Rock landscaping adds a touch of natural elegance and lasting beauty to any outdoor space, but How Much Does Rock Landscaping Cost? At rockscapes.net, we understand that understanding the expenses is the first step toward realizing your dream landscape. We are dedicated to providing you with complete information so you can confidently begin your rock landscaping project, from choosing the appropriate stones to comprehending installation costs. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to turn your outdoor space into a spectacular rock sanctuary.
Let’s explore the costs involved and how rockscapes.net can help you create the perfect rock landscape!
1. What is the Average Cost of Rock Landscaping?
The average cost of rock landscaping typically ranges from $250 to $2,500, depending on the project’s size and complexity. For a smaller project, like a 20 sq.ft. dry river bed made of pea gravel and mixed river stones, expect to pay around $600. According to research, landscape rocks provide an aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective choice for outdoor projects. On the lower end, a 25 sq.ft. patio seating area of pea gravel three inches deep might cost around $120. On the higher end, a 200 sq.ft. patio seating area of Mexican river stone three inches deep could cost up to $4,000. Let’s break down these costs further.
1.1. What Factors Influence the Cost of Rock Landscaping?
Several factors can influence the cost of rock landscaping, including the type of stone, the quantity needed, labor costs, and delivery fees. The type of stone dramatically affects the cost, with options like decomposed granite and pea gravel being more affordable compared to pricier choices like lava rock or Mexican beach pebbles. Each of these elements affects the entire cost of your rock landscape, so let’s examine them in more detail.
2. How Much Does Landscaping Rock Cost Per Ton?
The cost of landscaping rocks ranges from $25 to $900 per ton, giving a wide variety to suit different budgets and aesthetic preferences. Decomposed granite and pea gravel are typically less expensive, while lava rock and Mexican beach pebbles are on the higher end. Landscaping stones are a great option for a variety of projects since they come in a variety of colors, textures, and sizes to match any outdoor requirement. Let’s examine how these prices vary according to the kind of stone.
2.1. What is the Cost of River Rocks Per Ton?
River rocks typically cost between $80 and $280 per ton, depending on their color and rarity. Smoothed by natural water flow, river rocks offer visual appeal and practical use in landscaping projects. Colorado and rainbow river rocks are generally less expensive, while rarer colors like Cherokee and salt and pepper command higher prices. These variations highlight the significance of color and origin in determining the cost of river rocks.
3. What is the Cost of Landscape Rock Per Square Foot?
Landscape rock costs between $1.24 and $8.64 per square foot. While purchasing by the ton is more common, pricing per square foot can be useful for smaller projects. Discounts are often available for larger quantities, making it more cost-effective to buy in bulk. Depending on the material’s size and the depth desired, a cubic yard can cover anything from 81 to 162 square feet.
3.1. How Much Do River Rocks Cost Per Square Foot?
River rocks range from $2.75 to $6 per square foot, depending on the type and color. These rocks are ideal for backyard landscaping and come in a variety of styles. Rarer colors and types, such as salt and pepper and Cherokee, are more expensive. Volume discounts apply, allowing you to save money on large purchases.
4. How Much Does Landscaping Rock Cost Per Yard?
Landscaping rocks range in price from $122 to $800 per yard, providing options for different budgets and project needs. The type of rock greatly affects the price, with decomposed granite and pea gravel on the lower end and lava rock and Mexican beach pebbles on the higher end. Many companies charge by the yard rather than by the ton or square foot, so let’s examine this measure in more detail.
4.1. What is the Cost of River Rocks Per Yard?
The cost of river rocks per yard can vary greatly, from $130 to $910, depending on the color and size. Rarer colors and larger sizes are more expensive. A cubic yard of rocks can cover 100 sq.ft. at a depth of three inches, making it a versatile option for various landscaping projects.
5. Landscape Stone Pricing by Type: A Detailed Breakdown
Landscape stone prices vary significantly depending on the type of stone, ranging from $25 to $900 per ton and $30 to $1,000 per cubic yard. Each type has its own appearance, application, size, and cost. Rarer and less readily available stones command higher prices. Here’s a detailed breakdown of different types of stones and their respective costs.
