How to Measure Rock for Landscaping

Whether you're a gardening enthusiast looking to create beautiful, well-designed outdoor spaces or a professional hardscaper hoping to complete a client job, the prospect of measuring a large quantity of rocks can seem daunting. To help gardeners and professionals alike, this article highlights the best tips and tricks for measuring rock for landscaping.

General Tips for Measuring Rock

When it comes to measuring rock for landscaping, there are a number of general tips to keep in mind. First, it's important to keep safety in mind, especially when working with large or heavy rocks. In addition, it's important to be organized and have the appropriate measuring tools on hand before starting. For best results, it's also a good idea to measure rocks both before and after they are laid out in the garden.

Measurement should begin by categorizing rocks into like groups in terms of shape and size. This helps to make the process more organized and efficient. Once the rocks are categorized, each set can then be measured individually. Rocks should be measured in length, width, and height, as each dimension is important when determining the rocks' most suitably placement in the garden.

Specific Tips for Measuring Rocks with Irregular Shapes

When measuring rocks with irregular shapes such as boulders or cobble, it's important to account for the "waviness" of the form as this affects the weight and overall measure of the item. To accurately calculate the total measurements, the rocks should be measured in sections and then the sections added up. For rocks without smooth edges, it's important to remember that the "edge" along which measurements should be taken should be the longest continuous line that can be drawn along the surface.

Measuring with Volume

While measuring rock with irregular shapes can be done in sections, measuring with volume is a great way to get a more accurate measure of the rock's weight. To measure with volume, use a wheelbarrow and fill it with equal sections of gravel and sandy soil. Scoop out the material using the wheelbarrow and set it aside for later use in the garden. Measure the wheelbarrow to assess the amount of material that it holds, and then record the measurements.

Tips for When Measuring Rocks for Large Projects

When completing large projects that require measuring a large quantity of rocks, it is recommended to create a chart for better organization and efficiency. In the chart, include the dimensions and/or volume of each individual rock. This will help ensure the accuracy of the measurements as well as help ensure that the project stays on track. When measuring large quantities of rocks, it's also important to allow for extra material to account for any discrepancies in the measurements.

In Summary

Measuring rock for landscaping projects can seem like an intimidating task. However, by following these tips, gardeners and hardscapers alike can successfully measure rock for landscaping. By understanding the importance of safety, organization, grouping similarity, and creating charts for large projects, measuring rock for landscaping can be a seamless and successful endeavor.