YBT YardBuild Tools Landscaping · Aggregate · Framing tools
Gravel Mulch Roof Rafter Stairs Stringer Materials

Sources & references

YardBuild Tools cites extension services, manufacturer guidance, municipal IRC reprints, and industry bulletins. Links open the publisher’s page. Not legal advice. Not a substitute for a licensed engineer, architect, or your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Adopted code editions and product warranties vary — verify before you buy or cut.

We do not invent code section numbers or quote statutes we have not traced to a reliable source. Where primary ICC text is paywalled, we cite municipal handouts that reprint the relevant IRC language and link ICC Digital Codes for the section entry. We do not reproduce copyrighted IRC span tables.

Gravel calculator

  1. Earth and Aggregate Surfacing Design Guide (TN 210-AEN-04) — USDA NRCS

    Engineering guidance for earth/aggregate surfacing; thickness depends on load, subgrade, and aggregate quality — not a single DIY driveway number.

  2. Municipal Quick-Guide to Driving Surface Aggregate (Appendix G) — Penn State Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies

    Example placement: about 8 in loose aggregate compacted to ~6 in for driving-surface aggregate contexts. Municipal/road context — adapt cautiously for home driveways.

  3. CDOT Standard Specs §304 Aggregate Base Course — Colorado Department of Transportation

    Highway-spec practice: place ABC in lifts (compacted layer typically ≤6 in unless approved); density targets ~95% max. Illustrates lift/compaction discipline, not a residential DIY recipe.

Mulch calculator

  1. All You Need To Know About Mulch — Oklahoma State University Extension

    Extension guidance: mulch 2–3 in near plants; coarse ~3 in, fine ~2 in; avoid mounding against trunks.

  2. Mulching Herbs, Vegetables and Fruit Trees (ENH1361/EP625) — University of Florida IFAS Extension

    Apply 2–3 in around established plants; seedlings/herbs often ≤1 in; leave space at trunks (no volcano mulching).

  3. Principle 4 — Mulch (Florida-Friendly Landscaping) — University of Florida IFAS

    Keep a 2–3 in layer on plant beds; leave space around trunks.

  4. Proper Mulching Techniques — University of Illinois Extension

    Recommends roughly 2–4 in depending on material; keep mulch off trunks.

  5. Applying Mulches in Home Fruit Plantings — Penn State Extension

    Settled mulch depth typically 2–3 in for weed control and moisture; keep away from stems.

Roof pitch calculator

  1. Minimum Slope for Shingles: What Contractors Need to Know — GAF

    States absolute minimum asphalt-shingle slope 2:12; 2:12 to <4:12 treated as low slope needing double underlayment; typical residential often 4:12–9:12.

  2. Installation of Asphalt Shingles on Lower Sloped Roofs — Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA)

    Industry bulletin: asphalt shingles allowed 2:12 to <4:12 only with special underlayment; never below 2:12.

  3. Landmark® Applicator Manual (slope definitions) — CertainTeed

    Manufacturer slope bands: do not apply shingles below 2/12; low slope below 4/12; standard 4/12 up to 21/12.

Rafter calculator

  1. Minimum Slope for Shingles: What Contractors Need to Know — GAF

    States absolute minimum asphalt-shingle slope 2:12; 2:12 to <4:12 treated as low slope needing double underlayment; typical residential often 4:12–9:12.

  2. How to Size Roof Rafters (IRC R802.4 overview) — Building Code Trainer

    Explains IRC R802.4 span-table concept, loads, and when engineering practice is required. We do not reproduce copyrighted span tables.

  3. Rafter Size — IRC R802.4.1 — UpCodes (code text mirror)

    Shows that rafters are sized from IRC Tables R802.4.1(1)–(8); spans measured on horizontal projection. Confirm adopted edition with your AHJ.

Deck stair calculator

  1. Residential Stairs — CRC / IRC R311.7 handout — Placer County Building Services

    Municipal reprint of IRC-style R311.7.5: max riser 7¾ in, min tread 10 in, uniformity ≤ ⅜ in. Local California amendments may apply; always confirm with your AHJ.

  2. IRC Section R311.7.5: Stair Treads & Risers handout — City of Boise

    Building-department handout aligning with IRC R311.7.5 riser/tread limits.

  3. IRC 2021 § R311.7 Stairways (Digital Codes) — International Code Council

    Primary IRC digital codes entry for stairways. Full text may require ICC account; use with municipal handouts above.

Residual gaps (honest)