Cost per Ton and per Yard of Landscape Stones by Type: Decomposed Granite, Crushed Limestone, Pea Gravel, Stone Dust, Rock Mulch, Riprap… (desktop)
| Type of Stone | Cost per Ton (Materials Only) | Cost per Yard (Materials Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Decomposed Granite | $25 – $50 | $30 – $50 |
| Crushed Limestone | $30 – $45 | $35 – $55 |
| Pea Gravel | $30 – $60 | $15 – $75 |
| Stone Dust | $30 – $145 | $10 – $25 |
| Rock Mulch | $45 – $280 | $50 – $180 |
| Riprap | $60 – $85 | $25 – $75 |
| Crushed Granite Gravel | $75 – $100 | $50 – $70 |
| Bull Rock | $75 – $100 | $35 – $80 |
| River Rocks | $80 – $280 | $50 – $160 |
| Landscape Boulders | $100 – $200 | N/A |
| Lava Rock | $120 – $200 | $75 – $140 |
| Mexican Beach Pebbles | $800 – $900 | $600 – $1,000 |
Let’s dive into each type of stone in more detail.
5.1. Decomposed Granite: A Budget-Friendly Option
Decomposed granite costs between $25 and $50 per ton or $30 to $50 per cubic yard, making it an affordable choice for driveways, walkways, and patios. This fine stone comes in various colors and can be sifted or unsifted, with sifted varieties costing more. Decomposed granite is derived from granite that erodes and weathers over time.
5.2. Crushed Limestone: Versatile and Attractive
Crushed limestone ranges from $30 to $45 per ton or $35 to $55 per cubic yard. Available in different sizes and styles, its price depends on the quantity purchased. With shades ranging from light to dark grey, crushed limestone is versatile, affordable, and attractive, making it a popular choice for driveways, paths, and patios.
5.3. Pea Gravel: Perfect for Pathways and Drainage
Pea gravel costs between $30 and $60 per ton or $15 and $75 per cubic yard. About the size of a pea, it is ideal for pathways, drainage beds, or patio surfaces. Pea gravel is available in multiple colors to complement any landscaping theme.
5.4. Stone Dust: Ideal for Small Projects
Stone dust costs $30 to $145 per ton or $10 to $25 per cubic yard. As a byproduct of crushed stone, it is a coarser version of sand. It is widely used in small outdoor projects or as a material below patios and pavers. Stone dust can be smoothed to create a strong surface for supporting pavers or filling empty spaces.
5.5. Rock Mulch: Long-Lasting and Decorative
Rock mulch starts at $45 per ton, with some varieties costing up to $280 per ton. You can also pay $50 to $180 per cubic yard for this decorative rock, which comes in various styles, sizes, colors, and textures. Compared to other mulches, rock mulch has a higher upfront cost but can last upwards of 15 years without maintenance. It is great for drainages and in landscaping beds, gardens, and pathways.
5.6. Riprap Stone: Durable and Natural-Looking
Riprap stone costs between $60 and $85 per ton or $25 and $75 per cubic yard. This rough rock is used to line slopes and large areas and comes in sizes ranging from 6 to 30 inches in diameter. Varying in shape, it includes stones like trap rock, limestone, and granite. Less decorative than other stones, it has a uniform color and a natural appearance that works well in many landscapes.
5.7. Crushed Granite Gravel: Upscale and Versatile
Crushed granite is generally more expensive than decomposed granite, ranging from $75 to $100 a ton or $50 to $70 per cubic yard. Similar to decomposed granite but slightly larger and chunkier, it comes in shades of red and beige and is suitable for drainage areas, walkways, driveways, and patios.
5.8. Bull Rock: Rugged and Recycled
Bull rock costs between $75 and $100 per ton or $35 and $80 per cubic yard. This recycled material comes in various shades of brown and ranges from three to five inches in size. The large, rough, and rounded pieces create a rugged and natural-looking bed and landscape when used as filler and in conjunction with other rocks.
5.9. River Rocks: Smooth and Versatile
River rocks range from $80 to $280 a ton or $50 to $160 per cubic yard. These smooth stones in various sizes and colors are taken from the bottom of rivers and old creek beds. They are often used in landscaping where water needs to be drained to prevent flooding. River rocks attract the eye, create contrast, and reduce maintenance.
