Gathering the right equipment and supplies before you start keeps the project moving and protects the finished result. The materials you choose directly affect drainage, stability, and longevity—especially over dirt. The list below groups everything into three practical categories.
Essential Base Materials
The main materials include crushed stone or decomposed granite for structural support, landscape fabric for soil separation, and sharp sand or stone dust for final surface preparation.
Base Material Estimating Formulas:
- Sub-base Aggregate: For a standard 3-inch depth, order 1 cubic yard of aggregate per 100 sq. ft. (or ~1.35 tons of aggregate per 100 sq. ft. due to compaction loss).
- Sharp Sand / Stone Dust: Order 1 cubic yard per 500 sq. ft. for a thin 0.5-inch leveling layer. Never use round play sand; rounded grains shift underfoot and retain moisture.
- Perimeter Fasteners: Plan for 6-inch galvanized landscape nails spaced 6 inches apart along the edges, plus extra staples spaced 12 inches along joining seams.
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