How Much Is Rubber Mulch Per Yard Cost?
The average rubber mulch cost per cubic yard is typically between $300 and $500. This price of rubber mulch by the yard can change based on many things. These include where you buy it, the color, and if it’s recycled.
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What is Rubber Mulch?
Rubber mulch comes from old tires. Makers shred or cut these tires into small pieces. These pieces look like wood mulch or small nuggets. It is a way to use old tires instead of throwing them away. This makes it a green choice for your yard or play area.
Why People Use Rubber Mulch
Many people choose rubber mulch for different reasons. It lasts a long time. It does not break down like wood mulch. It also helps stop weeds. It can keep bugs away too. For play areas, it is soft. It helps protect kids from falls. Using recycled rubber mulch cost is often seen as helping the Earth.
Things That Change Rubber Mulch Cost
The rubber mulch cost per cubic yard is not set in stone. Many things make the price go up or down. Knowing these things helps you guess your total cost.
What the Mulch is Made From
Most rubber mulch is made from old tires. This is recycled rubber mulch. It is the most common kind. Sometimes, makers use new rubber. But this is rare and costs more. Recycled rubber is good for the planet. Its cost depends on getting old tires and making them ready.
How the Mulch Looks
Rubber mulch comes in different styles.
* Shredded rubber mulch: This looks like small pieces or strips. It is common for gardens and play areas. The shredded rubber mulch price is often standard.
* Nugget rubber mulch: These are chunkier pieces. Some people like this look better. It might cost a little more sometimes.
* Binder rubber mulch: This is small rubber bits mixed with a glue. It makes a soft, solid surface. This is mainly for playgrounds. The cost of rubber playground mulch using this method is higher. It takes more work to put down.
The Color of the Mulch
Plain black rubber mulch is usually the cheapest. Colors like red, brown, green, or blue cost more. Makers add special color coatings to the rubber. This takes extra steps. These coatings can fade over time, but good ones last years. The price goes up for colored mulch.
How Much Mulch You Buy
Buying more mulch usually costs less per yard.
* Bags: Small bags (0.8 cubic feet) cost the most per yard. They are easy to carry for small jobs.
* Bulk: Buying in large amounts is cheaper per yard. You buy it by the cubic yard or ton. This is where bulk rubber mulch price comes in. You save money buying this way for big areas. Rubber mulch bulk suppliers sell this way. The price of rubber mulch by the yard is lowest when buying bulk.
Who You Buy From
Where you get your mulch matters.
* Local garden centers: They might sell bags or small bulk amounts. Prices can be higher here.
* Big home improvement stores: They mostly sell bags. Prices are set by the store.
* Rubber mulch bulk suppliers: These companies sell large amounts. They often sell only bulk. They can give you the best rubber mulch cost per cubic yard. They work well for big projects.
Special Quality Needs
For playgrounds, rubber mulch must meet safety rules. It needs to be a certain size and depth. It must be soft enough to cushion falls. Mulch that meets these rules might be tested. It might have special labels. This can add to the cost of rubber playground mulch. Safety is key here, so the price might be higher for certified kinds.
Where You Are and How it Gets to You
Your place in the country affects the price. Mulch made far away costs more to move. Also, getting the mulch to your home adds cost. This is the rubber mulch delivery cost. It depends on how far the truck travels. It also depends on how much mulch you order.
Finding Typical Rubber Mulch Costs
Let’s look at what rubber mulch might cost. Prices can change often, so these are just rough numbers.
Cost Per Bag
Rubber mulch bags are small. A common size is 0.8 cubic feet. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. So, you need about 34 bags to make one cubic yard (27 / 0.8 = 33.75).
- Price per bag: $10 to $20
- Cost per cubic yard (buying bags): $340 to $680 (34 bags * $10 or $20)
Buying bags is much more costly per yard than buying bulk. But bags are good for small spots or touch-ups.
Cost Per Cubic Yard (Bulk)
This is the best way to buy for big areas. It is also how rubber mulch bulk suppliers sell it. The rubber mulch cost per cubic yard covers the mulch itself. It does not include delivery yet.
