how to measure beds to figure out yards of mulch

[mr mow]

how do you guys measure a bed to figure out the amount of mulch needed in yards?

[jimmbo407]

I use a wheel. Take the measurments, make a drawing of the area and put the measurements on the drawing. I then use a mulch calculator, try googling that. You need to figure out how many inches deep you want to go. I then add 10%.

[lawnMaster5000]

I know this doesn't help you much, but I very rarely actually measure my mulch jobs. For most beds I can fairly accurately estimate the amount of mulch needed just by looking at the bed.

On larger more open areas I still have a problem estimating the amount of mulch needed so I will measure those out and put the numbers into this calculator http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/howmuch/calculator.htm

Don't forget to account for plants and areas that wont get covered by the mulch. And remember, a little too much is never a big deal, but when you have to go buy another half yard b/c you ran out, it can be a real pain.

[mr mow]

i did the calculator 1" thick by 5' wide by 20' long and it gave me .31 cubic yards. im thinking more like 2 yrds not a third of yard or do i have to multiply .31 by 4?

[K.Carothers]

i did the calculator 1" thick by 5' wide by 20' long and it gave me .31 cubic yards. im thinking more like 2 yrds not a third of yard or do i have to multiply .31 by 4?

Your calculations are correct.

2 yards would mean roughly 6" of mulch.


kc

[JonM]

I believe it is as follows. You measure the square footage, take the total square footage, multiply it by the (desired depth in inches / 12 inches), and then divide by 27.

Example:
40ft by 50ft bed
I want to have mulch 1.5 inches deep

2000 (40x50) x 0.125 (1.5 / 12) = 250 / 27 = 9.26 yards

This is what I use with just a calculator, hope it helps! ;)

[agm]

Yes your calculations are correct. You basically would need 1/2 a yard of mulch (rounded up).

[mr mow]

thanks guys that really helped bunches