estimating and buying top soil

[ugjointer]

How do I caculate for top soil.I want to fill an area approx 4x4 mtres and 400mm deep.Also do you buy soil by the mtre or weight.
regards

 

[breezer]

volume, since if it was by weight they could water it first

follow this

4 x 4 = 16 cubic metres (way too much)

You have an area that is 400 x 400 x 40 = 6400000 cubic centremetres
1cubic metre is 100 x 100 x 100 cm = 1000000 cubic centimetres

so

6400000 / 1000000 = 6.4 square metres

but do bear in mind all the free air you will get. eg

if you did a 1m cubed hole, then put the soil back you will have "some left over" because of all the air that is now in it.

I would opt for 6 square metres.

unless any one else has a differnt opinion

 

[Thermo]

6.4 cubic metres i think you mean breezer!

you need to remember that tops oil will consolidate over time. what are you filling with it?

 

[ugjointer]

I am topping up a garden area that as been raised so I will be putting the topsoil on top of existing soil.This will eventually be a small veg/herb garden so should I be mixing anything with the topsoil and what quality would be ok.

 

[breezer]

Thermo, you are right i am wrong

and there was me being careful to mention cubic centimtres all the along, until the end. damn.

mind you, why would he be pouring oil on his garden?

......you need to remember that tops oil will consolidate over time......

must be a high quality oil called "tops"

 

[WabbitPoo]

When you order, do so from a good quality supplier - avoid the screened soil you get from skip companies, as it will contain bits of glass and other cr@p. I always use a turf supplier for soil, as they get both from the same source and its good stuff.

 

[Thermo]

wise words wabbitpoo. also worth looking around for green recycling companies. they take in green waste from landscapers etc and convert it into ground conditioner and compost. i usually fill any planters etc with this. its cheap and very very good quality. ive seen topsoil with concrete/glass/metal/wire etc that supposed to have been screened. i wouldnt touch it with a barge pole. Beware the cheap suppliers who do the free ads etc.