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FAQs
Firewood
Q: Can I buy firewood here online?
A: Absolutely! Click here to go straight to our firewood page.
Q: What species is your firewood?
A: Our firewood is Pilliga - known as the 'Rolls Royce' of
firewood, because it is slow burning with high heat output,
minimal ash and little smoke. Pilliga is a region of New South Wales
where trees grow slowly (growth rings are close together), making the firewood denser and slow burning - the hardest of hardwoods.
Q: How big are your pieces of firewood?
A: They vary, but on average our standard firewood size is
around the size of a loaf of bread. We use a dedicated firewood tumbler - a piece of equipment that cleans the wood and sorts it into more accurate sizes, discarding dust, debris and smaller pieces - ensuring you pay for wood, not debris.
Q: How big is your "stove size" firewood?
A: "Stove size" firewood is a smaller product, with pieces
around the size of half a French stick. These smaller pieces
save you splitting the wood and are ideal for small
fireplaces and stoves. Again, these are cleaned,
sorted and sized in our tumbler.
Q: How dry is your firewood?
A: Our firewood is aged to have a moisture content of less
than 25%, which is defined as properly seasoned and is the level recommended by the Firewood Association of Australia (FAA) for optimum burning. We test all our firewood to make sure it is properly aged.
Q: Why should I buy from a Firewood Association of Australia member?
A: Firewood Association of Australia (FAA) members are
committed to using sustainable firewood that meets both
environmental and usage criteria. BC Sands is proud to be a
FAA member, to meet all the requirements of their approval
program and to follow their code of practice, which includes
ensuring our firewood supply is environmentally sustainable,
is seasoned and ready to burn, and complies with trade
measurement regulations. Find out more at the FAA website.
Q: How is your firewood packaged?
A: The most economical way to buy our firewood is in 500 kilo bulk bags, delivered by
crane truck, which place the bag in a convenient spot
for you. You can store the wood in the bag. We also sell 20kg bags, which come with handles and which most people can carry on their own. The 500 kilo bags of standard size work out as the
cheapest option, working out at just under 50c per kilo of
firewood, which you can further reduce with our online,
quantity or other discounts (stove size works out at just
under 60c per kilo and 20kg bags at under $1.00 per kilo). We also offer packaged options that can save money on firewood and delivery charges and should keep your fire going all winter - see our Mega Combo Pack.
Q: How much firewood do I need for winter?
A: This varies between individuals, but as a guide, our
customers who use a fireplace, tile fire or slow combustion
stove every weekend, plus intermittently during the week,
usually go through four bulk bags of wood each winter.
Q: How much kindling should I order?
A: This depends on how often you light your fire, but
typically we sell two bags of kindling for each bulk bag of
firewood.
Q: Why do you sell firewood by weight, and not by the
cubic metre?
A: Weight is the best and fairest way to sell firewood.
Selling by the cubic metre can be unreliable, because you
also pay for the air in between the pieces of wood. The way
the firewood is stacked, for example, in a loose pile, or
stacked in tight rows will make a difference to the amount
that you get. With weight, 500kg is 500kg and any gaps
between pieces will make no difference. We weigh our bags on
a trade-approved certified scale so you can be sure that you
are getting full value for money. The FAA commented in an article: "Because all dry firewood contains
approximately the same amount of energy (19-21 MJ/Kg),
buying by weight is a good way of ensuring that you get the
same amount of heat from every load, regardless of species
or wood density. Buying by weight is the safest method as
you know what you are getting..."
Q: How can I compare prices on firewood when suppliers
use different measures?
A: The only way to be sure you are getting what you are
paying for is to compare weights. Many firewood merchants
sell by load, crate, truck or wheelbarrow, which are not
trade-approved units of measure. We always ensure that you
get what you pay for by selling by weight, with every bulk
bag weighed to check it contains 500 kilos - not approximate
or roughly, but guaranteed. Dust, sawdust and the smallest
pieces of wood are filtered out in the loading process so
you know you are paying for wood, not waste.
Q: What are bulk bags?
A: These are large poly woven bags measuring 900 x 900 x
1200cm high, containing 500 kilos of firewood and with a
flap on the top to protect the firewood from the elements.
These bags are specially ventilated to allow air to continue to dry out your already seasoned firewood and be ready for burning. As well as simplifying delivery, bulk bags provide a convenient, no-mess way for you to store your firewood. When the bags are empty they can be used for composting garden waste or storing things. You can also fill them (like a skip bin) with rubbish or junk and call us to have it taken away - find out more about our skip bin collection service.