5.10. Landscape Boulders: Striking Accents
Landscape boulders cost between $100 and $200 a ton. Typically larger than 10 inches, some can be carried by hand, while others require machinery. Their shape can be round or angular. Boulders make nice accents in dry beds or rocky landscapes and can also enhance ponds and water features.
5.11. Lava Rock: Porous and Durable
Lava rock is a pricier option, ranging from $120 to $200 a ton or $75 to $140 per yard. This igneous rock, formed from cooled volcanic lava, has a mixture of textures from glassy to rough. Porous and durable, it is good for drainage and mulching, providing a more permanent mulching solution.
5.12. Mexican Beach Pebbles: Elegant and Expensive
Mexican beach pebbles are among the most expensive landscaping rocks, ranging from $800 to $900 per ton and $600 to $1,000 per cubic yard. These very smooth, small, and rounded rocks look almost polished. Uniform in color or with variations, they are hand-picked from beaches and tropical coastlines and sorted for uniformity. Mexican beach pebbles look stunning next to pools or in pathways.
6. River Rock Prices by Type: A Closer Look
River rock prices vary by type, averaging between $80 and $500 per ton and $65 to $675 per cubic yard. The cost depends on location, color, size, and uniformity. River rocks are an excellent option for landscaping due to their durability and long-lasting coverage. They are stones taken from river and creek beds, known for their round and smooth appearance. Here’s a chart outlining the costs of different types of river rocks.
Cost per Ton and Per Yard of River Rocks by Type: Colorado, Delaware, Rainbow, Tennessee, White, Arizona… (desktop)
| River Rock Type | Cost per Ton (Materials Only) | Cost per Yard (Materials Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $80 – $280 | $65 – $350 |
| Delaware | $95 – $130 | $130 – $160 |
| Rainbow | $100 – $200 | $85 – $225 |
| Tennessee | $110 – $130 | $130 – $160 |
| White | $150 – $200 | $100 – $190 |
| Arizona | $150 – $200 | $160 – $300 |
| Cherokee | $150 – $200 | $115 – $170 |
| Salt and Pepper | $175 – $280 | $200 – $300 |
| Flat | $190 – $500 | $230 – $675 |
7. What Are the Labor Costs to Install Landscape Rocks?
Labor costs for installing landscape rocks typically range from $50 to $100 per hour. Most professional companies charge on an hourly basis, with installations taking from two to eight hours. For a 20-foot dry river bed installation, expect to pay approximately $150 in labor costs. Larger, more detailed jobs take longer and cost more. Delivery of stones can add an additional $200 to $400 to the overall cost.
7.1. Why Hire a Professional Landscaping Company?
Hiring a professional landscaping company ensures the job is done safely and to a high-quality standard. Installing and transporting heavy rocks can be difficult and dangerous. Professionals put down weed-blocking fabric, move and arrange rocks, and ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
8. What is the Cost of Landscape Rock Removal?
If you need to remove existing rocks from your property, expect to pay around $150 for a single boulder removal and $450 for removing a patio of gravel. The bulk of rock removal costs is in labor. Small rocks can be picked up using a rock vacuum, but larger rocks may need excavators or heavy equipment, increasing the price. Rocks are typically removed for aesthetic or functional reasons, such as changing the landscaping or making room for a new deck or pool.
9. How to Landscape With Rocks: Creative Ideas for Your Yard
Rocks can be used creatively in landscaping to add beauty and definition to outdoor spaces. They can serve as the main attraction, an accent, a border, or a field for other features. Compared to other materials, rock is an all-natural material that requires no maintenance. Let’s explore some innovative ways to incorporate rocks into your landscape.
9.1. Landscaping Stepping Stones: Adding Charm and Functionality
Landscape stepping stones create pathways through your yard, allowing easy passage while acting as decorative accents. Available in various types and styles, including natural rock, flagstone, and river rock, they can be cut to suit your needs. Stepping stones are often used for walkways, patios, and stair treads.
Natural Rock Stepping Stones Creating a Pathway Through Lovely Garden
9.2. Crushed Stone Driveways: Rustic and Affordable
Crushed stone driveways offer a unique and attractive option, often associated with rural residences. This inexpensive method of creating a road involves layers of stone that provide drainage and withstand the weight of vehicles.
