DIY Landscaping in Calgary: Materials, Delivery and Tips
Planning a DIY landscaping project can feel overwhelming, especially when choosing between decorative rock, gravel, soil, sand and mulch. You also need to calculate how much material to order and decide whether loose bulk or bulk bags are better for your property.
This guide answers common questions Calgary homeowners ask when planning a landscaping project.
Start With the Purpose of Your Project
Before choosing a material based on colour or price, consider how the finished area will be used. Different landscaping materials serve different purposes.
What Should You Use for Decorative Garden Beds?
Decorative rock is a low-maintenance option for garden beds, borders and areas around shrubs. Unlike organic mulch, landscape rock does not decompose and can maintain its appearance for many years.
Popular decorative rock options include:
- Rundle rock for a natural grey and charcoal appearance
- Limestone rock for a clean, light-coloured finish
- Washed round rock for a smooth texture and natural colours
- Crystal White Rock for bright landscape accents
- Montana Rainbow Rock for a mixture of warm colours
For most decorative landscaping projects, install the rock approximately 2 to 3 inches deep.
Smaller rock creates a more uniform appearance, while larger rock is less likely to move. Consider the surrounding colours, plants and exterior of your home when choosing decorative rock.
What Type of Gravel Should You Use for a Pathway?
Crushed gravel is usually better than round rock when stability is important. Its angular pieces lock together when compacted, creating a firmer surface.
Road crush is commonly used for:
- Walkways
- Shed bases
- Patio bases
- Parking areas
- Landscaping foundations
Washed round rock has smooth stones that can move underfoot. It looks attractive but may not be the best option for a frequently used pathway.
You can view available loose bulk gravel and landscaping materials online before planning your project.
What Type of Rock Is Best for Drainage?
Clean, washed rock is generally the best option when water needs room to flow.
Drain rock and larger washed rock are commonly used:
- Around drainage pipes
- Beside foundations
- In French drains
- Behind retaining walls
- In low areas where water collects
Avoid using gravel containing fines for drainage projects. Fine particles can pack together and reduce the space available for water to move.
The best material can depend on the drainage system, soil conditions and project design. Speak with a qualified contractor when working near foundations or installing a complete drainage system.
Should You Use Screened Loam or Garden Mix Soil?
Screened loam and garden mix are used for different purposes.
Screened loam is commonly used for:
- Grading
- Filling low areas
- Preparing an area for sod
- Lawn repairs
- General landscaping
Garden mix soil is better suited for:
- Vegetable gardens
- Flower beds
- Raised garden beds
- Planting areas
Garden mix contains organic material that supports plant growth. Screened loam is generally more practical for grading and filling.
When adding soil beside your home, make sure the finished grade directs water away from the foundation. Do not cover siding, vents or other parts of the building that require clearance.
Should You Use Mulch or Decorative Rock?
Both materials can improve garden beds, but they have different advantages.
Mulch helps retain soil moisture, reduce weed growth and protect the soil. Organic mulch gradually decomposes and may need to be refreshed over time.
Decorative rock lasts longer and requires less replacement. However, rock can absorb heat and may not be suitable around every type of plant.
Mulch may be better when:
- The garden bed contains many plants
- Moisture retention is important
- You want organic material added to the soil
- You prefer a softer, natural appearance
Decorative rock may be better when:
- You want a low-maintenance landscape
- The area contains fewer plants
- You want a long-lasting finish
- You prefer a clean and defined appearance
For most garden beds, apply mulch approximately 2 to 3 inches deep. Keep mulch away from direct contact with tree trunks and plant stems.
Loose Bulk vs. Bulk Bags: What Is the Difference?
The landscaping material may be the same, but the delivery and handling methods are different.
What Is Loose Bulk Delivery?
Loose bulk material is delivered in a truck and unloaded as one pile. It is a practical option for larger projects when you have an accessible driveway or open unloading area.
