Our frequently asked questions are broken into categories to assist you.
FAQs
General
Delivery
Decomposed Granite
Flagstone
Do you guarantee your products?
Since natural stone is a product of nature, we include the following disclaimer on all sales: All stone is a product of nature and cannot be guaranteed for color, shape, uniformity, or tendency to fracture. The variation of color, shape, and texture is inherent to and an integral part of the characteristics of natural stone. Installers should be aware of and discard any irregular or abnormal piece that might be present before installation.
How much Decorative Rock do I need?
Our general rule of thumb is one yard of rock will cover 100 square feet at a depth of approximately 2 inches. Use our calculators to get a quick estimate of the amount of material you’ll need for your project.
What sizes of Decorative Rock are there?
In general, the most common dimensions of Decorative Rock are 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, or 1 inch up to 1 ¼ inch. Sizes vary depending on the mine and equipment used to crush it.
What is the best depth for Decorative Rock?
We typically recommend a depth of 2 inches for most Decorative Rock installations. Recommended depths vary based on the intended use.
What is the difference between screened, minus, and washed rock?
The classes of rock are based around the number of fines – dirt which goes through the screening process and ends up in the final product – they contain. The three most common classes are minus, screened, and washed. ‘Minus’ rock can contain up to 80% fines, making it look more like a pile of dirt with some rocks than the other way around. ‘Screened’ rock typically contains between 20% and 40% fines. The cleanest, or most ‘pure,’ rock is ‘washed’ rock.
What does the “minus” mean when you see a product size like 3/8″-?
When you see a product with a minus (3/8″-), it means that the rock is from 3/8″ down to sand size. If you want nothing but the crushed rock with no smaller particles, request the screened 3/8″ rock.
What if the rock I receive is not the same color as the rock I ordered?
Rock is a natural product and will therefore always have color variations. It is virtually impossible to guarantee the color of a given kind of rock unless the customer makes their selection at the quarry itself. Ordinarily, the color difference between a sample and the rock that is delivered should only vary in color by a shade or two.
How should I install Decorative Rock once I have it?
There are two ways that we recommend the installation of your decorative rock: hire a qualified installation contractor, or do it yourself. If you do it yourself, make sure you’re prepared with the right tools on hand. For small quantities, you’ll need a sturdy wheelbarrow, a round nose shovel, and a flat nose shovel, good leather work gloves, and sturdy shoes or boots. For medium to large jobs, we recommend renting a small skid loader, available from most rental yards, and some extra labor.
How do I keep weeds from growing in my rock?
There are several weed-prevention solutions available for most installations. We recommend either of the following weed-prevention materials: Landscape fabric – A tough, fibrous black fabric installed as a base for the rock on the prepared ground. It is less sun-sensitive and easier to install. Being porous, it breathes and allows water to flow through it. Its dense weave keeps weeds from growing through. Pre- or post-emergence chemical or environmentally safe sprays. A pre-emergence solution is sprayed on bare ground, deterring seeds from germinating. It does need to be re-applied periodically depending on rain and drainage. Post-emergence sprays or solutions work as or after weeds appear in the landscape. This method works as long as you stay on top of it and kill the weeds or grass early and regularly.
You offer a variety of sands. What is the difference between concrete sand, plaster sand, fill and infill sand?
Concrete Sand is a coarse sand with larger particles. This type of sand is typically used in concrete but can also be used as pipe sand or as a base layer and leveling medium for above ground pools, and patios or walkways made of concrete paving stones. Plaster Sand is finer grade sand with smaller particles. It’s often mixed with water and cement to make mortar for laying bricks/blocks. It can be used in cement, particularly for projects like swimming pools and concrete paving stones where the finer grain gives a more finished appearance. Its finer texture also makes it an acceptable replacement for beach sand in applications like sand volleyball courts. Fill Sand is non-processed sand. Product size ranges from occasional 2″ rock down to 15% silt and clay. This product is excellent for fill under slabs, fill behind retaining walls, and trench fill applications that do not require any particular particle size gradation. Infill Sand is used in artificial grass as a stable base to hold the blades upright and to retain a springy feeling. Typically colored green, it is spread between one-eighth and one-quarter inch deep within the grass blades and allows the artificial turf to remain functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Do you install the product when it gets delivered?