- Plain black bulk rubber mulch: $250 to $400 per cubic yard
- Colored bulk rubber mulch: $350 to $550 per cubic yard
- Higher-grade playground bulk mulch: $380 to $600+ per cubic yard
These prices can vary. They change based on the things we talked about before. The price of rubber mulch by the yard goes down as you buy more yards from a supplier.
Recycled Rubber Mulch Cost
As noted, most rubber mulch is recycled. So, the prices above are mainly for recycled rubber mulch cost. Virgin rubber mulch would be much more expensive and is rarely used for landscaping or playgrounds. The cost of recycling tires is a big part of this price.
Shredded vs. Nugget Price
The shredded rubber mulch price is usually very close to the price for nugget style mulch made from the same material and color. Any difference is small. It might be a few dollars more or less per yard depending on the supplier and type.
Cost of Rubber Playground Mulch
The cost of rubber playground mulch can be higher. This is true if it meets certain safety standards (like ASTM). These standards test how well the mulch cushions a fall. Playground mulch often needs to be installed deeper too. This means you need more of it. Special types, like the glued-down kind, cost much more per yard or per square foot installed. Loose fill playground mulch that is certified might add $50-$100 or more per yard compared to standard landscape rubber mulch.
Table: Quick Cost Comparison (Estimates per Cubic Yard)
| Type of Mulch | Color | How You Buy | Estimate Cost Per Yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled Rubber Mulch | Black | Bags | $340 – $680 |
| Recycled Rubber Mulch | Colored | Bags | $400 – $750+ |
| Recycled Rubber Mulch | Black | Bulk | $250 – $400 |
| Recycled Rubber Mulch | Colored | Bulk | $350 – $550 |
| Playground Rubber Mulch (Cert.) | Any | Bulk | $380 – $600+ |
Note: These are rough costs. Prices can change based on location, supplier, and order size.
Comparing Rubber Mulch to Wood Mulch
Many people also think about wood mulch. How does the rubber mulch vs wood mulch price stack up?
Initial Cost
Wood mulch is much cheaper to buy at first.
* Wood mulch cost per cubic yard: $20 to $60 (basic types), $30 to $100 (colored or higher quality)
Look at the table above. Rubber mulch costs many times more per yard than wood mulch at the start. This is a big difference when you buy it.
Long-Term Cost
Here is where the story changes. Wood mulch breaks down. It turns into soil. You have to add more wood mulch every year or two. Rubber mulch does not break down for a very long time. It can last 10 years, 20 years, or even more.
Think about buying mulch for 10 years:
* Wood Mulch: You buy it 5-10 times over 10 years. Each time costs $30-$100 per yard. Total over 10 years: $150 – $1000+ per yard used.
* Rubber Mulch: You buy it once. The initial cost is $250-$600+ per yard. Total over 10 years: $250 – $600+ per yard used.
Over many years, the total cost for rubber mulch can be less than for wood mulch. You also save time and work by not having to spread new mulch every year.
Other Points of Comparison
Besides rubber mulch vs wood mulch price, think about:
* Safety: Rubber mulch is softer for play areas.
* Bugs: Rubber does not attract bugs like termites. Wood can.
* Weeds: Both help with weeds, but rubber can be better.
* Color Fade: Both can fade. Good quality colored rubber holds color longer than dyed wood mulch.
* Fire Risk: Dry wood mulch can catch fire easily. Rubber mulch is harder to light and tends to smolder.
So, while the price of rubber mulch by the yard is high at first, its long life can make it cost less over time than wood mulch.
Buying Mulch in Large Amounts
If you need a lot of mulch, buying in bulk is smart. It saves you money on the rubber mulch cost per cubic yard.
Benefits of Buying Bulk
- Lower price per yard: This is the main gain. The bulk rubber mulch price is much lower than buying many small bags.
- Less waste: No plastic bags to throw away.
- Easier delivery: A big truck brings it all at once.
Finding Rubber Mulch Bulk Suppliers
How do you find companies that sell bulk?
* Search online: Look for “rubber mulch bulk near me” or “rubber mulch bulk suppliers [your city]”.
* Landscaping supply yards: Some places that sell soil and stone also sell mulch. Ask them if they have rubber mulch in bulk.
* Playground supply companies: If you need playground mulch, look for companies that sell playground equipment and surfacing. They are good rubber mulch bulk suppliers for play areas.