Loose bulk may be better when:
- You are ordering one type of material
- You have a clear and accessible drop-off area
- You plan to install the material shortly after delivery
- You do not need the material contained
- You are comfortable moving material from one pile
The delivery area should be firm, level and free from parked vehicles. Check for overhead wires, low branches and other obstructions before delivery.
You can learn more about available loose bulk landscaping materials before placing your order.
What Is Bulk Bag Delivery?
Bulk bags keep rock, gravel, soil, sand or mulch contained. They can help prevent material from spreading across your driveway and make it easier to keep different products separated.
Bulk bags may be better when:
- You want the material kept contained
- You are completing the project over several days
- You have limited storage space
- You are ordering different materials
- You want easier cleanup around the delivery area
A bulk bag still requires safe truck access. Gates, slopes, overhead wires, branches, parked vehicles and soft ground can affect where the bag can be placed.
Compare the available loose bulk, bulk bag and small bag options to find the best option for your project.
Final placement is based on safe access and the driver’s discretion.
How Much Landscaping Material Do You Need?
Most landscaping materials are sold by the cubic yard. To estimate the amount you need, measure the length and width in feet and the desired depth in inches.
Use this formula:
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards
You can also use the TMH Industries landscape material calculator to estimate how much rock, gravel, sand, soil or mulch your project requires.
Example: 400 Square Feet at 3 Inches Deep
If the area is 20 feet long and 20 feet wide:
20 × 20 × 3 ÷ 324 = 3.70 cubic yards
You would need approximately 3.7 cubic yards. Consider rounding up depending on uneven ground, compaction, settling and material loss during installation.
Approximate Coverage for One Cubic Yard
- 1 inch deep covers approximately 324 square feet
- 2 inches deep covers approximately 162 square feet
- 3 inches deep covers approximately 108 square feet
- 4 inches deep covers approximately 81 square feet
These are estimates. Actual coverage can vary depending on stone size, moisture, compaction and ground conditions.
Is One Cubic Yard the Same as One Tonne?
No. A cubic yard measures volume, while a tonne measures weight.
The weight of one cubic yard varies depending on:
- The type of material
- Stone size
- Moisture content
- Compaction
- The amount of fine material
Do not assume that one cubic yard always equals one tonne. Order the material using the measurement listed on the product page.
Should You Install Landscape Fabric?
Landscape fabric can help separate decorative rock from the soil underneath. It may also reduce some weed growth and prevent rock from sinking into the soil.
Before installing landscape fabric:
- Remove existing weeds and roots.
- Level the ground.
- Roll out the fabric.
- Overlap the fabric at the seams.
- Secure it with landscape fabric pins.
- Cut openings carefully around existing plants.
- Cover it with the recommended depth of rock.
Landscape fabric is not completely weed-proof. Dust, leaves and organic debris can collect on top, allowing weeds to grow above the fabric.
It may not be ideal for garden beds where plants will regularly be added, removed or divided. Select the fabric based on how the area will be used.
View available landscape fabric and edging for decorative rock, gravel and garden projects.
How Do You Prepare for a DIY Landscaping Project?
1. Measure the Area
Measure the length and width of the project in feet. Divide irregular areas into smaller rectangles, calculate each section and add the totals together.
2. Choose the Correct Depth
Decorative rock and mulch are commonly installed 2 to 3 inches deep. Base materials may require additional depth depending on the project, soil conditions and expected load.
3. Check the Drainage
Make sure water flows away from your home. Correct grading and drainage problems before installing decorative materials.
If the project affects foundation drainage or changes the existing grade significantly, consider speaking with a qualified landscaping or drainage contractor.
4. Prepare the Ground
Remove sod, weeds, roots and loose debris. Excavate enough material to accommodate the new landscaping layer without making the finished area too high.
Compact the base when the project requires a firm surface, such as a walkway or shed base.
5. Install Landscape Fabric
Install fabric when separation between the soil and decorative rock is needed. Overlap the seams and secure the material using landscape pins.