A: This is a pollution reduction device that
maximises the heat you get from your fuel and reduces smoke
haze and particulate emissions. It will also clean your
chimney and flue, removing soot and flammable sap deposits,
reducing the risk of fire. It's easy to use - simply lay it
at the bottom of your fireplace. SmartBurn has won many
awards and benefits both the environment and you!
Q: Do you ever sell recycled firewood, like old railway
sleepers?
A: No, we never sell recycled firewood, because we are
concerned about the dangers this might pose. Some railway
sleepers and other pre-used wood products have been treated
with arsenic or creosote and other dangerous chemicals.
Railway sleepers may also have absorbed oil, paint or other
products that might cause fumes or unexpected sparks from
your fire. BC Sands firewood is a safe, slow-burning wood
from a sustainable source.
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Firewood Delivery
Q: Where can I find firewood on your website?
A: Click on this link to go straight to our firewood page!
Q: What areas do you deliver to?
A: We deliver to the greater Sydney region daily (other than Sundays). We deliver to the Royal National Park, including Bundeena, Maianbar and Helensburgh, on
Wednesdays and to South West Sydney (along the M5 corridor from Padstow to Campbelltown) on Tuesdays. We can also deliver larger quantities to other areas - call us on (02) 8543 3401 to discuss.
Q: How far can your crane trucks lift the bulk bags?
A: Our crane trucks will fit down most domestic driveways
(2.7m or 9 feet needed for access) and the crane has a three
metre reach, so the operator can usually put the bag in a
convenient location for you. Depending on access, our crane
trucks can also lift your firewood over side or back fences.
You can store your firewood in the bag, just taking out what
you need, when you need it.
Q: How does the special delivery price for firewood work?
A: When you choose this option when checking out, we will deliver your
firewood during periods that avoid traffic congestion around
your area. We load our trucks with
multiple deliveries and the driver unloads along the most
efficient and time-saving route - and we pass that saving on
to you. If you really need your firewood at a specific time
then it is best to select the 'Reserved date/time'
option.
Q: Can I share the delivery cost with my neighbour?
A: Yes, if you and your neighbour(s) on the same block order together for the
same delivery time, we will only charge a single delivery
fee. If your neighbour is a new customer for us, then we
will give you a 5% discount off your next order - see next
question. You can still order online if you make the whole order under a single name and then call us on (02) 8543 3401
to let us know that we will be delivering to more than one home, or let us know in the notes as you check out and we will call you. Some very enterprising streets have organised firewood deliveries for multiple neighbours and have split a single delivery fee between them!
Q: Do I get a reward for referrals?
A: Yes, like many businesses, ours thrives on word of
mouth! If you are happy with our firewood and service,
please let us know about any other firewood users that you
know and if they place an order with us, we will give you a
5% discount off your next order.
Q: Can I pick up my firewood to save on delivery costs?
A: Yes, we now offer Click & Collect, so you can make your purchase online and then pick up 20 kilo bags, a boot load of 125 kilos, a ute load of 250 kilos or a bulk bag of 500 kilos
from our Taren Point yard. You can also
borrow our courtesy trailer, which can handle a weight of up
to 750 kilos (deposit required).
Landscaping
Q: How do I know how much mulch I need?
A: We recommend that you use mulch to a depth of 75-100mm
(10cm). For 10cm coverage over an area of 1m2 you would need
two of our 60 litre bags. So the first thing to do is to
measure your garden bed to work out the area you want to
cover in square metres. (Length x width will give you the
measurement in square metres, e.g. if your bed is 3m long
and 2m wide, 3m x 2m = 6m2.) Then multiply that by two to
work out how many 60 litre bags you need. In our example, it's 6
x 2 = 12 bags. If you discover that you need 1000 litres or
more, then you might want to think about ordering a 1m3 bulk
bag (which equals 1000 litres), or asking for your mulch to
be delivered loose in bulk. Both of these methods will save
you money compared to buying the smaller bags, although the
smaller bags may be easier for you to transport around your
garden.
Q: How do I know how many pebbles I need?
A: We recommend approximately 50mm coverage over 1m2,
depending on the size of the pebble. Pebbles are sold in 20
kilo bags and to cover 1m2 to a depth of 50mm, we recommend
using approximately 4 bags. So the first thing to do is to
measure your garden bed to work out the area you want to
cover in square metres. (Length x width will give you the
measurement in square metres, e.g. if your bed is 3m long
and 2m wide, 3m x 2m = 6m2.) Then multiply that by four to
work out how many 20 kilo bags you need. In our example, it's 6 x
4 = 24 bags.If you discover that you need 1000 kg or more,
then you might want to think about ordering a one tonne bulk
bag (which equals 1000kg), or asking for your pebbles to be
delivered loose. Both of these methods will save you money
compared to buying the smaller bags, although the smaller
bags may be easier for you to transport around your garden.
