Think in layers, not products
Every good landscape starts as a stack. Native soil is graded and compacted, a structural base is added, then a finish material on top. Skip a layer and the finish never sits right.
For a paver patio: 4" compacted base rock, 1" screed sand, then pavers. For a DG walkway: 2" compacted base, 2" DG, all compacted together. For a planting bed: existing soil amended with compost, then 2–3" of mulch on top.
Base rock, road base, and sub-base fines
Base rock (Class II road base) is the structural workhorse under anything you want to stay flat: driveways, patios, sheds, turf, and heavy traffic paths.
It's angular, compacts hard, and doesn't shift. Never use pea gravel or river rock as a structural base — round stones slip and settle.
Decomposed granite and crushed granite
Decomposed granite (DG) is a finer, softer material used as a finished surface for walkways, patios, and xeriscape ground cover. Stabilized DG uses a binder for firmer paths.
Crushed granite is chunkier and often used as decorative ground cover in place of mulch — it doesn't fade, blow away, or need annual top-off.
Decorative gravel and river rock
Decorative gravel adds color and reflects the sun off south-facing walls. In El Paso yards, common choices include tan Apache, gray granite, and warm-red lava.
River rock is smooth and larger (typically 1–3"). Use it for dry creek beds and drainage swales — beautiful, but a tripping hazard in walkways.
Topsoil, compost, and fill dirt
Native El Paso soil is alkaline and low in organic matter. Amend planting beds with quality compost at a 30–50% ratio to give roots something to grab.
Fill dirt is for structural filling only — leveling low spots, filling behind retaining walls. Don't plant into pure fill dirt; nothing wants to grow in it.
Mulch: bark, hardwood, and rock
Mulch does three jobs: conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. In El Paso, the choice comes down to organic vs. mineral.
- Pine bark — cheapest, floats in heavy rain, needs annual top-off
- Hardwood — mid-priced, stays put, breaks down into soil over 2–3 years
- Cedar — pricier, aromatic, resists insects
- Rock mulch — permanent, no top-off, but stores and radiates heat
How much to order
Materials sell by the cubic yard. Use this formula: length × width × depth (all in feet) ÷ 27 = cubic yards.
A cubic yard covers 100 sq ft at 3" deep, 150 sq ft at 2" deep, or 300 sq ft at 1" deep. Always order 10% extra for compaction and low spots.
Pro tips from our yard crew
- Take a picture of your yard with a tape measure in the frame. It saves a phone call and helps us quote delivery accurately.
- Order base rock and finish material on the same delivery — one drop-off fee instead of two.
- Rent a wheelbarrow and a plate compactor on the same ticket. Compacting in 2" lifts makes the difference between a firm surface and one that ruts by fall.
FAQs
How many cubic yards of gravel do I need?
Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet), then divide by 27. A 10' × 10' area at 2" depth needs about 0.6 cubic yards — round up to a full yard for delivery.
What's the difference between base rock and decomposed granite?
Base rock (Class II) is angular crushed rock 3/4" and down, used under pavers and driveways because it locks together when compacted. Decomposed granite (DG) is finer, softer, and used as a finished walking surface.
Will mulch survive El Paso summers?
Yes — pine bark and hardwood mulch both work, but expect to top-dress annually as the top inch bleaches in UV. Rock mulch (river rock, crushed granite) never bleaches but stores heat.
Do you deliver landscaping materials?
Yes. We deliver bulk gravel, base rock, DG, sand, topsoil, mulch, and turf across the El Paso metro. Call with your ZIP for a firm rate.