6. Add Landscape Edging
Landscape edging helps keep decorative rock or mulch contained. It also creates a cleaner border beside grass, concrete and garden beds.
7. Select Loose Bulk or Bulk Bags
Choose the delivery method based on your available space, property access, installation schedule and cleanup preferences.
Loose bulk may be practical for larger projects with an open drop-off area. Bulk bags may be better when the material needs to stay contained or when several products must remain separated.
8. Prepare for Delivery
Before your delivery arrives:
- Remove vehicles from the unloading area
- Check for overhead wires
- Trim low tree branches when necessary
- Keep children and pets away from the delivery area
- Confirm that the ground is firm
- Make sure the truck has enough turning space
- Clearly identify the preferred drop-off location
Review the available Calgary landscape delivery options before ordering.
9. Spread the Material Evenly
Place smaller amounts throughout the project area before raking everything evenly. This helps maintain a consistent depth and reduces the amount of material that must be moved more than once.
Check the depth in several locations as you work.
Common DIY Landscaping Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes when planning your project:
- Ordering by weight when the product is sold by volume
- Choosing round rock for an area that requires a stable surface
- Using material with fines for drainage
- Forgetting to account for compaction
- Installing rock before correcting drainage problems
- Ordering delivery without checking truck access
- Placing mulch directly against tree trunks
- Assuming landscape fabric will stop every weed
- Ordering too little and requiring another delivery
- Installing material too close to siding or vents
- Choosing a material based only on appearance
- Forgetting to include landscape edging in the project
- Measuring the area without including the required depth
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Landscaping
Can Landscaping Materials Be Delivered to a Backyard?
Backyard delivery may be possible only when the delivery equipment can safely access the area.
A wide gate does not always guarantee access. The delivery driver must also consider:
- Ground conditions
- Turning space
- Slopes
- Overhead wires
- Tree branches
- Fences
- Buildings
- Parked vehicles
The driver makes the final decision about safe placement. If backyard access is unavailable, the material may need to be placed on an accessible driveway or another approved drop-off area.
Visit the landscape delivery information page for more information.
Should You Order Extra Material?
Ordering a small amount of extra material can help account for uneven ground, compaction, settling and measurement differences.
However, ordering too much can create storage and removal problems. Measure the area carefully and confirm the recommended installation depth before placing your order.
Use the landscape material calculator to estimate the amount required.
Is Decorative Rock Better Than Mulch?
It depends on the project.
Decorative rock is long-lasting and requires less replacement. Mulch helps retain moisture and gradually adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.
Mulch may be better around plants, while decorative rock may be more suitable for low-maintenance beds, borders and landscape accents.
What Is the Best Gravel for a Walkway?
Angular, compactable gravel is generally more stable than smooth round rock. The correct material and base depth depend on the soil, drainage and expected use of the walkway.
Can You Put Decorative Rock Directly Over Soil?
Decorative rock can be installed over prepared soil, but landscape fabric may help separate the rock from the ground and reduce sinking.
Remove weeds, roots and loose debris before installation. Make sure the area is properly graded before covering it.
Can Different Loose Materials Be Delivered Together?
Different loose materials generally cannot be placed in the same open truck box without mixing. If you need several products, consider bulk bags or contact TMH Industries before ordering to discuss the available delivery options.
Are Bulk Bags Easier to Manage?
Bulk bags keep material contained and can make the delivery area easier to organize. However, the material must still be moved from the bag to the project area using a shovel, wheelbarrow or other equipment.
The best option depends on your available space, access and project schedule.
Start Your DIY Landscaping Project
TMH Industries Landscape Supply offers decorative rock, gravel, washed rock, sand, soil, mulch, landscape fabric and other materials for homeowners and contractors in Calgary and surrounding areas.
Use our landscape material calculator to estimate how much material you need. You can also review our landscape supply sizes and pickup and delivery options before ordering.
Visit TMH Industries Landscape Supply at 3240 11 Street SE, Calgary, Alberta, to compare landscaping materials in person.
