Landscape Rock Cost Calculator
Calculate decorative landscape stone, river rock, crushed granite, lava rock, and pea gravel in tons, cubic yards, and dump truck deliveries.
Coverage Area, Rock Depth & Tonnage Pricing
Landscape Rock Weight & Volume Formula
Cubic Yards = (Area SqFt × Depth Inches) / 324; Rock Tonnage = Cubic Yards × 1.35 Tons/Yard; Total Cost = (Tons × Price Per Ton) + Delivery + Heavy Fabric- Stone Density: Landscape gravel and river rock weigh approximately 2,500 to 2,800 lbs per cubic yard (average 1.35 tons per cubic yard). Lava rock is lighter (~0.65 tons/yd).
- Rock Varieties: Crushed gravel ($35–$65/ton), river gravel/pea stone ($45–$85/ton), white marble chips ($90–$140/ton), polished Mexican beach pebbles ($250–$450/ton).
- Commercial Geotextile: Heavy woven 5-oz weed barrier fabric ($0.20–$0.40/sq ft) is essential beneath stone to prevent rocks sinking into mud.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
- Calculate cubic yards: (800 sq ft × 3 inches) / 324 = 7.41 cubic yards
- Add 10% coverage allowance: 7.41 × 1.10 = 8.15 cubic yards
- Convert to tons: 8.15 cu yds × 1.35 tons/yd = 11.0 tons of river rock
- Calculate stone cost: 11.0 tons × $65.00 = $715.00
- Add fabric and delivery: $715.00 + $200.00 fabric + $95.00 delivery = $1,010.00
- Calculate cost per square foot: $1,010.00 / 800 sq ft = $1.26 / sq ft
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter total landscape bed or xeriscape area in square feet.
- 2Enter stone depth (2 to 3 inches for small gravel; 3 to 4 inches for larger 2-3 inch cobble).
- 3Select stone type or enter supplier price per ton.
- 4Include commercial woven weed barrier fabric and dump truck delivery charges.
- 5Review total cubic yards, tonnage, and overall project cost.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Standard dense rock conversion: 1 cubic yard = 2,700 lbs = 1.35 short tons.
- Includes 10% compaction and uneven subgrade margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should landscape rock be applied?
For 1/2-inch to 1-inch gravel or pea stone, apply a 2-inch to 3-inch depth (covers bare ground cleanly without sliding underfoot). For larger 2-inch to 4-inch river rock, apply at least 3 to 4 inches of depth for complete soil coverage.
Is landscape rock better than organic wood mulch?
Landscape rock lasts indefinitely without decomposing, requires no annual re-application, resists wind blow-away, and is fire-safe near building foundations. However, it costs 2x to 3x more upfront and does not feed organic nutrients into the soil.
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