Plain language definitions for terms you will see on delivery tickets, calculators, and quotes.
Volume terms
Cubic yard: a cube 3 feet on each side, equal to 27 cubic feet. Cubic foot: a cube 1 foot on each side, equal to 1,728 cubic inches. Cubic meter: a cube 1 meter on each side, about 1.308 cubic yards.
Material terms
Aggregate: crushed stone, gravel, and sand used as a base or in concrete. Fines: very small particles in a stone product. Topsoil: the upper layer of soil rich in organic matter. Fill: soil or stone used to raise grade. Screened: passed over a screen to remove stones and lumps.
Job terms
Bank volume: material measured in place. Loose volume: material after it has been dug. Compaction: pressing material to remove air. Waste factor: extra material ordered to cover loss. Lift: a layer of material placed and compacted before the next layer.
Ordering terms
Ready mix: concrete mixed at a plant and delivered in a truck. Short load fee: an extra charge for a small delivery. Heaped load: material piled above the sides. Struck load: material leveled with the top of the container. Ton: usually the 2,000 pound US ton in landscape supply.
Frequently asked questions
What does yard mean on a ticket?
It almost always means cubic yard.
What is a ton in landscape supply?
A US ton of 2,000 pounds, unless the ticket says metric.
What is a lift?
A layer of material placed and compacted before the next layer is added.