Crushed Stone Driveway Leading Up to Two-Story Residential Home
9.3. Boulder Borders: Defining Spaces With Natural Beauty
Boulders enhance your yard with their texture, height, and natural appearance. Commonly used to anchor beds, traverse small hills, create privacy screens, and define areas within your garden, boulders also make excellent steps, providing a more inviting entry into any outdoor space.
Beautiful Natural Garden With Boulder Border and Stone Steps
9.4. Stone Mulch: A Long-Lasting Alternative
Stone mulch is a great alternative to wood mulch, offering a long-lasting lifespan and requiring little to no maintenance. It is superior in erosion prevention and moisture retention. River rocks are a form of stone mulch that can be used around your beds, offering a one-time investment with an average lifespan of 15 years.
Exterior Garden With Plants and Landscaping Rock Mulch
9.5. Landscaping Walkways: Creating Enchanting Paths
Adding landscaping to a walkway creates a magical touch, using different types of rocks or combining them with larger stepping stones. Rocks add texture and versatility to the design, with endless combinations available to suit different garden styles.
Stone Walkway in a Rock Garden
9.6. Rock Water Features: Adding Tranquility to Your Garden
Water features, such as ponds, birdbaths, and bubbling rocks, add a tranquil flare to your backyard. Boulders and other types of rocks can be used to build up the edges and add dynamic designs around the structure. The numerous color and style variations make it easy to choose rocks that work well in your space.
Beautiful Backyard With Tranquil Landscaping Rock Pond
9.7. Garden Seating Areas: Relaxing in Style
Create an attractive backyard garden sitting area using gravel and flat stones. Instead of grass, rocks delineate the space, providing an appealing touch and easy maintenance. Chairs, benches, or swings can be placed within the rocks, or the stones themselves can be used as seating.
A Newly Landscaped Flowerbed With Flat Rocks, Stones and Stone Seating
9.8. Landscaping River Beds: Solving Drainage Issues Beautifully
A river bed adds beauty and solves drainage issues by separating areas or directing water flow within your yard. This is a great fix for drainage problems and a way to reuse rocks removed from your yard.
House and Garden With a Crushed Stone Terrace Patio and Stepping Stones
9.9. Crushed Stone Patios: Affordable and Versatile
Crushed stone is a portable and flexible material for creating a functional surface in your yard. Less expensive than pavers or larger stones, it can be purchased by the bag and directly poured to make a patio. Available in many colors and sizes, crushed stone provides a solid base for a patio.
House and Garden With a Crushed Stone Terrace Patio and Stepping Stones
10. Maintenance: Keeping Your Rock Landscape Pristine
One of the key advantages of landscape stones is their low maintenance. Most landscape stones do not need any maintenance and can last for decades with natural rainwater washing or occasional hosing. These stones are highly durable and unlikely to break. Simple replacements keep the overall landscaping looking great. Replenishing stones every five to ten years, depending on the type, is up to personal preference.
11. Cost Comparison: River Rock vs Mulch
Mulch has a starting cost of $25 a cubic yard, with more expensive varieties costing $180 a cubic yard, while stone landscaping ranges from $130 to $910 per cubic yard. Wood mulch needs to be topped up every one to two years, making rocks less costly in the long term.
Comparison of the Cost per Cubic Yard of Mulch and River Rocks (mobile)
| Type of Stone | Cost per Cubic Yard (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Mulch | $25 – $180 |
| River Rocks | $130 – $910 |
River rocks and chipped wood are two varieties of mulch used to conserve water, prevent erosion, and line garden beds. Wood mulch is common because it is inexpensive and helps garden beds retain moisture but needs frequent replenishment. Rocks have a higher upfront cost but last 15 years or more without needing maintenance, making them a one-time investment.
12. Enhancement and Improvement Costs: Taking Your Landscape to the Next Level
12.1. Boulder Retaining Walls: Functional and Stylish
Boulder retaining walls can cost anywhere between $20 and $50 per sq.ft. Retaining walls are useful for managing drainage, preventing soil erosion, and creating different levels in your landscaping. Boulders can be stacked to create tiered, decorative, and taller walls of varying lengths and heights.
