Landscaping Projects with Sand & Gravel Delivery

If you are thinking about conducting a landscaping project in your yard, they need to make sure that you have the right material. Two of the most common options that can help you get your landscaping project underway are sand and gravel. At the same time, sand and gravel come in many different shapes and forms. Therefore, you need to make sure that you understand the option so that you can make the right decision to meet your needs. Take a look at a few of the options below.

Utility Sand

One of the most common options is called utility sand. Also referred to as fill sand, this sand is rather coarse in its texture. It is a mixture of several particles including tan, white, gray, and brown. The most common use of utility sand is underneath paving stones. For example, this is a common material that is used to cushion concrete. Utility sand packs particularly well even though it is not processed at all. Even though it is not the softest sand, it is commonly found in numerous yard landscaping projects.

Beach Sand

Another option you might want to go with is called beach sand. Beach sand is incredibly fine in its texture. It is very similar to what people see on their vacation. Some of the most common locations of beach sand include playgrounds, volleyball courts, and even sandboxes. For this reason, it is commonly referred to as play sand. It is free of silica and safe for children to play in. For those who want a soft spot in their backyard, beach sand is a good choice.

Masonry Sand

Another option that might be helpful in backyard Landscaping projects is called masonry sand. Also referred to as white sand, this and comes in tan, gray, white, and beige colors. This is a clean sand that is usually used to create concrete or mortar. Masonry sand is also commonly found underneath bricks, blocks, and stones. It is much easier to work with than utility sand, which may make it less expensive. Masonry sand is also commonly found under patio and deck construction. Finally, masonry sand can also be used to create clean, white lines between bricks or blocks, which some homeowners like in their landscaping projects.

Decomposed Granite

Finally, those who might want to go with gravel instead might have heard about decomposed granite. Decomposed granite is commonly found in yard landscaping projects. In some cases, decomposed Granite can be found in the flowerbeds and around bushes, covering up the soil. In other situations, decomposed Granite could be used to line walkways and pathways. Decomposed granite can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional landscaping options. As a result, it is not unusual to see decomposed granite around flower beds and walkways. At the same time, it is not the most comfortable playing surface. Therefore, decomposed granite should not be used around sandboxes, playgrounds, or other places where children might be running around.

Choose the Right Sand or Gravel for the Landscaping Project

For those who were thinking about adding a landscaping project to the yard, it is important to come up with the right material. There are multiple types of sand and gravel available. Anyone who has a landscaping project in the near future for their yard should consider reaching out to trained professionals who can help them with sand delivery and gravel delivery before the project starts!

What Type of Concrete Is Used for Driveways?

If you are thinking about adding a driveway or repairing your current one, then you are probably wondering what type of concrete is going to be used. The reality is that there are many different types and mixes of concrete. Therefore, the right mixture for one job might not be ideal for a different job. If you are thinking about installing a concrete driveway, then you need to consider the strength of the concrete, its air entrainment rating, its overall size, and even its slump rating. This is why it is a good idea to reach out to a concrete company for help. When it comes to concrete for your driveway, there are a few points to keep in mind.

The Characteristics That Define Concrete for a Driveway

If you are looking for concrete for your driveway, then you need to make sure that you find concrete that is going to be able to withstand the weight of vehicle traffic. Ideally, you need concrete that can stand up to 4,000 pounds per square inch for your driveway. During the cold winter, you also need to look for a concrete mix that has a six percent air-entrainment value. This will create small bubbles in the mix of concrete, providing water in the concrete a place to go when it freezes and expands.

In addition, in order to make the installation process easier, you need to think about the slump rating. Slump is a measurement of the workability and thickness of the concrete once it has been mix. You are looking for a slump rating of around 4 to 5 inches in order to make the installation process easier.

The Installation Process of Concrete for Driveways

Before your driveway can be poured, a contractor has to make sure that the site is prepared properly. This means providing a smooth, firm base upon which the concrete can be poured. Once the site has been formed properly, it is time to mix the concrete with water. Usually, ready-made concrete is used for concrete driveways because it meets many of the characteristics above. Once the mix is ready, the contractor will pour the wet concrete into the driveway, using shovels and rakes to ensure the concrete is laid out properly.

Once the concrete has been poured, it is going to be troweled and finished. This will make sure the final product looks appropriate. Finally, the concrete has to be cured as well. The curing process could last as long as 28 days, with the first few days being the most critical. This will harden the surface, allowing it to withstand the stress of routine foot and vehicle traffic. Then, the concrete driveway is finished.

Rely on an Experienced Concrete Company for Help Installing a Concrete Driveway

These are just a few of the most important points that you need to keep in mind if you are looking for concrete for your driveway. You need to make sure that you find the right concrete that is going to allow your driveway to withstand not only the elements but also routine vehicle traffic. Then, you need to find a contractor who understands the process of installing a concrete driveway. If you have a concrete project in the near future, you need to reach out to an experienced concrete company for help. That way, you can ensure that the project is completed properly the first time around.