How to Estimate Mulch for Landscaping - Bulk vs. Bagged
Mulch is sold by the cubic yard in bulk or by the bag at retail, and the conversion between the two catches people every time. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet - which is roughly 13.5 bags of 2 cubic feet, or 9 bags of 3 cubic feet. If you are pricing a job at the hardware store versus calling a landscape supplier, you need to know that number before you commit. The depth you choose changes the total volume dramatically: a 2-inch refresh over 500 square feet needs about 3.1 cubic yards; the same area at 4 inches for a new bed installation needs 6.2 cubic yards - twice as much material, twice the delivery cost.