The Ultimate Bark nugget Calculator
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Overview
It's always wise to use a play bark calculator when planning a play area or garden feature with pine bark nuggets, as it can be full of challenges, especially when it comes to placing an accurate order. Thankfully, due to the invent of online tools, like our play bark chippings calculator, it is easier to ensure that you order the right quantity, saving you time and money. But, it's not always just about the final look; it's also important to achieve the required depth, for proper fall safety, when it comes to building play areas. Let's get straight into the basics on how to get the best out of these calculators, and then you can give ours a whirl!
Just a quick note about our new tool, called the 'Pebble Picker', in the sidebar and menu. It allows you to effortlessly browse and choose from every decorative aggregate available based on their colour and type.
Key Takeaways
What is a Bark Chip Calculator?
They go by many names, but in essence, they are all a type of bark coverage calculator. These online tools were designed to help DIY landscape gardeners and homeowners work out the amount of bark needed for their project or planned play areas. They may also be used as an effective pine bark mulch calculator when planning borders or ground cover. It helps to take the guesswork out of a very important aspect of planning, which is how to order the right amount of materials!
Importance of Accurate Play Bark Estimations
You might wonder: why can't I just estimate the right amount of play bark chippings to order? Well, perhaps you can. However, an accurate calculation can save you money, time and effort. We cover the correct depth you will need for safety, below. Ultimately it's your choice, but it's always best to try to get it just right first time.
If you have a project idea but haven't measured up yet, you can also use our bark coverage chart as a quick reference guide to estimate your approximate needs.
Bark Coverage Chart
← DEPTH OF BARK LAYER →
Volume | 50mm (2") | 75mm (3") | 100mm (4") | 125mm (5") | 150mm (6") | 300mm (12") |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Bulk Bag | 20㎡ | 13㎡ | 10㎡ | 8㎡ | 6.5㎡ | 3㎡ |
2 Bulk Bags | 40㎡ | 26㎡ | 20㎡ | 16㎡ | 13㎡ | 6.5㎡ |
3 Bulk Bags | 60㎡ | 40㎡ | 30㎡ | 24㎡ | 20㎡ | 10㎡ |
5 Bulk Bags | 100㎡ | 66㎡ | 50㎡ | 40㎡ | 33㎡ | 16㎡ |
10 Bulk Bags | 200㎡ | 133㎡ | 100㎡ | 80㎡ | 66㎡ | 33㎡ |
50㎥ | 1000㎡ | 667㎡ | 500㎡ | 400㎡ | 330㎡ | 165㎡ |
↑
COVERAGE
↓
How Much Bark do I Need?
Whether it's rubber bark (also known as a rubber chippings or mulch) or a bark nugget calculator, the principles are the same. You need three main measurements: length, width, and depth. Pop in your dimensions, and voila! It will calculate an accurate amount in cubic metres or whichever unit you prefer.
Critical Fall Height Safety
If you are constructing a play surface or any other structure that requires fall safety measures, then it is necessary to ensure that the materials you use are laid at a minimum depth. A table of tested critical fall heights for materials in an uncompressed state is provided below. You can determine the minimum depth required for safety by comparing the highest point of your playground equipment to the type of materials and their corresponding height in the table. Once you have the necessary measurements, you can proceed to use our play bark calculator which is provided below.
Material* | Depth 15cm/6" | Depth 23cm/9" | Depth 30cm/12" |
|---|---|---|---|
2m/7' | 3m/10' | 3.3m/11' | |
Shredded bark mulch | 1.8m/6' | 3m/10' | 3.3m/11' |
1.8m/6' | 2m/7' | 3.6m/12' | |
Fine sand | 1.5m/5' | 1.5m/5' | 2.7m/9' |
Coarse sand | 1.5m/5' | 1.5m/5' | 1.8m/6' |
1.8m/6' | 2m/7' | 3m/10' | |
Medium gravel | 1.5m/5' | 1.5m/5' | 1.8m/6' |
Taken from page 5 of 'The Handbook For Playground Safety'.
*For the uncompressed depth of each material.
The Role of Cubic Metres in Calculation
Across the world, there the cubic meter, and then there is the cubic metre. It's a handy unit when considering bulk, because a bulk bag is approximately equal to one metre cubed in volume. Using this general rule helps to gauge how much bark, in bulk bags, you'll need.
Understanding Units of Measurement
When calculating, understanding depth units such as feet, yards, or cubic meters is key. The depth determines how thick your surface layer will be. Ever tried diving into a shallow pool? The experience isn't quite the same. This is of particular importance for achieving protection from a critical fall height in playgrounds.
Feet, Yards, and Metres: The Right Units of Measure
While some may prefer feet, others might lean towards metres. Most online calculators work for all the units. Remember, it's not about converting apples to oranges but ensuring the apples you have are the juiciest!
Our Handy Calculator
Gardening should also be fun! With our calculator at your fingertips, you'll know how many bags of play bark or rubber bark chippings are required in no time. The results are based on an average weight of a Play Bark Bulk Bag: ~500kg per cubic metre. Please keep in mind that this average can generally apply to standard bulk bags of approximately 1㎥, so checking the suppliers sizing is also advisable.
Summary
Whether you're setting up a DIY children's playground or planning an enchanting pine bark garden path, getting the right amount for sufficient coverage is essential. However, with some careful measuring and by leveraging our online calculator, your garden project will be smoother, simpler, and easier to budget for with confidence. Take it for a spin - it's free!
FAQs
How do I work out how much play bark I need?
Input the dimensions of your area (length, width, depth) into our online calculator, in the desired units, and you'll get an accurate estimate in cubic metres or feet.
How far will 100 Litres of bark cover?
Although not always the most economical way of purchasing, for small areas, a depth of 2.5cm gives you approximately 2㎡ of surface area while 5 cm provides a 1㎡ surface area.
How much does 1 tonne of bark cover?
A one tonne bulk bag will generally cover a total area of 10-12㎡ at a depth 10cm. The standard bulk bag size of 86 cm x 84 cm x 85 cm.
How deep should rubber bark be for play area?
For play areas, a depth of 15-30cm (6-12 inches) is recommended for maximum safety. However, for specific materials, in the table above are the official critical full height depth required for safety floors in play areas for children. By adhering to the standards in the table you will be able to minimise the injuries or harm to your children in the case of a fall from playground equipment.