When you contact them, ask for their rubber mulch cost per cubic yard and what colors they have. Ask about their rubber mulch delivery cost too.
How to Figure Out How Much Mulch You Need and the Cost
Before you buy, you need to know how much mulch you need. Then you can figure out the total cost.
Step 1: Measure Your Area
Walk around the place where you want to put mulch. Measure the length and width in feet.
* Length (feet)
* Width (feet)
If your area is not a simple square or circle, break it into smaller shapes. Measure each shape.
Step 2: Decide How Deep You Want the Mulch
For gardens, 1-2 inches is often enough. For playgrounds, you need more depth for safety.
* Garden beds: 1.5 to 3 inches
* Playgrounds: 4 to 6 inches (check safety rules for your area)
Write this depth down in inches.
Step 3: Use a Rubber Mulch Calculator (or Do the Math)
You need to figure out cubic feet first, then turn that into cubic yards.
* Change inches to feet: Divide your depth in inches by 12.
* Example: 2 inches = 2 / 12 = 0.167 feet
* Example: 6 inches = 6 / 12 = 0.5 feet
* Figure out cubic feet: Multiply length * width * depth (in feet).
* Example: Area is 20 feet long and 10 feet wide. You want mulch 2 inches deep.
* Cubic feet = 20 ft * 10 ft * 0.167 ft = 33.4 cubic feet.
* Figure out cubic yards: Divide cubic feet by 27 (because 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
* Example: 33.4 cubic feet / 27 = 1.24 cubic yards.
So, for a 20×10 foot area at 2 inches deep, you need about 1.25 cubic yards of mulch.
Many websites have a rubber mulch calculator. You type in length, width, and depth, and it tells you cubic yards. This makes it easier. Just search for “mulch calculator” or “rubber mulch calculator“.
Step 4: Figure Out the Mulch Cost
Once you know how many cubic yards you need, use the price per cubic yard from your supplier.
* Needed cubic yards * Price per cubic yard = Mulch Cost
Example: You need 5 cubic yards of colored bulk mulch. The supplier charges $400 per yard.
* Mulch cost = 5 yards * $400/yard = $2000
This is the cost for the mulch itself.
Step 5: Add Delivery Cost
Most bulk orders need delivery. Ask your supplier for the rubber mulch delivery cost. This cost can be a flat fee or based on distance.
* Total Cost = Mulch Cost + Delivery Cost
Example: Your mulch cost is $2000. Delivery is $100.
* Total Cost = $2000 + $100 = $2100
Knowing the rubber mulch cost per cubic yard and the delivery fee helps you budget.
What Makes Rubber Mulch Delivery Cost Change?
The rubber mulch delivery cost is a big part of the total price.
* Distance: How far the truck has to travel from the supplier to your home. Longer drives cost more.
* Amount of mulch: Some suppliers have a minimum order for delivery. The delivery fee might be higher for very small bulk orders or might be cheaper per yard for very large orders.
* Type of truck: Different trucks are used. A big dump truck costs more to run than a smaller truck.
* Your location: Is it easy for a big truck to reach your yard? Hills, small roads, or tight turns can make delivery harder and sometimes cost more.
Always ask your supplier about the delivery cost when you ask about the rubber mulch cost per cubic yard. Get the full price.
Is the High Cost Worth It?
The rubber mulch cost per cubic yard is much higher than wood mulch upfront. So, is it worth it?
Many people say yes, because:
* It lasts a very long time. You don’t buy it often. This saves money over many years (rubber mulch vs wood mulch price long term).
* It saves you work. You don’t have to spread new mulch every year.
* It’s good for playgrounds. The cost of rubber playground mulch is an safety investment. It helps lower the chance of bad injuries from falls.
* It helps the Earth. It uses old tires instead of burying or burning them. This makes recycled rubber mulch cost also an environmental choice.
* It can keep bugs away that eat wood.
For places where safety is key, like play areas, the higher cost of rubber playground mulch is often necessary and worth it. For gardens, the choice depends on if you want to pay more now to save money and work later.
Finding Suppliers for Bulk Orders
To get the best bulk rubber mulch price and low rubber mulch delivery cost, you need to find good suppliers.
- Start Local: Search online for “bulk landscaping supplies near me” or “rubber mulch bulk suppliers in [Your Town/County]”.