Mulches
Q: Is any specific type of mulch better at stopping
weeds?
A: No mulch can completely stop weed growth, however wood
chips like our Wood Chip or Red Wood Chip make it harder for
them to grow. Most mulches will deter weeds if thick enough.
If you use a depth of 75-100mm (7.5-10 cm) then you should
only have to pull out the biggest and most persistent weeds.
Q: How long will my mulch last?
A: It depends on the type of mulch that you use. Leaf Mulch
breaks down within a year or so, but Wood Chip can last a
few years. Most people put down new mulch every year to give
their garden a fresh, clean look in spring. However, under
the new layer, your old mulch is still working for you. As
it breaks down and decomposes it will enrich your soil.
Q: Does mulch help my soil to retain moisture?
A: Yes, mulch will help keep your soil dark and cool. The
thicker the layer, the more effective it will be. Water the
soil thoroughly before you lay down your mulch. If you water
your garden after laying your mulch, remember to water very
thoroughly so that the water can make its way through the
mulch into the soil. You are still saving water, though,
because the mulch will make the most of every drop you put
into your garden, so you shouldn't need to water so often.
Q: What is "Soft Landing"?
A: Soft Landing is a fine, soft pine mulch, designed for use in
playgrounds and under trampolines. Our Soft Landing is
Australian Standard certified as suitable for these
purposes, when installed to standards, but you can also use
it as general garden mulch.
Q: If I put mulch next to my house, will it attract
termites?
A: We don't recommend that you put mulch right up
against your house, or any wooden structure. In fact, pest
controllers recommend that you keep all garden beds away
from your house. If you are worried about termites, you
might like to try Cypress Mulch. While we love the smell,
termites hate it!
Q: Is the dye in red wood chip natural?
A: Our Red Wood Chip is dyed with environmentally-friendly
dye. The colour is long-lasting, but will gradually fade
with exposure to sun and other elements.
Q: My garden is mostly natives; should I use a special
type of mulch?
A: Avoid phosphorus-rich mulches, such as manures, but
other than that you can use most types of mulch with a
native garden. The choice is purely the look you prefer!
Leaf Mulch gives a natural "native"look, while Pine Bark,
Cypress Mulch and Eucy Mulch will create a more formal or
traditional look.
Soils
Q: What's the difference between Organic Garden Mixand
Native Organic Garden Mix?
A: Native Organic Garden Mix has been created specifically
to suit Australian native plants which are adapted to our
phosphorus-low soils. Using a normal garden mix which
includes phosphorus is not beneficial to these plants. Our
Native Organic Garden Mix will give Australian plants just
what they need! Our Organic Garden Mix can be used for all
other types of plants and we also offer a special vegetable
mix for your vegetables.
Q: How do I use Premium Lawn Builder?
A: Our Premium Lawn Builder is a very versatile product. To
top dress your lawn, simply scatter over and distribute with
a lawn leveler to a depth of around 15mm, and then water
thoroughly (or apply just before rain is due and let the
rain do that for you!). It can also be used as a lawn
underlay when you are laying a new lawn (use a depth of
75-100mm), or as an additive for garden beds.
Q: Why would I want to buy soil? My garden is full of
it!
A: Unfortunately, in our area you're likely to find that your
existing garden soil is not always the best quality.
Beautiful plants and lawn need a good growing medium to be
at their best. Enriching your garden with new soil and/or
fertilizers is one way of making sure your garden grows
well. For an existing garden, digging in VitaGrow can
help make the most of your plants. We also have special
Planter Box Mixes for enclosed planter boxes and raised
garden beds, and a potting mix for pots.
Pebbles
Q: Can weeds grow through pebbles?
A: Weeds can grow through almost anything! However, to make
life hard for them, give any existing weeds a quick spray
with weedkiller, avoiding any existing plants, then lay down
a layer of fine mulch, followed by a thick layer of pebbles.
Q: What's the best type of stone or gravel to use for a
driveway or path?
A: It's largely up to you and the look you prefer, but
smaller stones are best for this purpose, for pathways
around 5-10mm and for driveways around 20mm. Avoid round
smooth stones, which won't compact into a solid base.
Crushed products like Crushed Tile or Decomposed Granite,
which keep a firm base once compacted, are ideal. We also
sell Road Base which is the perfect material to use under a
decorative gravel driveway. Use a depth of at least 100mm
road base and a layer of at least 50mm of your decorative
gravel.
Q: Can I just put gravel on top of my old concrete
driveway?
