A & S Landscape Materials, Inc. - San Rafael, California

Rajinder W.

I picked out five boulders to be delivered and was told by both Jose and checkout clerk that they would place the boulders but I had to "talk to the delivery driver" at the time of delivery.

Upon delivery, the driver said he's been told he cannot place boulders. He said the salespeople put him in this spot all the time - they just want the sale.

I already paid for the expensive boulders and delivery fee and he insinuated I wouldn't get any money back.

I wish I'd have used another company and warn everyone against using A&S!

Keokia P.

Why didn't I come here sooner! (Well, it was mostly because some of the negative online reviews, which I eventually investigated and discovered were not representative, caused me to hedge. Unfortunate.)

I LOVE this place . . . what a find! The people working here are friendly, kind, unpretentious, and so willing to help! And it's otherwise SO difficult to find what they offer . . . I spent a couple of years searching . . . to no avail! I had to hold myself back from buying way more than I should! (Disclosure: decades ago, I was an avid rock collector. Old habits die hard, I guess.)

This place is a total gem (no pun intended). But, if you're searching for Four Seasons (or Restoration Hardware) service and accommodation, this is not your place. I doubt anyone has a landscaping degree, here -- so not wise to expect that degree of expertise. It's more of a big Mom&Pop rock quarry, so don't be surprised about giant trucks and smoky rock dust intermittently wafting through. Hidden away next to San Rafael dump sites. Might not want to bring your spanking clean Tesla, nor wear your Sunday best 😮

I only needed a few small landscaping rocks, maybe 5-20 pounds. Leave yourself time to choose what type. They have a LOT. Lots of Mexican Pebble hue and size variations. Lava and more. Important to double-check for the hues of the current shipment of pebbles/rocks available if it matters to you ("dye lots and natural imperfections will vary" kind of thing).

I kept double-checking their pricing because I couldn't believe what a bargain they appeared to be . . . and actually were! I was dumbfounded when I ended up spending less than $15 and could barely even lift my heavy windfall out of my trunk when I got home. (They have mulch types and ground stone, too. Also, massive boulders, including in bulk. They have little sandwich ziplock bags available, so I think you can also purchase very small quantities. Other things in their little "store," but I didn't check out exactly what.)

I ran into old friends there, who needed a LARGE quantity of upgraded rocks now that they "upscaled" their yard due to the drought, and said the total cost of their rock purchase was pricey. They required delivery services. But they otherwise looked happy with their purchase. So, there's the other end of the spectrum.

Oct 15, 2021, when mask mandates were lightened: the employees were still all masked up, even though most of them were outside. There was a sign requesting masks and 6ft-distancing in the outdoor (overhead tent to provide shade) sample shopping area, but I noticed that sign late (mask off on a hot day, but surgical mask in hand) . . . and so I asked, and they were notably polite about confirming that they do request masks out of respect for everyone's added safety. That's cool . . . mask on.

I also asked a few extended questions (because of others' reviews), and they seem very aware of what they can and cannot do in terms of liability. So, they're not just kind and aware, they're smart. But they are more than willing to help you load things into your car, offer suggestions about concerns, and I felt they were generous and organized. Important to read the signs and fliers that inform you that rocks are not returnable and they do not offer free samples. At these prices, it was tempting not to just buy way more samples than I need! Now, I'm searching my WUI property for spots to put some cool nonflammable landscaping (aka ROCKS)!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH, A&S!!! 😀

'Sorry, Nordstrom . . . I just found a new fun place to (more sustainably) shop! 🙂

Mike W.

If you're doing your own landscaping - or want to pick out the rock for the wall yourself, this is the place. I've bought everything from boulders to sand; never a problem 🙂 Great guys working there, super nice and always helpful, to 'novices' like me. Go there, you'll be happy.

MichaelC

This is an excellent operation, as are the materials they sell. Easy parking and the lady at the cashier window very helpful with printed price list, questions, and direction. They have an area where customer can inspect samples of soil, etc. then pay and they load your truck. Prices were reasonable.

Kristina W.

Everyone is great there I’ve been working with them for years I love these guys … except for the new guy in the office at the window he’s super rude so if you have a bad experience with him don’t let it deter you from buying from them I doubt he’ll last long

Mick S.

Have been about 50 times in the last 20 years! Always good selection. Good yard service. Friendly and helpful office staff.

Derek S.

bought a load of stone,needed to relieve my bladder before loading, sorry,no public restroom. i'll shop elsewhere next time. like shamrocks or bay area bluestone.

Jeanne E.

Wow, these guys really know their stuff. They helped me select the correct materials, delivered them on time and worked with me to pick up the extra materials. Very professional!