- Ask Around: Talk to neighbors, local landscapers, or garden centers. They might know who sells bulk rubber mulch.
- Check Online Marketplaces: Some large online stores or special landscape supply sites sell bulk amounts for delivery.
- Playground Specific Suppliers: If your job is a playground, look for companies that focus on playground building or safety surfaces. They will know the right type and quality needed. They can often provide certified cost of rubber playground mulch.
When you call suppliers:
1. Ask for the rubber mulch cost per cubic yard for the type and color you want.
2. Ask if they sell in bulk (by the yard).
3. Ask for the bulk rubber mulch price for the amount you think you need (e.g., 5 yards, 10 yards). Prices might drop for bigger orders.
4. Tell them your address and ask for the rubber mulch delivery cost.
5. Ask about lead time (how long it takes to get it).
6. If it’s for a playground, ask if the mulch is certified (like ASTM F1292). This impacts the cost of rubber playground mulch.
Getting quotes from a few different rubber mulch bulk suppliers is smart. It helps you find the best deal.
Summary of Rubber Mulch Costs
Let’s quickly look at the numbers again. The price of rubber mulch by the yard depends a lot on how you buy it and its color.
- Bags: High cost per yard, easy for small jobs. ($340 – $750+ per yard)
- Bulk (standard): Lower cost per yard, good for big areas. (Rubber mulch cost per cubic yard $250 – $550)
- Bulk (playground certified): Higher cost for safety. (Cost of rubber playground mulch $380 – $600+)
- Delivery: Adds to the total cost. (Rubber mulch delivery cost varies widely).
The bulk rubber mulch price is the key number for large projects. Remember that recycled rubber mulch cost makes up most of the market. Comparing rubber mulch vs wood mulch price shows rubber costs more at first but can save money over time.
Using a rubber mulch calculator helps you figure out the exact amount you need, which is key to getting an accurate price estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is rubber mulch safe for gardens?
Yes, many studies show that rubber mulch made from recycled tires is safe for gardens. It does not release harmful chemicals into the soil in amounts that hurt plants or people. It does not break down into the soil like wood mulch does.
How deep should rubber mulch be?
For gardens, 1.5 to 3 inches is usually enough to help with weeds and keep soil moisture. For playgrounds, it needs to be much deeper for safety. Check the rules for your area, but 4 to 6 inches is common to protect from falls. The needed depth changes the rubber mulch cost per cubic yard total you need.
How long does rubber mulch last?
Rubber mulch lasts a very long time. It does not rot or break down like wood. It can last 10 years, 20 years, or even longer. The color might fade over time, but the mulch itself stays in place and keeps its form.
Does rubber mulch attract bugs?
No, rubber mulch does not attract bugs like termites or ants. This is a big plus compared to wood mulch, which can be a food source for some pests.
Can I mix rubber mulch with other types of mulch?
You can put rubber mulch on top of soil or a weed barrier. It is not common to mix it with wood mulch or other types. They have different weights and break down at different rates.
How do I clean rubber mulch?
You can rake leaves or blow debris off rubber mulch easily. If it gets dirty, you can gently spray it with water. It does not wash away easily like some lighter mulches.
Is the color permanent?
The color on rubber mulch is a coating. Good quality coatings last many years, but they can slowly fade from the sun. Black mulch is not colored, so it does not fade.
Can I install rubber mulch myself?
Yes, you can install rubber mulch yourself. It involves measuring the area, figuring out how much you need (maybe with a rubber mulch calculator), getting the mulch (bulk delivery is heavy!), and spreading it evenly to the right depth. It’s heavier than wood mulch, so be ready for some work.
Where can I find a rubber mulch calculator?
You can find a rubber mulch calculator on websites of mulch suppliers, landscaping companies, or general home improvement sites. Just search online for “mulch calculator”.
Is the cost of rubber playground mulch always higher?
Usually, yes. Cost of rubber playground mulch often means it meets strict safety standards. This testing and making it just right for cushioning falls adds to the price. Also, you need it deeper for playgrounds, so the total cost will be higher because you need more cubic yards.
This guide should help you plan and budget for your rubber mulch project. Knowing the rubber mulch cost per cubic yard and all the things that affect it is the first step.