New Sonoran is a landscape rock and supply retailer. We do not offer landscape installation but can recommend landscape professionals based on your project needs. *Please note, New Sonoran is not affiliated or aligned with any landscape contractors.
Is there a minimum order for delivery?
There is no minimum order required for delivery. We do recommend planning for your project needs so you can save on delivery costs.
How is Decorative Rock delivered?
Normally, decorative rock comes in bulk, delivered with a dump truck. Very small quantities of decorative rock – typically pebbles or pea gravel – may be available in bagged form. Bulk rock is delivered by dump truck to the site specified by the customer.
What if I need to cancel my scheduled delivery the day before?
Deliveries canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled delivery date will lose the initial 25% deposit.
What types of trucks do you use for delivery?
New Sonoran has a fleet of trucks and equipment used for delivery. Check out our delivery options for more details on our fleet.
How do I deal with large deliveries to my home?
It’s easy to get in trouble if you don’t take the time to think about how big the trucks are vs. the size of your gates or other entrances and/or egresses. This is a critical part of any home project that is frequently overlooked. For instance, a standard or larger sized dump truck will not be able to fit through an 8-foot gate, go over the soft grass, under trees, or over concrete patio or pool decking. Also, most trucking companies won’t go over residential street curbs for legal reasons. Be prepared to sign a liability waiver stating that you take responsibility for any damage done to the curb or sidewalk if there is no other way to get your material to its desired or required location on your lot. Most typically, your rock will be delivered to your address and dumped on the street in a pile in front of your house. Be sure to check with the city or HOA for what kind of markers or cones that you may need for the duration of your project. If you live in a rural area or have a big yard and no issues with curbs, grass, trees, water mains, sprinklers, etc., the delivery company can generally accommodate you about where you want the rock.
What if I live in a gated community?
When delivering to a gated community, we ask that you inform the gatekeeper before arrival. Any standby time accrued while waiting for gate access is the customer’s responsibility.
What if I have a long driveway, will you put the material where I want it?
We are more than happy to accommodate any special requests discussed before delivery. Each delivery includes 15 minutes of offload time. Customers must sign a Release of Liability Form if the delivery is on private property.
If I am ordering large boulders, will you place the boulders where I want them?
Boulder placement is available dependent upon crane access. Crane placement is charged at an hourly rate with a 2-hr minimum. Our friendly sales staff will guide you through this process and answer any questions you may have.
When will my delivery take place?
Once an order is complete, our Dispatch Department will contact you to schedule the delivery. Delivery of in-stock products generally occurs within 3-5 days. Delivery of Special Order products vary. Our sales staff can provide lead times on all items.
How can I stabilize my pathway?
If you want a more structured surface for your pathway or backyard, you can add a soil binder to the Decomposed Granite. We carry both an organic powdered binder and an inorganic liquid binder. Both options will stabilize your Decomposed Granitewhen wetted and compacted. For the best results, we recommend using a licensed contractor for any large installations.
How much Decomposed Granite do I need? How deep should my Decomposed Granite pathway be? What about for a driveway?
The industry norm for Decomposed Granite coverage is about one ton for every 100 square feet at a 2″ depth, compacted. We recommend installing 2″ depth of Decomposed Granite for pathways and 4″ for driveways.
What is the difference between Decomposed Granite and Stabilized Decomposed Granite
Decomposed Granite or “DG” is a combination of 3/8″ granite pieces and granite fines. The fines in the DG make the material well suited for ground cover, pathways, and driveways. Stabilized Decomposed Granite includes a stabilizing agent that prevents the material from moving. Stabilized Decomposed Granite provides a harder surface that is perfect for high traffic areas.
What decisions do I need to make before buying flagstone?
Options include color, type of pieces (patio or select), thickness (3/4” up to 4”), and texture (smooth, rippled, cleft, tumbled).
What is the difference between “Patio” and “Select” when determining the size of Flagstone?
Patio indicates smaller diameter “stepping stone” type pieces while Select or Stand-Up indicates larger pieces. Select pieces are generally more expensive because they are harder to produce. It’s more difficult to split a large piece of stone without breaking it into smaller pieces.
When do I need to use thin pieces of flagstone rather than thicker pieces?
Use the thinner flagstone when you have an existing subsurface like a concrete floor or a CMU block wall. Use thicker pieces when you dry-set or sand-set flagstone over dirt.
