Starting a landscaping project in Auckland? One of the first things you need to figure out is what materials to order and how to get them delivered. This guide covers the most common landscaping supplies, what they are used for, and how bulk delivery works.
Common Landscaping Supplies and What They Are Used For
Here is a rundown of the most popular landscaping materials ordered by Auckland homeowners:
Bark Mulch
Bark mulch is the go-to for garden beds across New Zealand. It suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and breaks down over time to feed the soil.
- Best for: Garden beds, tree surrounds, paths through planted areas
- Depth: Apply 50-75mm deep for effective weed suppression
- Lifespan: Needs topping up every 12-18 months as it breaks down
Scoria (Red and Black)
A lightweight volcanic rock that is excellent for drainage and decorative use. For a deeper dive, see our scoria delivery guide.
- Best for: Drainage, driveways, garden beds, retaining wall backfill
- Depth: 50-100mm for decorative use, deeper for drainage
- Lifespan: Permanent - does not break down
Topsoil and Garden Mix
The foundation for growing anything. Quality topsoil makes the difference between a thriving garden and a struggling one. Read our topsoil delivery buyer’s guide for quantities and pricing.
- Best for: New lawns, raised beds, vegetable gardens, filling and levelling
- Depth: 100-150mm for lawns, 300-400mm for garden beds
River Pebbles
Smooth, rounded stones that add a polished look to any landscape design.
- Best for: Garden borders, water features, decorative beds, path edging
- Depth: 30-50mm is usually sufficient
Metal and Gravel (AP20, AP40)
Crushed rock used for structural base layers and driveways.
- Best for: Driveway base, path foundations, under pavers, drainage
- Depth: 100-150mm as a base layer
Sand
Used in construction, paving, and play areas.
- Best for: Under pavers, concrete mixing, sandpits, levelling
- Depth: Varies by application
How to Choose the Right Materials for Your Landscaping Project
The right materials depend on your project goals:
For a new garden bed:
- Line with weed mat (optional)
- Fill with premium garden mix or topsoil
- Plant
- Top with 50-75mm of bark mulch
For a new driveway:
- Excavate and compact the base
- Lay 100-150mm of AP40 metal as a base course
- Top with 50mm of AP20 metal or decorative scoria
- Compact the surface
For drainage improvements:
- Dig drainage channels or soak pit
- Line with geotextile fabric
- Fill with 40mm scoria or drainage metal
- Cover with topsoil or lawn
For decorative landscaping:
- Prepare and level the area
- Lay weed mat
- Cover with your chosen material (scoria, pebbles, or bark)
Bulk Delivery vs. Bagged Products: Cost and Convenience
You can buy landscaping materials in bags from garden centres or hardware stores, or order bulk delivery by the cubic metre.
Bagged products:
- Convenient for tiny jobs (under 0.5 cubic metres)
- Easy to transport in a car
- Expensive per cubic metre ($150 - $300+/m3 when buying bags)
Bulk delivery:
- Cost effective for anything over 0.5 cubic metres ($50 - $100/m3 plus delivery)
- Delivered directly to your property
- No multiple trips to the store
- Far less plastic packaging waste
For most landscaping projects, bulk delivery is significantly cheaper and more convenient. A single cubic metre of bark mulch in bags from a hardware store can cost three to four times more than ordering bulk delivery.
How Landscaping Supply Delivery Works in Auckland
Here is what to expect when you order landscaping supplies for delivery:
- Choose your materials - Decide what you need and calculate quantities
- Get a quote - We give you a clear price including delivery
- Schedule delivery - We work around your timeline, and same-day delivery is often available
- Prepare the drop zone - Clear a flat, accessible spot where the materials can be tipped
- Delivery day - Our tipper truck places materials exactly where you need them
Our truck can access most residential driveways in Auckland. For properties with tight access, we will discuss the best approach when you book.
Order Landscaping Supplies From J-Tip It in East Auckland
We deliver landscaping supplies across East Auckland and the wider Auckland region, including Howick, Botany, Pakuranga, Dannemora, Flat Bush, Half Moon Bay, and beyond.
What you get:
- Quality materials from trusted NZ suppliers
- Precise placement on your property (not just dumped on the kerb)
- Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
- Same-day delivery often available
Whether you need a cubic metre of bark for your garden beds or a full truck load of scoria for a driveway, we have got you covered.
View our aggregate delivery and landscaping & earthworks services, or get a free quote for landscaping supplies delivery. Call us on 021 189 4590.