12.2. Glow-in-the-Dark Garden Pebbles: Adding Nighttime Magic
Add glow-in-the-dark garden pebbles to your garden path to illuminate it at night. These glowing resin stones, shaped like rocks, last approximately two to three hours in the dark after sun exposure. Scatter them on top of your landscaping pebbles to light up the area. Multiple packs can be used for larger areas, costing around $20 to $40 for 100 rocks.
13. Additional Considerations and Costs: Things to Keep in Mind
- Snakes: Any type of mulch, including rock mulch and larger rocks, may attract snakes. If you live in an area with venomous snakes, you may want to consider other landscaping options.
- Buying in bulk: Rocks are generally cheaper when purchased in bulk directly from suppliers. This can be by the pallet or truckload, depending on your needs.
- Local stones: Look for stones mined from your local area to keep costs down and to create a color palette that blends in with your natural landscaping. You can also use native rocks in drought-ridden areas to help reduce water usage while complementing your existing landscaping. According to research from Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration, using local stones in drought-ridden areas reduces water usage by 20% in July 2025.
- High-traffic areas: If you have high-traffic areas in your landscaping, such as walkways and driveways, rocks hold up better to trampling than other ground covers.
- Rock temperatures: Pea gravel, lava rocks, and other similar stones absorb and retain heat, releasing it when the sun goes down and warming the area. This increases both day and nighttime temperatures around your home.
- Estimates: Get at least three written estimates for the work to ensure you are getting a fair price.
- Warranties: Most landscaping companies offer warranties against defects and workmanship and materials for approximately three years. This warranty does not apply against effects of erosion or wear and tear or against damage caused by failure to maintain the landscaping by the owner or other party.
- DIY: Landscaping with stones can be a DIY project. However, hiring a professional is the best option. Many homeowners believe it is as simple as unloading stone and flattening them out on any surface. In reality, the project involves much more and can be difficult and dangerous if carried out incorrectly. Hiring a professional ensures that the job is done safely and at a high-quality standard.
- Alternatives: Consider other landscaping options such as turf, sod, grass pavers, landscape timbers, landscape fabric, and dry stack stones. These materials bring something different to your space, varying in material, appearance, texture, and cost.
14. FAQs: Your Questions Answered
14.1. Should I Put Landscape Fabric Under Rocks?
Yes, landscape fabric keeps weeds from growing up through your rocks.
14.2. What is the Cheapest Rock for Landscaping?
This depends on your area, but generally, decomposed granite or pea gravel are the least expensive.
14.3. Does Rock Landscaping Attract Bugs?
Rocks do not attract bugs as much as earth, plants, and wood mulch landscaping. Some bugs may burrow beneath the rocks, however.
14.4. How Much Does a Ton of Stone Cost?
Depending on the type of stone, you can expect to pay anywhere between $25 and $900 per ton.
14.5. How Much Does a Truck Load of Rock Cost?
Assuming that a truck delivers approximately 90 cubic feet of rocks, expect to pay between $2,700 and $18,000. Ordering a truckload of rocks has a wide range of costs, depending on the rock type, rock size, and the size of the truck. If you order rocks in larger quantities, most landscaping suppliers offer a discount for volume.
14.6. How Many Square Feet Does a Ton of Rock Cover?
One ton of rock covers approximately 240 sq.ft.
14.7. What Color Landscape Rock Should I Use?
Landscape rocks come in a wide range of colors, from single color to mixed palettes. When it comes to choosing a color, there is no right or wrong answer. Many people like to use rocks from nearby areas so that they blend in with the existing natural landscape features, while others choose a rock that will stand out. Most landscapers recommend not becoming too picky about the color because the more exacting you become, the higher the cost goes when attempting to match it.
Conclusion: Transform Your Landscape with Rockscapes.net
Understanding how much rock landscaping costs is essential for planning your project effectively. From the type of stone to labor costs, several factors influence the overall expense. At rockscapes.net, we’re here to help you navigate these choices and bring your dream landscape to life.
Ready to explore the possibilities? Visit rockscapes.net today to discover:
- Inspiring design ideas for rock landscapes
- Detailed information on various types of rocks
- Expert tips and guidance for successful installation
Let rockscapes.net be your guide to creating a stunning and sustainable outdoor space with the timeless beauty of rock!
Contact us today:
- Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States
- Phone: +1 (480) 965-9011
- Website: rockscapes.net
Let’s build something beautiful together!
