FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
These are some of the most common questions we get. However, feel free to contact us if any of your questions are unanswered or we can help in any way.
Can I pick up bulk products with my own truck or trailer?
Yes, if your vehicle can be loaded by our equipment we will load it for you. If our equipment can’t, we will set your order beside your vehicle and let you borrow a shovel.
How fast do you deliver?
We deliver on the same day you order or the next day for standard inventory items. Special order products can be as long as three weeks but are usually much less.
Are your delivery trucks safe for my driveway?
No. We have no way of Knowing if your driveway was engineered to support 33,000lbs or more, therefore we cannot accept liability for broken concrete. Prior to our trucks or equipment leaving the paved road at your site we require the person responsible for the order to sign a damage waiver releasing Tri-State from any liability whatsoever and for any reason.
What is the smallest quantity I can buy?
All of our bulk materials are sold by the cubic yard. You can have ½ cubic yard by weight or if you need less material we can bag it in ¾ cubic foot bags. All palletized material is sold by tons. Minimum purchase is a pound.
How do you determine the cost of boulders?
Tri-State Materials determines the cost of boulders by weight. Each delivery is accompanied by a delivery ticket and a scale ticket with a weight at time of delivery.
How do I figure how much gravel I need for my project?
Different materials cover different areas depending on their size therefore we have made a Coverage Chart to help you.
| Product | Coverage Rate per Ton of Material | |
| 8"-18" Rip Rap | 20 Square Feet | |
| 4"-10" Rip Rap | 30 Square Feet | |
| 2"-4" Rip Rap | 70 Square Feet | |
| 1"-3" Rip Rap | 90 Square Feet | |
| 3/4", 7/8", 1" Screened Gravel | 100 Square Feet @ 2" depth | |
| 5/8", 1/2" Screened Gravel | 120 Square Feet @ 2" depth | |
| 1/4", 3/8" Screened Gravel | 140 Square Feet @ 2" depth | |
| Decomposed Granite (Minus Materials) | 150 Square Feet @ 2" depth | |
| AProduct Approximate Coverage Per Yard | |||||
| Product | Coverage Rate | Depth | |||
| 3/8" | 180 SF | 2" | |||
| 3/4" | 150 SF | 2" | |||
| 3/4" - 1.5" | 120 SF | 2" | |||
| 1.5" - 3" | 90 SF | One Layer | |||
| 3" - 6" | 65 SF | One Layer | |||
| 4" - 8" | 55S SF | One Layer | |||
| 6" - 12" | 40 SF | One Layer | |||
| Sand | 180 SF | 2" | |||
| Top Soil | 180 SF | 2" | |||
| Mulch | 150 SF | 2" | |||
| DG | 150 SF | 2" | |||
'Fines' is the term used to describe the crushed rock and very small miscellaneous dirt and debris found in any gravel or decorative rock. ALL GRAVEL CONTAINS FINES.
What do the terms sized, screened, and minus mean?
These terms refer to the size of the decorative rock, as defined by the largest piece which would fit through a screen of a pre-determined size. The terms also help to denote the approximate amount of fines present in a product. For instance, the term 'sized' can signify up to 15% fines in the product, whereas 'screened' can mean 10% to 20% fines in the product, and when we visualize a product described by the term 'minus' we know it will have 60% to 70% fines.
What is Rip Rap?
Think of rip rap as large stones with angular shapes, larger than gravel but smaller than boulders. Rip rap can vary in size from about the size of a softball to as large as approximately 10" to 12" in diameter. The average is usually from about 3" to 8" in size. One ton of rip rap will usually cover an area of 35 to 40 linear feet, spread 3' wide.
How can I match my existing granite color?
Due to the nature of mined substances such as granite, colors and consistencies of granites may vary. Color change will occur with aging, and therefore matching your existing granite may not be possible. Bring a sample with you to our yard and our experts will find the closest match for you.
Do I need to install weed matting under landscape gravel?
Yes, weed matting keeps the gravel from sinking into the soil and stops 98% of weeds from beneath the matting from passing through.
How do you cut flagstone?
The best way is to use a diamond blade on a circular saw or an angle grinder. Sandstones can be snapped using a hammer and chisel or a rock hammer with practice, skill and some luck.