A: Unfortunately if you do this, you will find that the
gravel tends to move around, exposing the concrete
underneath. It can also be quite dangerous for people to
walk on.
Q: Do you sell polished pebbles?
A: Yes, we have a wide range of polished pebbles in colours
ranging from black to white, and lots of colours in between!
Turf
Q: Do you sell turf other than Sir Walter?
A: We have a wide range of turf for all kinds of different
purposes! Sir Walter is one of the most popular domestic
turfs on the market. However, we also sell Couch, Kikuyu,
Matilda, Santa Ana, Sapphire and can
order other turfs in as required. Take a look at our turf
range.
Purchasing and Delivery
Q: Do you deliver and is there a minimum quantity?
A: There is no minimum delivery quantity if you pay the
full cost of delivery. We offer discounted delivery for off-peak orders of $200 or over. Our delivery calculator can estimate delivery costs, but please note it only works if you have something in your cart, and may change depending on the products in your cart and the delivery address. We also offer Click & Collect, which enables you to purchase online and then pick up your goods at our Taren Point yard--just click that option when you are checking out.
We sometimes
deliver larger quantities to other areas - call us on (02) 8543 3401 to discuss.
Q: How soon can you deliver?
A: When do you want it?! In most cases (80%) we can deliver
on the day you order or you can choose a time to suit you
(although this may not qualify for the discounted delivery
rate). Discounted deliveries normally take place within
24-48 hours, other than in the areas where we have specific
delivery days.
Q: Do I get a discount for ordering online?
A: Yes - we discount all purchases from our online shop by
2.5%.
Q: Do I get a discount if I buy more than one thing at a
time?
A: If you buy multiple bags of the same item, you may
qualify for a quantity discount. You will also minimise your
delivery cost.
Q: What days do you deliver?
A: In the greater Sydney region, we deliver six days a week, from Monday to Saturday. We usually offer next day delivery, depending on
the area. We
sometimes deliver larger quantities to other areas - call us
on (02) 8543 3401 to discuss.
Q: How far can your crane trucks lift the bulk bags?
A: Our crane trucks will fit down most domestic driveways
(2.7m or 9 feet needed for access) and the crane has a three
metre reach, so the operator can usually put the bag in a
convenient location for you. Depending on access, our crane
trucks can also lift bags over side or back fences. We also
have a crane with a 13m reach. Please ring for details on
(02) 8543 3401.
Q: What does 'off-peak delivery mean?
A: When you choose this option, we will deliver during
periods that avoid peak hour congestion around your area on
the specified day, often the afternoon, although this may
vary. Practically what happens is that we load our trucks up
with multiple deliveries and the driver unloads along the
most efficient and time-saving route - and we pass that
saving on to you. If you really need your products at a
specific time then it is best to select the 'specified
date/time delivery' option.
Q: Can I pick up my online purchase at your yard?
A: Yes, with our Click & Collect option, you can make your purchase online and then pick up your goods at our Taren Point yard. It's free! But please don't forget to bring your photo ID, or we may not be able to release your goods.
Any more questions? Please send us an email at Sales at
BC Sands and we'll answer you within 24 hours!
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Tradies
Q: Is your pricing trade pricing?
A: Yes, all our pricing is trade pricing as the majority of our customers are companies and tradesmen.
Q: If I order today, when will I get my products?
A: Most of the time we can deliver on the same day you order, or within 24 hours, depending on product availability and distance.
Q: Does your pricing change for larger quantities?
A: Yes, the majority of our products are quantity priced so the more you buy, the cheaper it will be. For example, our Turf Gro starts at $75 per cubic metre, but if you buy three cubic metres, the price drops to $71.25 per cubic metre.
Q: What increments do you sell in?
A: The majority of our products are sold in cubic metres or tonnes. All our bulk and bulk bag products are sold in increments of a quarter, e.g. 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 tonne or cubic metre.
Q: How long does it usually take for a special order item to arrive?
A: The lead time for most of the products we special order is three to five days. However, this can change depending on factors like our suppliers' stock levels and travel time. Some items come in faster and others, such as polished pebbles, can take longer. We will always let you know, as accurately as we can, when you can expect your order to arrive.
Q: What's the difference between yellow brickies sand and white brickies sand?
A: Other than the difference in the colour of the mortar, the difference is in the sands' level of 'fat', or clay content. White brickies sand is a 'fattier' sand, which means it contains more clay, making the sand more workable when mixed with cement. Yellow brickies is also a fatty sand, but contains less clay and gives a less clean finish. White brickies sand is more expensive than yellow brickies sand.
