How Much Woodchip Do I Need?
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Ordering the right amount of woodchip for your project doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're covering a chicken run, refreshing a garden or working on a landscaping project, a few simple measurements will help you estimate how much you need.
At MA Woodchips & Bark, we supply woodchip in 50L bags, 1,000L bulk bags and 2,000L bulk bags, making it easier to choose a quantity to suit your project.
In this guide, we'll show you how to calculate the volume you need and convert it into the number of bags to order.
Step 1: Measure the Area
First, measure the length and width of the area you want to cover.
For example, imagine you're covering an area measuring:
Length: 5 metres
Width: 4 metres
Multiply the two measurements together:
5 × 4 = 20 square metres
Your total surface area is 20m².
If your area is an irregular shape, divide it into smaller rectangles, calculate each area separately and add the results together.
Step 2: Decide How Deep the Woodchip Needs to Be
Next, work out the depth of woodchip required for your particular project.
For this example, we'll use a depth of 5 centimetres, which is equivalent to 0.05 metres.
Multiply the surface area by the depth:
20 × 0.05 = 1 cubic metre
You now know that your example project requires a volume of 1m³.
The appropriate depth will vary depending on how you're using the woodchip, so check the requirements for your application before ordering.
Step 3: Convert Cubic Metres into Litres
Woodchip is often sold by volume in litres, so the next step is to convert your calculation.
1 cubic metre = 1,000 litres
Our example therefore requires 1,000 litres of woodchip.
Step 4: Choose the Right Bag Size
We offer woodchip in three different sizes. Here's how the example requirement of 1,000 litres translates into our available options.
50L bags
Divide the total volume by 50:
1,000 ÷ 50 = 20 bags of 50L woodchip
1,000L bulk bags
1,000 ÷ 1,000 = 1 bulk bag of 1,000L woodchip
2,000L bulk bags
A 2,000L bulk bag contains twice the volume required for this example. It may be worth considering if you have a larger project or would like material left over for future top-ups.
Compare the available bag sizes and delivery costs to decide which option offers the best value for your needs.
Quick Reference: How Many Bags Do I Need?
Use this table to compare common volumes with our available bag sizes.
| Total volume required | 50L bags | 1,000L bulk bags | 2,000L bulk bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 litres | 1 | — | — |
| 250 litres | 5 | — | — |
| 500 litres | 10 | — | — |
| 1,000 litres | 20 | 1 | — |
| 1,500 litres | 30 | 2 | — |
| 2,000 litres | 40 | 2 | 1 |
Bulk bag quantities are rounded up where necessary to ensure you have enough material. For example, 1,500 litres requires two 1,000L bulk bags if you are buying bulk bags only.
What If My Area Isn't a Perfect Rectangle?
Not every garden, chicken run or landscaping project is a simple rectangle.
For an L-shaped area, divide it into two or more rectangles. Calculate the volume required for each section using its length, width and intended depth, then add the volumes together.
For a circular area, calculate the surface area using:
3.14 × radius × radius
Then multiply the surface area by the depth to estimate the volume required.
Keep all measurements in metres when calculating cubic metres, and convert the final volume into litres by multiplying by 1,000.
A Few Things to Consider Before Ordering
Your calculation gives you an estimate, but it's worth considering a few practical factors before placing your order.
1. Existing material: If you can safely retain some of the existing woodchip, you may need less fresh material.
2. Ground conditions: Uneven or sloping ground can affect the amount required.
3. Settling: Woodchip may settle or become displaced over time, depending on the conditions and how the area is used.
4. Delivery costs: Compare the total delivered cost of different bag sizes, rather than just the price per bag.
Remember that the correct depth depends on the intended application. Specialist uses, including playground surfacing, may have specific product and installation requirements.
Order Woodchip from MA Woodchips & Bark
We hope this guide makes it easier to work out how much woodchip you need for your next project.
At MA Woodchips & Bark, we're a family-run supplier offering quality woodchip, bark and sand. Our woodchip is available in 50L bags, 1,000L bulk bags and 2,000L bulk bags.
Ready to get started? Explore our range of woodchip and choose the quantity that best suits your project.