Shredded Hardwood Mulch Calculator: Estimate Cubic Yards, Tons & Bags (2026 Cost Guide)
Double- or triple-shredded hardwood bark (natural, black or brown dyed) — the most common bulk mulch at US landscape yards.
Shredded hardwood mulch knits together into a mat that stays put on slopes and holds moisture well. It breaks down faster than cedar, which feeds the soil but means an annual top-up. Spread it 2–4 inches deep depending on how aggressive your weeds are.
1Measure your area
2Prices (optional)
+ $75 typical delivery
Your Shredded Hardwood Mulch estimate
Total volume
2.04 cu. yd
Bags needed
28
Estimated weight
0.81 tons
Bulk order
2.5 cu. yd
- Bulk (2.5 yd + delivery)$163
$88 material + $75 delivery
- Bagged (28 × 2 cu. ft bag)Best value$111
$3.97 per bag
Buying bags saves about $51. Prices are US averages — enter your local quotes above.
Can my truck haul it?
- Mid-size pickup (~1,000 lbs)2 trips
- Half-ton pickup (F-150 / Silverado 1500) (~1,500 lbs)2 trips
- 3/4-ton pickup (2500 series) (~2,500 lbs)1 trip
- 1-ton pickup (3500 series) (~4,000 lbs)1 trip
Material shopping list
| Shredded Hardwood Mulch — bulk≈ 0.81 tons · $163 delivered | 2.5 cu. yd |
| Shredded Hardwood Mulch — or bagged (2 cu. ft bag)$111 at $3.97/bag | 28 bags |
| Coverage3" deep · 10% overage included | 200 sq. ft |
Prices are estimates. Confirm bag yield (cu. ft) on the package before buying.
How much shredded hardwood mulch do I need? Quick-reference table
Pre-calculated amounts for common project sizes, including a 10% overage. Bags are based on the 2 cu. ft bag; weight uses 800 lbs per cubic yard.
| Area | Depth | Cubic yards | Cubic feet | Bags | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 2" | 0.68 | 18.3 | 10 | 0.27 tons |
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 3" | 1.02 | 27.5 | 14 | 0.41 tons |
| 10×10 ft (100 sq. ft) | 4" | 1.36 | 36.7 | 19 | 0.54 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 2" | 0.98 | 26.4 | 14 | 0.39 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 3" | 1.47 | 39.6 | 20 | 0.59 tons |
| 12×12 ft (144 sq. ft) | 4" | 1.96 | 52.8 | 27 | 0.78 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 2" | 2.72 | 73.3 | 37 | 1.09 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 3" | 4.07 | 110 | 55 | 1.63 tons |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq. ft) | 4" | 5.43 | 146.7 | 74 | 2.17 tons |
How much area does a cubic yard of shredded hardwood mulch cover?
| Depth | 1 cu. yd covers | 1 ton covers | 1 bag covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 324 sq. ft | 810 sq. ft | 24 sq. ft |
| 2" | 162 sq. ft | 405 sq. ft | 12 sq. ft |
| 3" | 108 sq. ft | 270 sq. ft | 8 sq. ft |
| 4" | 81 sq. ft | 203 sq. ft | 6 sq. ft |
| 6" | 54 sq. ft | 135 sq. ft | 4 sq. ft |
The shredded hardwood mulch formula, step by step
This calculator uses the standard US bulk-material formula:Cubic Yards = (Area in sq. ft × (Depth in inches ÷ 12)) ÷ 27. Here's a worked example for a 12 × 12 ft area at 3 inches deep:
- Measure the area. Multiply length × width in feet to get square feet. Break irregular shapes into rectangles and add them.
- Convert depth to feet. Divide the depth in inches by 12. A 3" layer is 0.25 ft.
- Calculate cubic feet and yards. Multiply square feet × depth in feet for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Add a waste factor. Multiply by 1.10 to add 10% for settling, compaction and spillage.
- Convert to bags and tons. Divide cubic feet by 2 for 2 cu. ft bag, and multiply cubic yards by 0.4 for tons.
Result: 144 sq. ft × 0.25 ft = 36cu. ft ÷ 27 = 1.33 cubic yards. With 10% extra that's 1.47 cu. yd — about 20 bags or 0.59 tons.
Shredded Hardwood Mulch cost guide (2026)
- Bulk:$25–$50 per cubic yard (US average ≈ $35), plus about $75 delivery.
- Bagged:2 cu. ft bag ≈ $3.97 each — 13.5 bags per yard, or about $54 per cubic yard.
- Weight: 800 lbs per cubic yard (0.4tons). A half-ton pickup can safely carry about 1.88 cu. yd per trip.
Pro tips for installing shredded hardwood mulch
- Double-shredded mulch interlocks better on slopes; triple-shredded looks finer in formal beds.
- Dyed black or brown mulch holds color for about a season before fading.
- Lay mulch after a good watering so the soil underneath stays moist.
- Order bulk in half-yard increments — most landscape yards won't load less.
Common uses
- Sloped beds where lighter mulch washes away
- Vegetable garden aisles and perennial beds
- Large commercial or HOA common areas
Shredded Hardwood Mulch FAQ
How much does a yard of hardwood mulch weigh?
Dry shredded hardwood mulch weighs about 600–800 lbs per cubic yard; wet mulch can top 1,000 lbs. A half-ton pickup can usually haul 1.5–2 yards safely.
How many 2 cu. ft bags of hardwood mulch do I need for 100 square feet?
At 3 inches deep, 100 sq. ft needs 25 cu. ft of mulch — 13 bags of 2 cu. ft, or 14 bags with a 10% overage for settling.
Will hardwood mulch attract termites?
Mulch doesn't attract termites from far away, but it does hold moisture. Keep any mulch 6–12 inches away from your home's foundation and siding as a precaution.
Do I need to remove old hardwood mulch first?
Not usually. If the old layer is under 2 inches thick, just loosen it and add fresh mulch on top. If it is matted and over 4 inches deep, remove some so the total stays around 3 inches.