Material Density Values

Standard weight and density reference for 24+ garden materials.

MaterialDensity (kg/m³)Bag SizePrice/kgDescription
Topsoil1600 kg/m³40 kg$0.04Rich garden soil for planting
Garden Soil1450 kg/m³40 kg$0.05Pre-mixed gardening soil
Potting Mix750 kg/m³30 kg$0.09Lightweight indoor plant mix
Compost750 kg/m³25 kg$0.08Organic matter for soil enrichment
Manure900 kg/m³25 kg$0.06Natural fertilizer
Peat Moss400 kg/m³30 kg$0.12Soil amendment for acidic plants
Wood Mulch400 kg/m³20 kg$0.10Chipped wood for moisture retention
Bark Mulch450 kg/m³20 kg$0.11Shredded bark for landscaping
Straw Mulch80 kg/m³15 kg$0.15Light mulch for vegetable gardens
Fine Gravel1680 kg/m³25 kg$0.07Small decorative stones
Coarse Gravel1800 kg/m³25 kg$0.06Large drainage gravel
Pea Gravel1680 kg/m³25 kg$0.08Round decorative pebbles
River Rock1700 kg/m³20 kg$0.12Smooth landscape stones
Play Sand1520 kg/m³25 kg$0.05Clean fine sand
Coarse Sand1680 kg/m³25 kg$0.04Builders or paver sand
Perlite100 kg/m³10 kg$0.25Lightweight soil additive
Vermiculite110 kg/m³10 kg$0.28Moisture-retaining additive
Rubber Mulch650 kg/m³15 kg$0.18Recycled rubber for playgrounds
Pine Needles100 kg/m³10 kg$0.20Natural acidic mulch
Cocoa Hull Mulch250 kg/m³12 kg$0.22Premium chocolate-scented mulch
Lava Rock600 kg/m³15 kg$0.15Volcanic landscape rock
Crushed Stone1600 kg/m³25 kg$0.05Angular construction stone
Decomposed Granite1760 kg/m³25 kg$0.07Natural pathway material
Coconut Coir70 kg/m³5 kg$0.30Sustainable peat alternative

Understanding Material Density

Density is the weight of a material per cubic meter. Higher density means heavier material for the same volume. This is why 1 cubic meter of sand weighs more than 1 cubic meter of mulch.

Why Density Matters

When you order garden materials, you need to know the weight to plan delivery, estimate bags, and calculate costs. Without accurate density values, you risk ordering too much or too little.

Lightweight Materials (under 500 kg/m³)

These are easy to handle and ship. Examples include perlite (100 kg/m³), vermiculite (110 kg/m³), peat moss (400 kg/m³), and wood mulch (400 kg/m³). Great for amending soil without adding much weight.

Medium Density (500-1000 kg/m³)

Most composts, manures, and rubber mulch fall in this range. Compost averages 750 kg/m³. These materials are manageable but require proper lifting techniques in larger quantities.

Heavy Materials (over 1500 kg/m³)

Gravels, sands, and crushed stones are heavy. One cubic meter of coarse gravel weighs 1800 kg — more than a small car. Plan delivery carefully and have proper equipment to move these.

How Density Changes

Moisture Content

Wet materials are heavier than dry ones. Topsoil can vary from 1400 kg/m³ when dry to 1800 kg/m³ when wet. Our values are for average moisture conditions.

Compaction

Compacted gravel is denser than loose gravel. If you plan to compact the material, add 10-15% more weight to your calculation.

Particle Size

Finer particles pack tighter than coarse ones. Fine sand has higher density than coarse sand even though they are the same material.

Using This Table

  • Planning a project: Use density values to estimate total weight before ordering
  • Delivery: Know if your vehicle can handle the load (most pickup trucks carry 500-1000 kg safely)
  • Budgeting: Heavier materials cost more to deliver
  • Storage: Ensure your driveway or storage area can support the weight

Tips for Accurate Ordering

  • Always round up to avoid running short mid-project
  • Add 10% extra for settling and spillage
  • Order bulk (cubic meters) for projects over 1 ton — it is cheaper than bags
  • Get weight confirmation from your supplier before delivery
  • For small projects, bagged materials are more convenient even if slightly more expensive