Have Questions? We Have Answers.
Here you'll find answers to the most common questions we receive, designed to help you navigate our products and services quickly and easily.
The page is organized into four sections: Product-Related FAQs, Ordering and Delivery FAQs, Project-Specific FAQs, and General Service FAQs.
If your question isn't answered here, please feel free to call us at 262-567-6823 or reach out online here anytime!
Product Related FAQs
What is the difference in the type of mulches?
Here at Brinkmanns, we have natural and dyed mulches. The natural mulches will decompose over the years, whereas the dyed mulches will only fade color and not decompose. Natural and dyed mulches look the same when picked up.
Is your economy mulch natural or dyed?
We craft our own mulch using reclaimed wood pallets, sticks, and various wood pieces. Each year, the mulch may vary in color, but it consistently maintains high quality. Our cost-effectiveness stems from producing it in-house, avoiding expenses associated with purchasing mulch and transporting it to our facility. We pride ourselves in providing different options for all types of families.
What type of stone should I put as a base for my project?
The type of stone you use for your project depends on what your end goal is. If you are looking for something to be compacted, like a driveway, you should use traffic bond. Traffic bond (TB) does not allow for drainage in the yard. There are little fines which prevent water and other materials from leaking through the stone. If you are looking for stone to go under your patio, behind walls, or to fill low or small spaces, then clear stone is a good option for you. Clear stone allows for drainage.
What are the different sizes and colors of gravel available?
Our smallest gravel would be our 3/8th Traffic Bond in the color white. We also have the same stone in the size ¾ and 1.5”. For colored gravel, we offer Charcoal Spardust (⅜”), Orange Spardust (0”-1”), and Ruby Red Spardust (0”-1”).
Do you sell different grades of sand?
We sell two different types of sand. Mason Sand and Torpedo Sand:
- Mason Sand: Also known as playbox sand, or beach sand, is most commonly known for its smoother grade. It has a fine texture and is also used for masonry work. If you are looking for sand to fill in the spaces between pavers, Mason Sand is the better option of the two.
- Torpedo Sand: This sand is more of a coarse sand. It has bigger pieces and is commonly used as a base material for foundations or mixed in with concrete.
Can you explain the differences between Screened Topsoil, Fill, Purple Cow and Bed Builder
- Screened Topsoil: Topsoil is screened dirt, rich in nutrients and suitable for planting. It is ideal for improving soil quality in garden beds and lawns by providing a fertile medium for grass growth.
- Fieldrun Topsoil: Fieldrun is clumpy with chunks and rocks. It is used to fill in a large area or hole. The rocks, sticks, and other materials in fieldrun soil makes it hard for plants and vegetation to grow. This is why the top few inches to a foot of your yard should be screened topsoil.
- Fill: Fill consists of dirt mixed with rocks, twigs, and other debris. It is primarily used to fill large areas or create a base for construction projects where structural support and bulk density are needed.
- Bed Builder: Bed builder is an organic composition that includes manure, wood shavings, grass, and plant chips. It is specifically made to enrich soil with organic matter, promoting healthy plant growth in raised beds and gardens. If you are looking for soil to help plant growth, a mix between Bed Builder and Topsoil is recommended.
- Purple Cow: Purple Cow is an organic compost that is manure-free and soil-free. It is made from natural ingredients and designed to enhance soil fertility without synthetic additives. Purple Cow compost is an eco-friendly choice for nourishing plants and improving overall soil health in sustainable gardening practices.
Ordering and Delivery FAQs
How can I place an order for your products?
The fastest option for placing a delivery is calling our office. We are able to take all your information and guarantee the same day or next delivery. We also have an online web form available for fill out. Once you fill out the form, our office staff will call you to confirm the placement of your order. To place an order, please call 262-567-6823
Can you dump my materials anywhere I want?
We can generally dump wherever the homeowner wants. Typically homeowners want their materials on their driveway but certain times we will dump the materials in the yard. This is only after the homeowner signs a waiver allowing us to do so. Our drivers have final say in what they feel comfortable doing. If our driver feels s/he might get stuck, they are able to decline homeowner preferences, and dump where they see reasonable.
Is there a minimum order for delivery?
No, there is not an order minimum. We can deliver as little as one yard at a time. Delivery for one yard, will cost more for delivery of more yards. Please call our office for pricing as it also depends on what city you live in. 262-567-6823
Do you deliver on weekends?
During the summer, we possibly have a delivery driver on Saturdays. We do not guarantee deliveries over the weekend, as there's a possibility you will receive the materials the following Monday.
How do we pick up supplies?
Both of our yards, one in Summit and one in Dousman, have a loaderman in the yard ready to load your truck or trailer. Pull up to the pile you want loaded, and the loaderman will find you. After you get the materials you want, the loaderman will hand you a ticket you can use to pay inside. We do this so that you are only charged for what you picked up, rather than what you think might fit in the truck/trailer. If you are needing a small amount and do not have a truck or trailer for pick up, then you can collect the materials you desire in garbage cans, recycling bins, or five gallon buckets.
Project Specific FAQs
What types of grading projects do you typically handle?
We will handle any types of grading, finish or rough. We do gravel driveway installation, shed pads, and other base work. Our projects are typically the foundation for another project to sit on. Whether it is stone, sand, or dirt, we are able to mold the area into what would be perfect for your project. We will also complete your yard with a finish grade as to prepare it for grass growth. Give us a call to get more specific details about how we could help you with your project.
How do you determine the cost of a grading project?
Our project coordinator will work with you to determine the length and cost of your project. The cost will be a combination of machine time, amount of materials used, and how many employees the job will take to complete.
General Service FAQs
Do you offer consultations or site visits?
Depending on the services you are inquiring about, we will come out to see your project area in order to evaluate how best we can help you. Our grading project manager will talk to you over the phone to decide if this is a job we are capable of completing. After the phone call, he will set up a meeting with you where he visits your house to further assess your needs.
What areas do you serve?
We will deliver materials within a 20 mile radius of our Oconomowoc and Dousman yard. If you are farther away, the delivery pricing might increase depending on where you are located and what materials you ordered but it is possible we will deliver to your location.
For grading and projects, we will service anywhere in wisconsin. Depending on the location, there might be a high travel cost that would have to filter in.
Are there any special discounts or promotions available?
If you leave us a google review you will receive $10 off one purchase for the summer. If you mention one of our employees' names, then they will also receive $10 as a bonus!
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Amex, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Debit cards, Cash or Check.
Have more questions?
Reach out to us online or call 262-567-6823.