Project Results
| Area | Shape | Net area | Depth | Base volume | Final volume | Weight |
|---|
Material Breakdown
| Base mulch volume | 0 |
|---|---|
| Waste and settlement addition | 0 |
| Existing mulch deduction | 0 |
| Final calculated volume | 0 |
| Rounded purchase volume | 0 |
| Bulk full loads | 0 |
| Loose remaining volume | 0 |
Cost Breakdown
| Material | £0.00 |
|---|---|
| Labour | £0.00 |
| Delivery | £0.00 |
| Subtotal | £0.00 |
| Discount | £0.00 |
| Tax | £0.00 |
| Final total | £0.00 |
Coverage Comparison
| Depth | Area covered by one purchase unit |
|---|
Formula Used
Rectangle area = Length × Width Circle area = π × Radius² Triangle area = Base × Height ÷ 2 Ellipse area = π × Length × Width ÷ 4 L-shape area = Outer area − Cut-out area Tree-ring area = π × (Outer Radius² − Trunk Radius²) × Trees Base volume = Area × Depth Waste addition = Base volume × Waste percentage Existing deduction = Existing volume × Reusable percentage Final volume = Base volume + Waste addition − Existing deduction Bags required = Final volume ÷ Bag volume, rounded upward Total cost = Material + Labour + Delivery − Discount + Tax
How to Use
Add every garden section as a separate area. Choose its shape and enter dimensions. Select the required mulch depth for that section.
Choose bark type and confirm its density. Add waste for uneven ground or settlement. Deduct reusable mulch already covering the same area.
Select bags or a bulk delivery method. Enter prices and optional installation charges. Press calculate to review quantities, weight, and cost.
Worked Example
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Rectangular bed | 20 feet by 10 feet |
| Mulch depth | 3 inches |
| Waste allowance | 10% |
| Bag size | 2 cubic feet |
| Approximate result | 55 cubic feet, or 28 bags |
Bark Mulch Depth Guide
| Use | Typical depth | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Existing flower beds | 1 to 2 inches | Refresh thin areas without burying plant crowns. |
| New garden beds | 2 to 3 inches | Balance moisture retention and soil airflow. |
| Trees and shrubs | 2 to 3 inches | Keep mulch clear of trunks and stems. |
| Weed suppression | 3 to 4 inches | Use suitable edging to contain loose bark. |
| Paths and play areas | 3 to 6 inches | Follow local safety and product recommendations. |
Bag Coverage Table
| Bag size | 1-inch depth | 2-inch depth | 3-inch depth | 4-inch depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cubic foot | 12 sq ft | 6 sq ft | 4 sq ft | 3 sq ft |
| 1.5 cubic feet | 18 sq ft | 9 sq ft | 6 sq ft | 4.5 sq ft |
| 2 cubic feet | 24 sq ft | 12 sq ft | 8 sq ft | 6 sq ft |
| 3 cubic feet | 36 sq ft | 18 sq ft | 12 sq ft | 9 sq ft |
Bulk Conversion Table
| Volume | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard | 27 cubic feet |
| 1 cubic yard | 0.7646 cubic metres |
| 1 cubic metre | 1.308 cubic yards |
| 1 cubic metre | 1,000 litres |
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should bark mulch be?
Most beds need two or three inches. Existing beds may need less material. Avoid piling mulch against trunks or plant stems.
Why add a waste allowance?
Ground surfaces are rarely perfectly level. Bark also settles after spreading. A small allowance prevents an incomplete finished layer.
Does the calculator round bag quantities?
Yes, bag totals always round upward. Partial bags usually cannot be purchased. The result therefore shows a practical buying quantity.
Can I calculate several garden beds?
Yes, add each section separately. Each area can use different settings. The final result combines every entered garden section.
How is existing mulch deducted?
Choose depth or volume deduction mode. Enter the reusable percentage available. Only reusable material reduces the new purchase requirement.
What density should custom bark use?
Ask the supplier for bulk density. Moisture changes bark weight significantly. Use the custom field for better weight estimates.
Should tree trunks be excluded?
Yes, the tree-ring shape excludes trunks. Enter both outer and trunk diameters. Keep the finished mulch away from bark.
Are bulk loads rounded automatically?
Rounding is optional for bulk purchases. Enable whole-load rounding when suppliers require it. Minimum delivery quantities are also supported.
Can labour and delivery be included?
Yes, fixed and variable charges are available. Distance charges can also be entered. Tax and discounts apply after cost calculation.
Is the estimated weight exact?
No, bark density varies with moisture. Product grading also changes actual weight. Confirm handling limits with your selected supplier.
Assumptions and Disclaimer
The calculator assumes uniform depth across each area. Shape dimensions should describe usable covered space. Irregular ground may require extra field measurements.
Material density values are general estimates. Wet bark can weigh much more. Supplier specifications should guide transport and structural decisions.
Prices and local taxes vary widely. Results provide planning estimates only. Confirm quantities and costs before placing your order.