Landscape Rock Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$350 – $900
$1.75 – $4.50 per sq ft
Material
$200 – $600
Labor / Delivery
$150 – $300
Rock Needed
1.7 tons
Coverage
200 sq ft
Ordering Tip: Order 10% extra rock to account for settling and natural variation. For 1.7 tons, order at least 1.9 tons.
River Rock: Naturally smooth, rounded stones in earth tones. Popular for garden beds, dry creek beds, and borders. Sizes range from 1–6 inches. Provides excellent drainage.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Landscape Rock Cost Breakdown
| Rock Type | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Gravel | $0.50 – $1.50 | $0.50 – $1.00 | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| River Rock | $1.00 – $3.00 | $0.75 – $1.50 | $1.75 – $4.50 |
| Lava Rock | $1.25 – $3.50 | $0.75 – $1.50 | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Flagstone | $2.00 – $5.00 | $2.00 – $5.00 | $4.00 – $10.00 |
| Decorative Boulders | $3.00 – $8.00 | $2.00 – $6.00 | $5.00 – $14.00 |
* Material costs at standard 2″ depth. 3″ is 1.5× and 4″ is 2× the material cost.
Average Project Costs (Installed)
| Project | Size | Type & Depth | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Bed | 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | River Rock, 2″ | $175 – $450 |
| Walkway Border | 25 × 2 ft (50 sq ft) | Crushed Gravel, 3″ | $63 – $163 |
| Backyard Feature | 15 × 20 ft (300 sq ft) | Lava Rock, 2″ | $600 – $1,500 |
| Large Area | 25 × 20 ft (500 sq ft) | Crushed Gravel, 3″ | $625 – $1,625 |
How We Calculate
Our landscape rock calculator estimates project costs based on area dimensions, rock type, and depth. Material cost scales with depth, while labor/delivery cost is based on area only.
How the math works: Area = length × width. Material cost = area × material price per sq ft × depth multiplier. Labor cost = area × labor rate per sq ft. Total = material + labor. The depth multiplier scales material from the 2″ baseline: 2″ is 1.0×, 3″ is 1.5×, 4″ is 2.0×. Tonnage = area × depth (inches) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.4.
Landscape Rock Type Comparison
Crushed Gravel ($0.50–$1.50/sq ft material at 2″) is the most affordable option. Angular edges lock together for stability. Ideal for driveways, pathways, and drainage. Available in gray, brown, and white.
River Rock ($1.00–$3.00/sq ft material at 2″) features naturally smooth, rounded stones in earth tones. Popular for garden beds, dry creek beds, and borders. Sizes range from 1–6 inches.
Lava Rock ($1.25–$3.50/sq ft material at 2″) is lightweight volcanic rock available in red, black, and brown. Retains moisture, doesn’t decompose, and resists wind. Covers more area per ton due to low density.
Flagstone ($2.00–$5.00/sq ft material at 2″) provides flat, natural stone slabs for patios, walkways, and stepping stones. Available in sandstone, bluestone, slate, and limestone. Higher labor costs due to precise placement.
Decorative Boulders ($3.00–$8.00/sq ft material at 2″) serve as large accent stones and focal points. Requires heavy equipment for placement. Pricing varies significantly by size, type, and delivery distance.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover rock material and labor/delivery. Not included: landscape fabric ($0.10–$0.30/sq ft), edging ($1–$10/linear ft), soil excavation and grading ($1–$3/sq ft if needed), delivery fees ($50–$150 per load for small quantities), and weed barrier maintenance. For best results, grade the soil, install fabric, set edging, then spread and level rock.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, landscape supply yards, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. Material costs are based on bulk delivery prices (by the ton). We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does landscape rock cost? +
Landscape rock costs $1–$14 per square foot installed at 2 inches deep, depending on type. Crushed gravel runs $1–$2.50/sq ft, river rock $1.75–$4.50/sq ft, lava rock $2–$5/sq ft, flagstone $4–$10/sq ft, and decorative boulders $5–$14/sq ft. Bulk delivery by the ton is the most cost-effective option for larger projects.
How much landscape rock do I need? +
Calculate tonnage as: length × width × depth (in inches) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.4. For a 10×20 ft area at 2 inches deep: 200 × 2 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 × 1.4 = 1.7 tons. Order 10% extra for settling and natural variation. One ton of rock covers roughly 80–120 sq ft at 2 inches deep depending on rock type.
What is the cheapest landscape rock? +
Crushed gravel is the most affordable landscape rock at $0.50–$1.50 per square foot for material. It's widely available, comes in multiple colors (gray, brown, white), and works well for driveways, pathways, and drainage areas. Buying in bulk by the ton reduces costs further — expect $20–$50 per ton from landscape supply yards.
How deep should landscape rock be? +
2 inches is standard for most decorative landscape applications — garden beds, borders, and walkway accents. 3 inches provides heavier coverage for high-traffic areas and slopes where rock may shift. 4 inches is recommended for driveways, drainage areas, and erosion control. Each additional inch increases material cost proportionally.
Is landscape rock better than mulch? +
Landscape rock costs more upfront ($1–$14/sq ft vs. $0.50–$2/sq ft for mulch) but lasts indefinitely — it won't decompose, fade, or need annual replacement. Mulch needs replacing every 1–2 years. Over 5+ years, rock is typically cheaper overall. Rock is better for drainage and fire-prone areas; mulch is better for moisture retention and soil health around plants.
Do I need landscape fabric under rock? +
Yes, always install landscape fabric ($0.10–$0.30/sq ft) under decorative rock to prevent weeds and stop rocks from sinking into the soil. Use commercial-grade woven fabric and overlap seams by 6 inches. Secure with landscape staples every 12 inches. Skip fabric only for drainage applications where water flow through soil is needed.
Can I install landscape rock myself? +
Yes, landscape rock is a popular DIY project. The main challenge is the weight — rock is heavy (1.4 tons per cubic yard). You'll need to clear the area, grade the soil, install landscape fabric and edging, then spread and level the rock. For small areas under 200 sq ft, DIY is straightforward. Larger areas or boulder placement require equipment and professional help.
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