MaterialScopeProject guides
Clear answers to the questions that come before a material order. Explore worked examples, compare options and take the next step with a calculator.
Good estimates start with good measurements.
Learn what to measure, which units to use and how to split an awkward space into simple shapes.
Concrete
From slab thickness to bag counts: understand the volume before you order.
Bagged concrete vs. ready-mix: which should you buy?
Compare total cost, bag handling and delivery access before choosing concrete for a small patio or pad.
ConcreteQuikrete vs. Sakrete: comparing two concrete mixes
Compare QUIKRETE Concrete Mix No. 1101 with Sakrete High-Strength Concrete Mix using published specifications and project cost.
ConcreteHow much concrete for a 10 × 10 slab?
Compare thicknesses, extra material and bag quantities for a 10-foot-square slab.
ConcreteHow much concrete for a 12 × 12 slab?
Compare thicknesses, extra material and bag quantities for a 12-foot-square slab.
ConcreteHow much concrete for a 20 × 20 slab?
Compare thicknesses, extra material and bag quantities for a 20-foot-square slab.
Concrete4-inch vs. 6-inch slabs: the material difference
Understand the change in volume before discussing the right design for your project.
Concrete60-lb vs. 80-lb concrete bags
Compare yield, bag counts and material cost for the same project volume.
ConcreteHow many bags of concrete do I need?
A repeatable method for converting slab volume into a whole-bag shopping quantity.
Gravel
Measure driveway layers and compare volume with delivery weight.
Roofing
Make sense of roof area, squares and product-specific bundle coverage.
How many shingles do I need?
Work from roof surface area to whole bundles using the selected product’s coverage.
RoofingHow to measure a roof for shingles
Find roof square footage and edge lengths from the ground, using the footprint, the pitch and a few simple multiplications.
RoofingHow many bundles are in a roofing square?
A square always describes area. The number of bundles depends on the product.
Paint
Account for wall height, coats and coverage before opening a can.
Flooring
Plan for cuts, extra material and whole-box quantities.
Landscaping
Choose the right depth, then work out your bags or bulk delivery.