with the details of your order for more information.

We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. Items must be in their original condition. Please visit our Returns Policy page for more details.

To request a refund, please contact our customer service team with your order details. The refund process typically takes 5-7 business days.

Yes, exchanges are possible within 30 days of purchase. Contact our customer service team to initiate an exchange.

If you encounter any issues with your order, please contact our customer support team for assistance. We are here to help resolve any problems.

Absolutely! Our knowledgeable team is available to provide product recommendations and advice based on your specific needs and preferences.

Yes, many of our products come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Please refer to the product details for warranty information.

How to calculate gravel, stone, bark mulch and more for landscaping Ireland

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