Landscaping - Quantity Calculations - Help Needed.

[tingtang]

I wish to cover a large area of bare ground using fabric covered by stone chippings, 2/3 cm size to a depth of 5/6 centimeters.
Are there any (ex) quantity surveyors/ experienced builders out there who can advise? Because of the language problem with aggregate suppliers I need to know beforehand are the chippings sold by the ton or cubic metre and how many tons/cu mtrs shall I require to cover each square metre of the plot to the above stated depth?

I don't wish to over order and have to dispose of the surplus, nor do I wish to under order. Any advice gratefully received.

tt.

[Keithcaley]

I usually ask my local supplier to have a look at the area, and to supply enough to do the job! - they usually have a pretty good idea of how much is needed.

I have gone down the road of calculating it, and then my chap took one quick glance at the job and said "three and a half tons" - which was what I had painstakingly worked out

I use Mehmet and Yusuf Gagari in Karsiyaka, not that that's any use to you!

He reckons that one 'scoop' with his JCB is 'about a ton', so if I order 3 tons, I get 'about 3 tons'

[Bert]

http://Www.gravelmaster.co.uk

[tingtang]

Thanks guys -is a ton the same volume as a cubic metre?

My calculation based on 90 square metres worked out at 6 cubic metres (probably way out which is why I asked here) but I will now use that very useful calculator on the Gravel Master site and will be able to get more sense from the aggregate yard If I order in tons now knowing from Keith that one scoop is approx one ton.

All the best,

tt.

[Keithcaley]

A cubic metre of gravel / chippings is anywhere from 1.5 to 2.0 tons, depending on the size of the stones - the larger the 'chunks' are, the more air gaps there are...

If you think about it logically, one cubic metre of water weighs one ton...

... & Gravel is heavier than water (it sinks - it doesn't float!).

So, a cubic metre of gravel just has to weigh more than a ton!

[Bernie]

When choosing the size of your gravel keep in mind that if it is too small cats will use it as a litter tray

[tingtang]

Thanks Keith for that info and hey-ho Bernie - we certainly get enough of those, plenty of strays, abandoned un-neutered moggies, but then again we do not see any rats or mice! The gravel size should not be that small and anyway they always prefer my newly prepared seed beds! Actually I seem to have solved that problem now as I tap in a few short stakes and weave fishing line in and out and around.

I ordered and received the 6 cu mtrs, it looks to be about right but I will own up if I got it wrong, it will take a few days to shift it, especially as my back is playing up.

All the best,

tt.