Material glossary
Speak the language of the yard.
Practical definitions for comparing materials and asking better questions. Project requirements are always confirmed separately.
- Aggregate
- A broad family of granular materials such as rock, gravel, and sand used for landscape or construction purposes.
- Base material
- Material placed and compacted below a finished surface; the correct type and depth depend on the project design.
- Boulder
- A large individual stone usually selected by approximate size, shape, character, and placement access.
- Compaction
- The reduction of voids in placed material. Moisture, lift depth, equipment, and material gradation affect results.
- Cubic yard
- A volume measuring 27 cubic feet. Coverage changes with installed depth, settling, and project conditions.
- Decomposed granite (DG)
- Weathered granite particles offered in different colors, gradations, and sometimes stabilized formulations.
- Flagstone
- Natural stone pieces used for paving, steps, walls, or accents; thickness, dimensions, finish, and coverage vary.
- Fines
- Smaller particles in a material blend that can affect compaction, drainage, dust, and finished texture.
- Gradation
- The distribution of particle sizes in an aggregate rather than a promise that every piece has one exact size.
- Infill
- Material installed between synthetic-turf fibers; the specified system and intended use determine the appropriate product.
- Riprap
- Larger durable rock commonly specified for erosion or water-management work; design and placement requirements matter.
- Ton
- A unit of weight. Converting between tons and cubic yards requires a material-specific bulk-density assumption.
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Rio Stone can confirm the product, variant, unit, practical quantity, price, and pickup or delivery options.
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