Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of crushed oyster shell is best for bocce?
Honestly, it’s just a matter of preference. Most of our customers will use either the flour or the wet/landscape grade. A small percentage, those who want the shell to have that bright white look upon installation will choose the dried. But, if your court is in direct sunlight. The UV light will dry out the shell and give it that bright white color naturally.
Why is crushed oyster shell preferred for bocce courts?
We get asked this question often and the answer is simple. Recalcification.
Recalcification in oyster shell refers to the shells’ ability to become compacted and fused together over time, creating a hard, yet porous surface that allows for optimal drainage.
The oyster shell is 98% calcium. This means that unlike other aggregates such as stone, sand or clay. Over time, the shell will fuse together or re-calcify creating a very dense playing surface but will remain very porous. The shell is also ecologically friendly and safe for pets and kids.
What size should my bocce ball court be?
The most common size court is 10′ x 60′. Although, most enthusiasts will build a court that will fit in an area that they designate for playing. We’ve sold to people making courts that are 4′ x 16′ up to 14’x 93′. The size of your court is completely up to you but the larger the court, the longer the play.
Do you have samples?
Absolutely! For more information about our sample packs please visit our Samples section or contact our distributor Consolidated Shell at 412-764-2565 or order online here.
Will you ship to my location?
We ship our product nationwide. We ship to both residences and commercial locations. Whether we ship to your home or business we can easily arrange freight for you, or you are more than welcome to pick-up yourself from our processing facility or arrange your own freight. We do accept international orders but we are unable to arrange freight at this time.
Is your crushed oyster shell an ecologically sound product?
Absolutely! Our crushed oyster shells are 98% pure calcium carbonate and contain no lead. They have no contact with air-based pollutants, have no repugnant smell, and are 100% natural and biodegradable. This makes the material ecologically friendly and simple to dispose of if needed. In hopes of being more environmentally conscious, we never remove oyster shells from existing, living reefs, a process that diminishes the reefs’ ability to regenerate and reproduce new oysters.
How do you ship the bocce shell? And in what quantities?
We’ve been delivering shells nationwide for twenty years. We ship oyster shell flour and dried 3/8″ minus shell in 50-pound buckets, one-ton sacks, full truckloads, rail and barge. For bocce, most will use the one-ton sacks but the dried 50-pound buckets are also an option. We ship to residences or commercial locations.
Can I use it for Boules/Pétanque?
Crushed Oyster Shells have been used in the game of Boules and Pétanque, the sport closest to French hearts. Similar to British lawn bowling or Italian bocce, the French version is traditionally played with metallic balls on a compacted surface.
Have more questions?
Please contact our distributor Consolidated Shell at 412-764-2565 for more information or to order a sample pack which includes a variety of different grades of