Buying Bulk Gravel: Do’s and Don’ts

You’ve figured out that you want to use gravel in your next landscaping project. Maybe you want a lighter shade to keep your full-sun plants cooler. Or maybe you want your pale flowers to pop against darker gravel.

 

Your next step is to get the gravel and make it happen. But where should you turn to get the best gravel for your specific project?

 

Here are our do’s and don’ts for choosing the best gravel supplier.

 

Don’t

 

 Don’t use big box stores

While they might seem convenient, you’re paying a major premium if you buy gravel at a chain. This is because the big box stores don’t manufacture their own gravel, so they’re a middle man between the supplier and customer. You’re also paying for packaging, and having to haul it yourself with a big box store.

 

 Don’t buy from online retailers

Gravel prices might look low on online retailers, but appearances can be deceptive. Often, the real costs come in with shipping, delivery fees, and taxes that end up making gravel more expensive in the long run. What seems cheaper on the surface may turn into a far bigger expense than you anticipated!

 

 Don’t be fooled by cheap pricing

Sometimes individual sellers will position themselves as gravel salespeople. They’ll offer gravel at exorbitantly low prices, but it’s often too good to be true. They won’t know how the gravel was manufactured, and there won’t be a quality guarantee. Plus, you aren’t protected if the product is defective or low-grade.

 

 

Do

 

Look locally

The best deal on gravel comes directly from the source! Suppliers manufacture gravel at a local quarry. They’ll be able to answer any questions about the gravel’s source and production. And because they’re nearby, you get better wholesale pricing.

 

Also, you’ll get consistently sized, high-quality, and washed gravel when you go to a direct supplier like Bray Topsoil and Gravel.

 

 Get it delivered

This is one of the greatest conveniences a local gravel supplier can give you! Rather than having to figure out how to haul heavy gravel by yourself, you can have it delivered by experienced drivers. All you have to do is show them where you want it, and that’s where it’ll go.

 

Calculate how much gravel you need

Before you order your gravel or any landscaping material, figure out how much you need. Bray’s convenient material calculator helps you determine what you need.

 

Still stumped? Give Bray Topsoil and Gravel a call to answer any questions you might have about materials calculation.

 

Read more: Landscaping Tips: Using Gravel in Your Yard and Around Your Home and Learn the Best and Worst Places to Buy Bulk Gravel

 

Call the experts at Bray Topsoil and Gravel for your free quote today! 859-635-5680