Rubber Mulch Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$227 – $509
$2.27 – $5.09 per sq ft
Cubic Yards
0.9 cu yd
Bags (0.8 cuft)
32
Material Cost
$192 – $384
Coverage Area
100 sqft
Coverage/Bag
3.2 sqft
Landscape Fabric: Always install weed barrier fabric before rubber mulch. This prevents mulch from sinking into soil and extends its life. Fabric costs $0.15–$0.50/sqft installed.
Longevity: Rubber mulch lasts 10–20 years vs 1–3 years for wood mulch. While it costs more upfront, you won't need to replace it annually. Colors may fade after 3–5 years in direct sun.
Not for Gardens: Rubber mulch should not be used in vegetable gardens due to potential metal leaching. Stick to decorative beds, playgrounds, and pathways.
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.
Rubber Mulch Cost Breakdown
| Mulch Type | 2" Depth | 3" Depth | 4" Depth | 6" Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded | $0.49 – $0.99/sqft | $0.74 – $1.48/sqft | $0.99 – $1.98/sqft | $1.48 – $2.96/sqft |
| Nuggets | $0.56 – $1.11/sqft | $0.83 – $1.67/sqft | $1.11 – $2.22/sqft | $1.67 – $3.33/sqft |
| Playground | $0.62 – $1.11/sqft | $0.93 – $1.67/sqft | $1.23 – $2.22/sqft | $1.85 – $3.33/sqft |
* Material cost only (bulk pricing). Add labor ($0.20–$0.75/sqft), fabric ($0.15–$0.50/sqft), and delivery for total.
Coverage Per Cubic Yard
| Depth | Coverage (sqft/cu yd) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 2" | 162 sqft | Light landscaping, decorative beds |
| 3" | 108 sqft | Standard landscaping, weed control |
| 4" | 81 sqft | Heavy traffic areas, dog runs |
| 6" | 54 sqft | Playgrounds (ASTM F1292 compliant) |
* One 0.8 cu ft bag covers ~5.2 sqft at 2" depth, ~2.6 sqft at 4" depth, or ~1.7 sqft at 6" depth.
How We Calculate
Our rubber mulch calculator estimates total project cost based on area dimensions, depth, and mulch type. Total cost = material cost + labor + landscape fabric + delivery (for bulk orders).
Volume calculation: Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in inches) ÷ 324. Coverage per cubic yard varies by depth: 2" covers 162 sqft, 3" covers 108 sqft, 4" covers 81 sqft, and 6" covers 54 sqft.
Mulch Type Comparison
Shredded ($80–$160/cu yd) — Natural mulch appearance, best coverage, most economical. Nuggets ($90–$180/cu yd) — Decorative chunks, stays in place better on slopes, slightly more expensive. Playground Certified ($100–$180/cu yd) — IPEMA-certified for ASTM F1292 fall safety, required for commercial playgrounds.
Cost Comparison: Rubber vs Wood Mulch
Wood mulch: $30–$50/cu yd, replaced every 1–3 years. Rubber mulch: $80–$180/cu yd, lasts 10–20 years. Over 10 years: Wood mulch costs $100–$500+ (multiple replacements) vs rubber's one-time $80–$180 investment. Rubber wins for long-term budgets despite higher upfront cost.
Additional Costs
Landscape fabric ($0.15–$0.50/sqft — recommended), edging ($2–$5/LF), old mulch removal ($0.50–$1/sqft), bulk delivery ($50–$150 flat fee for orders over 2 cu yd).
Data Sources
Pricing from major rubber mulch suppliers, Home Depot, Lowe's, and landscape contractor estimates (February 2026). Playground safety standards per ASTM F1292 and IPEMA certification requirements.
Last updated: 2026-02-05
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does rubber mulch cost? +
Rubber mulch costs $5–$20 per square foot installed, depending on depth. Bulk rubber mulch is $80–$180 per cubic yard, while bagged is $6–$12 per 0.8 cu ft bag. A typical 200 sqft playground at 6" depth costs $600–$1,500 for materials alone.
How does rubber mulch compare to wood mulch? +
Rubber mulch costs 2–3× more upfront but lasts 10–20 years vs 1–3 years for wood mulch. Over 10 years, rubber mulch is often cheaper due to no replacement costs. Rubber doesn't attract insects, float away, or decompose. However, it doesn't improve soil like organic mulch.
What depth is required for playgrounds? +
Playgrounds require 6 inches of rubber mulch to meet ASTM F1292 safety standards for equipment with 6-foot fall heights. For higher equipment, check manufacturer specifications. Always use IPEMA-certified playground-grade mulch for liability protection.
How long does rubber mulch last? +
Rubber mulch lasts 10–20 years before needing replacement. Colors may fade after 3–5 years in direct sunlight, but the mulch remains functional. You can refresh faded mulch by adding a thin top layer. Most quality rubber mulch comes with 10–12 year warranties.
Is rubber mulch safe for gardens? +
Rubber mulch is not recommended for vegetable gardens due to potential metal leaching (zinc, lead) from recycled tires. It's safe for ornamental beds, playgrounds, and pathways. For edibles, use organic mulch like wood chips, straw, or bark.
Should I buy bulk or bagged rubber mulch? +
Buy bulk for areas over 200 sqft — it's 30–50% cheaper per cubic yard. Bagged is better for small projects under 100 sqft where you need precise quantities. Bulk requires delivery ($50–$150) but saves significantly on larger projects.
What colors are available for rubber mulch? +
Rubber mulch comes in black, brown, red, green, blue, and natural wood tones. Black and brown are most popular for landscaping. Colored mulch fades faster than black in direct sun. Premium mulch uses better colorants that resist fading.
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