What is the True Cost of Rubber Mulch?

Good News... it's less than you think!

When you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor space, you’ll find many options available for outdoor flooring and ground-level enhancements. But with so many choices, how can you be sure to get the best value for your money while sticking to your project’s budget? 

Knowing what price suits your budget takes some research. You’ll want to be sure that you select materials that are not just eye-catching, but also durable. Spoiler alert: rubber mulch can give you a long-lasting solution that will save you money in the long run. 

Start with how much you’ll need.

The size of your project will ultimately dictate the cost. Start out by taking the first step toward your outdoor vision by measuring the area (or areas) that will be upgraded. Once you’ve measured the length, width, and depth you can calculate how much product you will need to buy. 

It’s important to determine the correct amount of material to avoid leaving gaps or areas left without enough coverage. The goal should be to have a consistent layer or amount of product throughout. 

Estimating the costs.

Once you have estimated the amount of materials you will need, determine how much materials will cost by shopping for suitable options based on your type of project.  Choosing the right type of material will depend on its purpose and the project’s budget. Are you enhancing the garden, upgrading the playground, adding a pathway, or replacing patio flooring? In addition to price, compare what each material offers (advantages and disadvantages).

Here is a straightforward look at the cost of rubber mulch and a competing solution over time. Wood mulch is an ongoing expense. Rubber mulch is a durable investment.

*These are average costs that may vary over time.

There are lots of options out there so it’s important to do your research. Prices for rubber mulch, wood mulch, cement, pavers, and other materials vary. You may even compare what a new lawn would cost to install versus laying down mulch. But price isn’t the only key factor.

If you’ve allocated a certain amount of money for your project, price may be a huge factor in your choice of materials. Taking a preliminary look at what items will cost will help you get an idea of what to expect. But looking only at price may end up costing you more. 

• The first step is to set the amount you’re willing and able to spend on your project. It’s a good idea to establish a flexible budget to cover unexpected expenses. You can’t always predict what you may have overlooked (shipping fees) or issues that can pop up unexpectedly. 
• Set a realistic timeline that fits the project completion date and your budget to avoid higher-priced rush jobs and additional costs. Don’t forget to think about seasons and weather when setting your calendar.
• Track your progress and expenses as you go along to stay on budget. Keep ahead of potential budget issues by keeping an eye on the project’s schedule and what you’ve spent so far.

There’s no question that material costs are priority one. But add-ons to price can be unexpected or overlooked. For example, if you need a huge amount of mulch for your playground project, how much will it cost to have materials shipped? Are pick up options available?

Be sure to add any shipping or delivery fees, if applicable. This can make a sizable difference if you need quite a bit of product or live outside of normal delivery areas.  

Depending on the size of your project, you may decide to do it yourself or hire someone to do the work for you. Of course, using outside help can alter your costs by a large margin. Many times, what you pay a contractor will far exceed material costs. 

• If this is a DIY project, look around at the various options that appeal to you. Know how much you will need and be sure to check the different product quantities offered (by yard, by square foot, per ton, etc.) and their corresponding prices. Set up a spreadsheet with project details and product comparisons to keep your research in one place. 
• If you are hiring a contractor, be sure to get three quotes based on the same parameters (size, coverage, thickness, depth, etc.). Note timelines and if there are any discrepancies on what needs to be done to complete the project. Note what you will need to buy versus what the contractor supplies.

Establishing overall project cost versus pricing is important to remember as you shop around for the different options. As you compare materials, be sure to consider benefits like quality and durability in addition to price.

In addition to price,  you should also compare product advantages and disadvantages. What may be a cheaper option today could wind up costing more in replacement and maintenance. Here are some other things to consider when comparing side-by-side options. 

• Quality – Starting with quality materials will reap benefits year after year. For example, unlike wood mulch and other organic options, rubber mulch does not have to be replaced annually. This will provide you with big savings overall.
• Lifespan – What’s the life expectancy of your chosen material? Recycled rubber materials far outlast organic materials. You can expect rubber mulch to last 10-12 years if installed and maintained correctly.
• Durability – Materials used outdoors need to be durable for your investment to be worth the cost. Unfortunately, you will find that some materials break down sooner than others. Rubber mulch, however, does not decompose or break down over time like organic mulch. 
• Value – Determining true value relates to the product’s worth and usefulness. To get the most out of your money, choose a product material that works hard for you. Rubber mulch requires less maintenance, suppresses weeds, provides topsoil insulation, and reduces termites and ants. 
• Improve home value. – Choosing quality materials that also provide a long life like rubber mulch or pavers not only give your property curb appeal and functionality, but can add to your home’s overall value. 

Now that you’ve decided on rubber mulch, how do you find the best price? Knowing how much rubber mulch will cost is important to your budget and project’s overall success. Start online to quickly determine costs based on your needs. Once you find the right recycled rubber material for your project, measure the area to estimate the cost.

• Calculate how much mulch you will need. Measure the length and width of your project’s area and decide the thickness and depth, then calculate the volume. To figure cubic yards, add length, width, and depth to determine cubic feet total.
• Get the best deal! Buy your rubber mulch directly from the manufacturer. You’ll skip the retail go-between and save money.

Get started on your next outdoor project with Rubbermulch.com today!

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