Yards

What is a Yard?

In construction and landscaping, a yard refers to a cubic yard - a unit of volume measurement equal to 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet, or 27 cubic feet total.

Cubic yards are the standard measurement for ordering bulk materials like concrete, mulch, soil, gravel, and sand.

Common Materials Sold by the Yard

Landscaping Materials

• Topsoil and compost
• Mulch and bark chips
• Sand and gravel
• Decorative stone
• Fill dirt

Construction Materials

• Ready-mix concrete
• Asphalt
• Crushed stone base
• Fill materials

How Much is One Cubic Yard?

Visual Reference

• Roughly fills the bed of a standard pickup truck
• About the size of a washer and dryer side by side
• 27 bags of 1-cubic-foot material

Coverage Examples

• Mulch: Covers about 162 square feet at 2 inches deep
• Topsoil: Covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches deep
• Concrete: Creates a 10×10 foot slab at 3 inches thick

Calculating Yards Needed

Basic Formula

Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards

Example Calculation

For a garden bed 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, needing 3 inches of mulch:

• 20 × 10 × 0.25 (3 inches) = 50 cubic feet
• 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
• Round up to 2 yards to account for settling

Ordering Tips

Add Extra: Order 10-15% more than calculated to account for settling and waste.

Delivery Minimums: Many suppliers have minimum delivery quantities, often 3-5 yards.

Access Requirements: Ensure delivery trucks can reach the drop location - standard trucks need 12+ feet of clearance.

Timing: Schedule deliveries when you're ready to use materials, as some settle or compact over time.