LANDSCAPING FAQ
Q: What does a “yard” typically look like?
A: Similar to the dimensions of most washing machines, 3’ x 3’ x 3’ (a 3’ cube).
Q: What does a “yard” cover?
A: A “yard” covers approximately 100 square feet at 2-3” thick.
Q: How little bulk material will you deliver?
A: We have a 1 yard minimum for bulk delivery. Any amount less than 2 yards, will have a $50.00 surcharge on top of the delivery fee.
Q: How much bulk material can you deliver at one time?
A: Single Axle Truck: 12 yards mulches, 8 yards gravels or soils.
– Tandem Axle: 18 yards mulches, 11 yards gravels / soils but depends on what material for maximum amount
Q: How big are your trucks?
A: Single Axle Trucks: Approx. 12’ wide.
– Tandem Axle Trucks: Approx. 12’ wide.
Q: How much material can you deliver on a flatbed?
A: Flatbed 6-8 pallets; depends on the material
Tractor Trailer 10-14 pallets; depends on the material
Q: Can you bring some bagged material with my delivery?
A: Yes, up to 3 bags.
Q: Can I get mulch and topsoil on the same truck?
A: No, if we load 2 bulk materials together, they will completely mix together during transport and even worse when the load is dumped on site.
Q: Does Kirkwood Material Supply deliver?
A: Kirkwood Material Supply offers full delivery service on all the products we sell. Deliveries; Monday - Friday AM and PM and Saturday AM only
Q: Can I get my materials delivered to my back yard?
A: No.
Q: How thick of a base is required for patios? Driveways?
A: Generally, 4” to 6” of base is required for foot traffic (patios, walkways, etc.) and 10” to 12” is needed for driveways and other applications for vehicle use. Exactly how much a particular project will require will depend on use, as well as site and soil conditions. The sand setting bed should be 1” thick.
Q: Is a base really necessary?
A: An appropriate base is needed for both retaining wall and paver applications. It provides a sound structural foundation to bear the weight of the project, while resisting moisture and the effects of movement from the freeze-thaw cycles.
Q: Can sand be used as a base instead of a minus aggregate?
A: For some small decorative walls (planters, garden walls), a thin layer of sand may be sufficient. Generally, however, minus gravel base of an appropriate thickness is required.
Q: Do I need drain rock, drain tile or fabric behind my retaining wall?
A: In some small garden or planter walls, drain rock will not be needed. Otherwise a drainfield of ¾” aggregate will be needed. The size and location of the drainfield, as well as the location of geotextile fabric, if used, will vary from project to project. Generally, you’ll want to avoid using fabric behind the wall. Consult a Kirkwood Material representative with regard to the particulars of a specific project site.
Q: How tall can I build a wall?
A: There appears to be no limit on the height of walls that can be built using segmental retaining wall systems provided that the wall is properly designed and constructed with appropriate soil reinforcement materials. Requirements and construction technique will vary with height and site soil conditions. Kirkwood Material Supply representatives are available to review the specifics of a given project.
Q: Do I need to seal pavers?
A: Sealing pavers is not required, but sealed pavers do offer some advantages. Sealing helps resist stains and enhances the color of the paver. Sealers however are topical products and must be reapplied regularly – generally every 3 – 5 years.
Q: Can pavers be glued over concrete?
A: Pavers may be glued over existing concrete using a special adhesive known as paver bond. Avoid gluing pavers in ground level applications such as driveways, walks or patios as the existing concrete may not be sufficient quality. Also, Gluing in these situations nullifies the ability of the paver surface to adjust with movement during the freeze-thaw cycle. Pavers are most successfully glued in applications using retaining wall units such as stairways and elevated patios. Genuine paver bond should be used as an ordinary construction adhesive will not provide a strong, yet flexible bond.
Q: At what temperature can concrete adhesive be used?
A: Concrete adhesive should be used above freezing temperature. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before the application.