Guides & Articles

In-depth guides to help you understand the concepts behind our calculators.

How Much Gravel Do I Need? A Complete Guide

Learn exactly how much gravel you need for driveways, paths, and landscaping. Covers types, depth, tonnage calculations, and cost estimates.

Mulch Calculator Guide: Types, Depth, and Coverage

Find out how much mulch you need with our complete guide. Covers mulch types, recommended depths, coverage per bag, and cost tips.

Planning a Paver Patio: Materials, Costs, and Layout

Plan your paver patio with confidence. Covers paver types, base materials, layout patterns, cost estimates, and step-by-step tips.

Retaining Wall Guide: Materials, Costs, and DIY Tips

Everything you need to plan a retaining wall. Covers block types, height limits, drainage, cost estimates, and when to hire a pro.

Landscape Rock and Stone: Choosing and Calculating What You Need

Choose the right landscape rock or stone for your project. Covers types, coverage, how to calculate tonnage, and cost comparisons.

Raised Bed Soil Guide: How to Fill Your Beds for Maximum Growth

Learn how much soil you need for raised beds, the best soil mixes, fill strategies, and how to calculate cubic yards for any bed size.

Concrete Calculator Guide: Estimating Materials for DIY Projects

Learn how to calculate concrete volume for slabs, footings, posts, and walkways. Covers mixing, ordering, and common mistakes in residential concrete work.

Lawn Care Guide: Seeding, Sodding, and Seasonal Maintenance

Learn how to establish and maintain a healthy lawn. Covers seed vs sod, fertilizer schedules, mowing height, and seasonal care for cool and warm season grasses.

Fence Planning Guide: Materials, Costs, and Installation Tips

Plan your fence project with this guide to materials, post spacing, costs, and installation. Covers wood, vinyl, chain link, and composite fencing options.

French Drain Guide: Solving Yard Drainage Problems

Learn how to plan and install a French drain to solve yard drainage problems. Covers materials, slope, depth, pipe selection, and common mistakes.

Deck Building Guide: Materials, Sizing, and Cost Estimation

Plan your deck project with this guide to decking materials, board estimation, joist spacing, and cost calculations for wood and composite options.

Landscape Lighting Guide: Planning, Placement, and Installation

Plan your outdoor lighting with this guide to landscape lighting types, placement techniques, wattage calculations, and low-voltage installation basics.

Irrigation System Guide: Planning Sprinklers and Drip Systems

Plan a residential irrigation system with this guide to sprinkler types, drip irrigation, zone design, and water usage calculations.

Tree Spacing and Planting Guide: Right Tree, Right Place

Learn proper tree spacing for shade, privacy, and fruit production. Covers mature size, root zone, planting technique, and common spacing mistakes.

Seasonal Planting Calendar: What to Plant and When

Plan your landscape and garden year with this seasonal planting guide. Covers frost dates, planting windows, and what to plant each month for vegetables, flowers, and landscape plants.