Buying Bulk Mulch & Landscaping Materials in Perth: How to Measure, Order and Save
Ordering landscaping materials by the cubic metre can feel like a guessing game. How much mulch does a garden bed actually need? Will one load of soil cover the whole yard? This guide walks you through measuring your project, choosing between bulk mulch, soil, sand and gravel, and what to expect when the delivery truck arrives, so you order the right amount the first time.
Whether you're a homeowner tackling a weekend project or a landscaper planning a full job, buying in bulk is usually the most practical way to source landscaping supplies in Perth. Here's how to do it well.
Quick answer: how do I work out how many cubic metres I need? Multiply length (m) x width (m) x depth (m). For example, a garden bed 10 m long and 1 m wide, mulched to a depth of 75 mm (0.075 m), needs 10 x 1 x 0.075 = 0.75 cubic metres.
Why buy landscaping materials in bulk?
Bulk buying simply means ordering loose material by the cubic metre (or tonne) instead of buying it bag by bag. For most medium to large projects, it has a few clear advantages:
- Lower cost per cubic metre. Bagged products are priced for convenience. When you need more than a few bags' worth, loose material is generally the more economical way to buy.
- Fewer trips. One delivery replaces multiple runs to the shops and a ute full of bags.
- A consistent result. Mulch, soil and sand can vary slightly between batches. Ordering the whole job at once helps keep colour, texture and quality consistent from one end of the garden to the other.
- Less packaging. Loose delivery means no plastic bags to dispose of, which adds up quickly on a big project.
Bulk isn't the right choice for every job. If you only need enough to fill a couple of pots or one small bed, bags are simpler. But once your project runs past a few square metres, it's worth doing the maths.
How much do you need? Measuring and calculating cubic metres
The formula is the same for every material:
Length (m) x width (m) x depth (m) = cubic metres
The trick is to convert depth into metres first. 50 mm is 0.05 m, 75 mm is 0.075 m and 100 mm is 0.1 m.
Worked examples
Garden bed mulching. A bed measuring 10 m x 1 m with mulch spread 75 mm deep: 10 x 1 x 0.075 = 0.75 m³.
Soil top-up for a lawn. A lawn of 8 m x 5 m (40 m²) with a 20 mm layer of soil: 40 x 0.02 = 0.8 m³.
A gravel path. A path 12 m long and 1 m wide with 50 mm of gravel: 12 x 1 x 0.05 = 0.6 m³.
For irregular shapes, split the area into rectangles, work out each one and add them together. A rough sketch with measurements on it makes this much easier.
How far does one cubic metre go?
One cubic metre covers a different area depending on how deep you spread it:
Allow a little extra
Loose materials settle and compact once they're spread and watered in, especially soil and sand. Adding roughly 10% to your total is a sensible allowance. Running a little over is far easier than arranging a second delivery for a small top-up.
If you're ordering by the tonne rather than the cubic metre, ask us for the weight per cubic metre for each product, as it varies a lot between materials.
Choosing the right bulk material
Each material has a different job. Here's a quick guide to the main options.
Bulk mulch
Mulch is one of the most useful things you can add to a Perth garden. A layer of mulch helps reduce evaporation, keeps roots cooler through summer, suppresses weeds and breaks down over time to improve the soil underneath. Aim for a depth of around 50 to 75 mm, and keep it clear of plant stems and tree trunks.
Common options include:
- Jungle mulch: Made from carefully sourced organic materials.
- Pine bark mulch: chunkier and longer-lasting, well suited to garden beds and larger landscaped areas.
- Wood chip: a good-value option for larger areas and informal garden areas.
- Woodland Redwood Chips: chosen for their vibrant appearance, often used in front gardens and commercial landscaping.
Bulk soil
Perth's naturally sandy soils drain quickly and hold few nutrients, so many gardens benefit from good-quality soil brought in to build up beds, top up lawns or fill raised planters. You might also see bulk soil called bulk dirt, but whichever name you search under, the key is choosing a product suited to what you're growing.
Garden soils and soil mixes suit garden beds, while topsoil is a good choice for levelling and lawn work. Building a raised bed? Our guide to [LINK: raised garden bed soil mixes] explains what to look for in Perth's sandy conditions.
Bulk sand
Sand has a surprising number of uses, from bedding paving and laying turf to brickwork and play areas. Different sands suit different jobs, so check which type your project calls for before you order. For example, builders' sands used by bricklayers and plasterers are chosen for specific properties, while other sands are better for bedding or play spaces.
Explore our full range of Sands.
Bulk gravel and decorative stone
Gravel and stone are the hard-wearing option, useful for paths, driveways, drainage areas and low-maintenance garden beds. Size and colour matter: larger stones suit driveways and drainage, while smaller decorative pebbles are better for paths and garden features. Think about how the area will be used, because a path you'll walk on barefoot needs a different stone to a driveway.
Take a look at our decorative stone range.
Bulk vs bagged: what's the real cost?
The easiest way to compare is to price both options per cubic metre, not per bag. Bags look cheap individually, but you need many of them to cover a decent area.
As a rule of thumb, once your project needs more than a handful of bags, it's worth getting a bulk quote for comparison.
How to save money when buying in bulk
A few simple habits make a real difference to what you spend:
Measure properly. Accurate quantities mean you don't pay for material you don't use, or for a second delivery.
Compare per cubic metre. This is the only fair way to compare bulk with bags, or one supplier with another.
Combine materials where you can. If you need mulch and soil for the same job, ask about arranging them together.
Plan your timing. Ordering ahead of a busy period, such as before summer when many people refresh their gardens, helps you get the material when you need it.
Choose the right product for the job. The cheapest option isn't always the best value if it breaks down quickly or doesn't suit the plants you're growing.
How bulk delivery works in Perth
Having a pile of material arrive on your driveway is straightforward, but a little preparation makes delivery day smoother.
Where we deliver. Perth metro and surrounds.
How it's delivered. Bulk materials are tipped from a truck in one load. Make sure there's clear, safe access for the truck and decide where you want the pile placed before it arrives.
Before delivery, clear the drop area, lay a tarp underneath if you're delivering onto a driveway or paving, and keep pets and children away from the area.
Once the pile is down, you'll want to move it reasonably soon, particularly if you've ordered mulch or soil that could wash or blow around in bad weather.
Tips for ordering and using bulk materials
- Cover the pile if rain or strong wind is forecast. A tarp stops soil washing onto paving and mulch blowing around.
- Prepare the area first. Remove weeds, edge your beds and lay any weed mat before the material arrives, so you can spread it straight away.
- Water new mulch and soil in. It helps the material settle and gets moisture down to the roots.
- Keep mulch away from trunks and stems. Leave a small gap around plants and trees to avoid rot.
- Wear gloves and a dust mask when spreading fine materials. Soil, sand and some mulches can be dusty when dry.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic metres of soil do I need? Multiply the length, width and depth of the area in metres. For example, 10 m x 2 m at a depth of 0.1 m needs 2 cubic metres. Add around 10% to allow for settling.
How much does a cubic metre of mulch cover? At a depth of 50 mm, one cubic metre covers about 20 square metres. At 75 mm it covers roughly 13 square metres.
Is it cheaper to buy mulch in bulk? For larger areas, usually yes. Bulk mulch is generally cheaper per cubic metre than bagged mulch, and you avoid multiple trips. For very small areas, bags can be the simpler choice.
Can I get bulk mulch, soil, sand or gravel delivered in Perth? Yes, we offer bulk delivery.
Ready to order?
Not sure how much you need? Send us your measurements, and we'll help you work out the right quantity for your project. Contact us here!