Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about the products or services AJK Contracting have available? Browse through our frequently asked questions to find out more. We’ve also provided several handy tips and tricks for caring for your lawn or calculating the amount of soil you need.
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A: Yes, we have a small tipper that carries up to 4.5 tonne, tandem tippers up to 13 tonne and truck and trailer combinations up to 38 tonne. The cubic metre volume for each truck type is dependent on the weight of the product. We deliver 6 days a week, Monday to Saturday.
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A: While we do our very best to deliver same day, there are circumstances that can prevent this from occurring. We highly recommend that you book in advance so delivery is guaranteed on the time and day that you require.
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A: Unfortunately, we don’t. Someone must be home to take the delivery. We will always phone first to make sure that you are home or that someone will be there.
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A: In most cases yes, but please ensure that access is not restricted. This can include driving under carports, trees, power lines and eaves. Ground conditions need to be considered as the trucks are heavy and can get bogged
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A: No, however we can recommend landscaping businesses who can assist.
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A: You can use our handy calculator to receive an estimation of what you need. To calculate cubic meterage, measure the area (length x width), then multiply that by the depth (length x width x depth). Alternatively, contact us with the measurements and we’ll work it out for you.
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A: Yes, all our products can be purchased by the trailer or ute load.
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A: Whilst we don’t offer bagged products, you can provide your own buckets/bags to self-fill.
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A: We’ll do our best to source the product for you, or give you a recommendation on where best to find that product.
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A: We can mix products for your specific needs, but we require at least 1 day’s notice, and this would also be dependent on the quantity required.
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A: No, however we can suggest local suppliers who do.
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A: You can pay by cash, credit card, cheque or direct deposit.
Tips and Tricks
Size/Weight Conversion
To calculate cubic volume, simply multiply length by width by depth. To convert cubic volume to tonnage, the general rule is sand and soils multiply by 1.3, pebbles and heavy products multiply by 1.8.
Product Units
Almost all of AJK Contracting’s products are sold by the tonne. Our mulches, woodchips etc are sold by the cubic metre. Box trailers and utes are sold by the ¼, ½, ¾ or cubic metre. When ordering bulk quantities by the tonne, use the size/weight conversion above to estimate the number of tonnes per cubic metre.
Pebbles
Pebbles can be an expensive product and we think it’s vital that you get the most out of your order. When using pebbles as a decorative cover, always allow at least 2.5 times the diameter of the pebble you’re using when looking at the depth of pebble cover. Eg for 20mm depth, use a 0.050mm pebble.
Also, if you have a great depth to fill, use a cheaper product to fill most of the depth – such as blue metal or river sand. Mixing different pebble colours or sizes together will allow your garden to make a greater visual impact.
Garden Soil
When filling your new garden bed, or when topping up existing beds, always order slightly more than the raw cubic measurement to allow for settling of the soil.
Also, when planting natives, make sure they sit above the natural ground level, as this will prevent several root diseases.
Turfing
When laying new turf, always lay a bed of good soil or sand first. This provides the new grass roots easy downward growth, securing good water and nutrient supply. Never make the bed soil too sandy as this will slow down the water loss. If you have clay soil, add gypsum. It’s always a good idea to check the soil pH before laying new turf. A pH around 6-6.5 is optimal for good growth.
Watering
Always water your gardens and lawns heavily once or twice a week to encourage your plants to grow deep root systems.
This helps them to become more drought resistant.
Mulches
Decorative mulches can improve the look of your garden. Before you select your ideal mulch however, it is worth investing some time to improve the quality of your soil. We recommend using good quality compost – this will improve the soil condition and further help with water retention. You can then add the surface cover of your choice.