Have you ever wondered how much slate you need? A Gravel Coverage Calculator can answer your questions.
Planning to lay gravels or aggregates in your outdoor space? What's the first thing you will start with? Obviously, the design and aesthetics of your space. While deciding on the gravel that blends with your outdoors, you may also come across the thought: how much gravel do I need for my garden or the outdoor spaces? Well, that's essential, too. Once you have a clear estimate about the chippings, gravels, and stones you need to decorate your space, you can align it with your budget and ideas. In this blog, we have compiled how you can calculate the amount of stones or gravel you need for your purpose using an aggregate calculator.
Understanding a Gravel Coverage Calculator
A Gravel Coverage Calculator, as the name suggests, is a calculator designed to do a gravel estimate. Thus offering you a precise idea of the quantity of gravel required. Further, the best part is that it can be used to estimate the amount of different types of stones, including gravels, aggregates, chippings, and even sand. Wondering how it works? All you need to do is put the required simple values about the space and other requirements in the calculator, and you can find the amount of gravel you need for the purpose.
Factors Affecting the Gravel Estimate
Before understanding how you can calculate the amount of gravel you need, let's understand the factors that decide the amount of gravel.
Shape
The major factor that decides the amount of gravel you will require is the shape of the stones. For example, if you are using round-shaped stones, there's a high chance that you will need a significant amount of gravel since they don't overlap. On the other hand, if you use products with sharp edges, you need a slightly smaller amount as they overlap and fit within the gaps.
Types
The second factor in deciding the amount of landscaping aggregate is its type. Numerous types of landscaping stones are available in the market, such as slabs, pavements, gravels, chippings, dust, and so on. The volume of material needed for the flooring and landscaping depends on the types of stones you choose.
Density
Density is another key factor in determining the amount of gravel your space needs. It measures how tightly the material is packed. Gravel with higher density requires less to cover the same area as it packs in tighter, leaving fewer gaps to fill. The density of gravel typically ranges from 1,520 – 1,680 kg/cubic, but you can increase it by mixing it with sand.
How to Use An Aggregate Calculator?
Now comes the main question: how to use an aggregate calculator. Different types of aggregate calculators demand different data to fetch the right results. For example, if you're using Brisks Gravel Coverage Calculator, you need to know the length, breadth, and depth of your space, and you can find the right amount. Here are the steps you need to follow to fetch the results from the aggregate calculator.
- Acknowledge the exact 3D measurement of the desired space, i.e., length, breadth and height.
- Now, open the aggregate calculator from Brisk's website.
- Search the landscaping or garden aggregate you are planning to use in your outdoor projects.
- Scroll down to the webpage, and you'll spot the calculator attached to every stone and gravel.
- Insert the technical details of your space, including length, breadth, and width.
- Click on 'Quantity Calculator'.
- You can find accurate results within the blink of an eye, mentioning the number of mini bags you require, the number of bulk bags required, and so on.
Each calculator is customised depending on the density of the gravel and its kinds, offering you the most accurate results. Further, the best part is that you do not need to convert the unit of the measurements, as the calculator has options for unit switching.
And based on the results, you can also estimate the cost of gravel.
How Do You Lay the Gravel in Your Outdoor Spaces?
When it comes to laying the stones and gravel for your outdoor spaces, you can choose either a DIY method or a professional method. For commercial or bigger spaces, you can opt for the professional approach and smaller areas, a DIY approach is more affordable. If you are investing in a professional, you need not worry about a second thing or second thought since professionals are experts and know every A to Z of their tasks.
However, if you are planning to opt for DIY methods, here are the steps that you must follow:
- Select the type and size of the gravel you want to lay in your outdoor space,
- Calculate the amount required and place an order for the same.
- Before laying the gravel, ensure a balanced levelling of the surface.
- For best results, a weed protection membrane should be used to avoid the growth of weeds and other unwanted plants.
- You can even skip the membrane in case of certain aggregates that are resistant to the weeds.
- Once done, lay the gravels or chippings in the field, ensuring minimum spacing between the two stones.
- To enhance the density, you can also mix the material with sand.
- For the final touch, you can also add a top coat, creating a glossy look.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, a gravel coverage calculator is a versatile application that can help you save time and effort in the long term. Moreover, the best part is that there are calculators customised according to the density of the stone, thus offering you the most accurate results. Further, it is advised to order a sample material to check the quality and consistency of the raw material. Afterwards, you can order the required quantity. This will help you align the entire plan with your budget and requirements. Remember, your outdoors play a crucial role in determining the aesthetic of your place, so be passionate and careful while choosing the same.