FAQs — Landscape Supplies in Innisfil & Barrie

1. How much mulch, topsoil, or gravel do I actually need for my project?

Answer: Material volume is a function of area × depth, converted to cubic yards. As a rule of thumb:

• Mulch: 2–3 inches deep — 1 cubic yard covers roughly 100–160 sq ft
• Topsoil / triple mix: 4–6 inches deep for new beds or lawns — 1 cubic yard covers roughly 55–80 sq ft
• Gravel / crushed stone (driveways, pathways): 2–4 inches deep depending on use — 1 cubic yard covers roughly 80–160 sq ft

Because depth requirements shift by material and application (a driveway base sits deeper than a flower bed topdressing), doing this math by hand is where most ordering mistakes happen — particularly on irregularly shaped yards.

For Contractors: Bulk ordering by the cubic yard is standard; always add 5–10% for compaction and site variance on multi-area jobs, and confirm delivery windows in advance for tight schedules.

For Homeowners: You don't need to do the math by hand. Apex's free Volume Calculator converts your length, width, and depth directly into the cubic yards you need to order — for mulch, soil, gravel, or sand — so you order the right amount the first time.

Ready to order?

Request your delivery once you know your quantity — Apex delivers 24/7 by appointment across Innisfil, Barrie, and Simcoe County.

2. What's the difference between crushed stone, gravel, and clear stone — and which one do I need?

Answer: If you're building something (a driveway, a paver patio, a shed base), you want crushed stone or Granular A for compaction. If you're managing water (drainage, French drains, retaining wall backfill), you want clear stone. If it's purely decorative, gravel gives the natural look at a lower cost.

For Contractors: Base depth matters as much as material choice — 6" of compacted crushed stone, built up and tamped in 2" lifts, is the standard for a stable paver or driveway base in Ontario's freeze-thaw climate.

For Homeowners: Not sure which size or type your project needs? Apex's team can recommend the right stone by phone or on-site, and once you've settled on a material, the Volume Calculator tells you how many cubic yards to order.

Apex carries the full range — crushed stone, gravel, and clear stone in multiple sizes — with delivery available 24/7 by appointment across Barrie, Innisfil, and Orillia.

3. How does bulk landscape supply delivery actually work — and is it cheaper than buying bags?

Answer: Once you're covering more than a couple of garden beds, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper and faster than bagged material — a single cubic yard replaces roughly 40+ bags, with no repeat store runs and no loading your own vehicle.

• How it works: Material is measured by the cubic yard and delivered by truck directly to your driveway or job site — you specify quantity, product, and drop location when booking.
• Scheduling: Apex offers 24/7 delivery by appointment across Simcoe County, which matters for contractors working around job-site access windows and homeowners fitting deliveries around weekend project time.
• Bulk vs. bagged: Bulk pricing per cubic yard is significantly lower per-unit than bagged material, and it's the only practical option for driveways, larger beds, or contractor-scale jobs.
• Where it lands: Confirm a clear, accessible drop spot (driveway, curb, or job-site access point) — trucks need turning room, so tight urban lots or narrow lanes should flag this when booking.

For Contractors: Recurring or large-volume orders qualify for special contractor rates — worth setting up a standing account if you're ordering regularly across multiple sites.

For Homeowners: Not sure how much to book the truck for? Run your project through the Volume Calculator first, then lock in your delivery window.

Full details on service area, scheduling, and appointment booking are on the Delivery page — or call 705-796-8324 directly.

4. What's the difference between topsoil, triple mix, and garden soil — and which one should I use?

Answer:

• Topsoil: The natural top layer of soil, moderate organic content. Best for grading, filling low spots, and building up lawn areas before seeding or sodding.
• Triple mix: A blend of topsoil, peat moss, and compost (roughly equal parts). Best for garden beds, vegetable gardens, and anywhere plants need extra nutrients and better moisture retention.
• Garden soil: Often a finer, more refined blend for containers, raised beds, and planting pockets where drainage and texture matter more than bulk fill.

Rule of thumb: Filling or levelling a large area → topsoil. Planting flowers, shrubs, or a vegetable garden → triple mix. Containers or a small raised bed → garden soil.

For Contractors: For fall lawn renovation and sod prep, a topsoil base topped with a thin triple mix layer gives new grass the nutrient boost it needs before dormancy — confirm depth requirements with your seed or sod supplier.

For Homeowners: Combining soil types across a yard (e.g., topsoil for grading + triple mix for the flower beds) is common — run each area separately through the Volume Calculator to get accurate quantities per material.

All three are available for bulk order with 24/7 appointment delivery across Innisfil, Barrie, and Simcoe County.