Q: What is the difference between Organic Garden Mix and compost?
A: Organic Garden Mix is a blend of composted green waste, sand and other ingredients and can be used in general garden beds. It's blended to Australian Standard 4419 and is good for most plants, other than natives. We offer a specific blend for native plants and another for vegetables. Compost is a soil improver produced from composted green waste and blending it with existing soil improves the structure of the soil and adds nutrients to help your plants thrive.
Q: With pebbles, how do I convert cubic metres into tonnes?
A: This depends on the size of the pebbles, but as a rough guide one cubic metre of pebbles equals one tonne of standard pebbles (10-40mm).
Q: How much ground will a 20kg bag of pebbles cover?
A: This will depend on the product and the depth required, but as an example, we recommend using four 20kg bags of standard pebbles (10-40mm) to cover one square metre at a depth of 50mm.
Q: How many cubic metres are needed to cover a square metre?
A: This depends on the product and the depth you need. See our list below for some general calculations, or work it out more precisely using our calculators, or call us for more advice!
- 1 cubic metre of product covers 10 square metres to a depth of 100mm
- 20 x 60 litre bags of product make 1.2 cubic metres
- 1m3 mulches/soils/Turf Gro covers 25m2 @ 40mm OR 50m2 @ 20mm
- 1 ton sand/aggregate/pebbles covers approx. 12m2 @ 50mm
Skip Bin Bags
Q: How big is a BC Sands Skip Bag?
A: Our bags measure 900 by 900 by 1200 high and can carry
up to one tonne in weight.
Q: How do I know what one tonne actually is?
A: Imagine the bag three quarters full of sand or
soil – that’s how heavy a tonne is! If you are filling the
bag with something particularly heavy, such as bricks,
concrete or metal items, then you might want to leave a
bigger gap at the top to be sure that you are below the
weight limit. Most domestic waste should be fine.
Q: What can I put in my bag?
A: Most construction, garden and domestic waste is fine,
including building, DIY and renovation waste, lawn
clippings, garden waste, sand and soil, rocks, household
goods and furniture, cardboard, empty paint cans, household
appliances – doors removed, carpet and mattresses (must fit
completely in bag).
Q: What can’t I put in my bag?
A: Glass or anything with sharp edges that might tear the
bag, any liquid waste, including paint cans with paint in
them, oil or things which have contained oil, batteries,
tyres, propane or gas tanks, fluorescent tubes, anything
containing asbestos, poisons, chemicals or toxic waste, and
food waste.
Q: Can I fill the bag in my back garden?
A: Only if your garden has easy, open access to a driveway
or street. Our crane trucks need 3m of clear, open space to
operate their crane. However, they are small enough to use a
standard driveway.
Pricing and payment
Q: What about the pick up costs?
A: The pick up price for BC Sands Skip Bin Bags is the web price,
plus cartage (varies depending on distance). To get a quote
for your suburb, visit our online shop, put a skip bin bag
pick up in your shopping cart, then click on 'estimate
delivery' and enter your suburb. (You do not have to enter
any personal details to do this, nor will it commit you to
any purchase).
Q: How do I pay for pick up?
A: When you are ready for your bag to be picked up, please
call us on (02) 8543 3402 or request it online. Please have your
credit card ready to make payment.
Q: Can I pay for my pick up when you collect the bag?
A: No, we’re sorry, but we only take payment by credit card
in advance.
Pick up
Q: How long will I have to wait for pick up?
A: We aim to be there within 24-48 hours. You do not have
to be there for us to pick up the bag/s.
Q: How do you pick up the bag?
A: We use a crane truck with a three metre reach. Please
make sure we can pick up your bag by placing it within a
three clear metre reach of the road or driveway.
Recycling and reuse
Q: Do you recycle the rubbish?
A: Yes, we recycle as much as we can – and our bags
themselves are 100% recyclable.
Q: How often do you reuse the bags?
A: A bag is only used once for rubbish and then it is
recycled. If you have purchased a bag with BC Sands product
that bears our rubbish bag tag, then you can use it for our
rubbish service, after which it will be recycled. Product
always leaves our yard in new bags.
Location
Q: I live in Canberra, can I use this service?
A: We’re sorry, but at the moment we only cover Sydney
Metro.
Skip Bin Bag Hotline:(02) 8543 3402 We’ll answer you within
24 hours!
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Delivery
Q: How soon can you deliver?
A: When do you want it?! In most cases (80%) we can deliver on the day you order or you can choose a time to suit you (although this may not qualify for the discounted delivery rate). Discounted deliveries normally take place within 24-48 hours, other than in the areas where we have specific delivery days.
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FAQs
