Landscaping Rocks Prices (2025): Cost per Ton, Cubic Yard & Installation Guide
When planning a landscaping project, one of the first questions homeowners ask is: How much do landscaping rocks cost? Whether you’re adding decorative river rocks, installing pea gravel for a patio, or placing large boulders as a focal point, knowing the price ranges helps you budget effectively.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of landscaping rock prices, including costs per ton, per cubic yard, and per bag. It also covers installation expenses, delivery fees, rock types, and cost-saving tips, with practical examples to help you estimate costs for your own yard.
Average Landscaping Rock Prices
Across the US, landscaping rocks are sold in tons, cubic yards, or small bags. On average, basic crushed stone can cost as little as $10 per ton, while decorative materials such as lava rock or marble chips can reach $200 or more per ton. A cubic yard of rocks typically ranges from $30 to $130, depending on the material, while smaller bags are convenient but more expensive per unit.
| Material Type | Price per Ton | Price per Cubic Yard | Price per Bag (0.5 cu ft) |
| Crushed Stone / Gravel | $10 – $50 | $30 – $65 | $3 – $6 |
| Pea Gravel | $20 – $60 | $30 – $70 | $4 – $7 |
| River Rock | $50 – $160 | $45 – $130 | $5 – $8 |
| Lava Rock | $160 – $240 | $80 – $120 | $8 – $10 |
| Marble Chips | $120 – $200 | $100 – $160 | $7 – $9 |
| Cobbles / Boulders | $100 – $600+ | N/A | N/A |
Conversion tip: One cubic yard of rock is roughly 1.4–1.5 tons, depending on density. Always confirm with your supplier before ordering.
How Rocks Are Sold
Landscaping rocks are sold in three main ways. Buying by the ton is the most common method for bulk orders, especially for projects such as driveways or large patios. By the cubic yard is typical for decorative stones like river rock, and is easier for homeowners to visualize since one yard covers about 100 square feet at three inches deep. For smaller areas, rocks are available by the bag, usually in 0.5-cubic-foot sacks. While convenient, buying by the bag is much more expensive in the long run.
Cost by Rock Type
Crushed Stone and Gravel are the cheapest option, averaging $10 to $50 per ton. These are widely used for driveways, base layers, and walkways.
Pea Gravel costs around $20 to $60 per ton and is favored for patios, pathways, and playgrounds because of its smooth, rounded texture.
River Rock is more decorative, costing $50 to $160 per ton. Its natural, polished appearance makes it popular for garden beds, edging, and drainage features.
Lava Rock is one of the most expensive, priced at $160 to $240 per ton. Lightweight and porous, it is ideal for xeriscaping and decorative mulch applications.
Marble Chips fall in the range of $120 to $200 per ton, often used in upscale garden designs for their bright, reflective look. However, they can be sharp and reflect heat.
Large Rocks and Boulders are priced differently, often starting at $100 per ton and climbing to $600 or more depending on size. Placement of boulders often requires special equipment, which adds to the cost.
Also Read: Natural Rock Garden Ideas for Front Yard
Landscaping Rock Installation Costs
Beyond the material cost, homeowners need to consider installation expenses. A simple DIY project may only require the cost of the rocks themselves plus delivery. For professional installation, prices range from $7 to $20 per square foot, depending on complexity. Additional costs include landscape fabric (20 to 50 cents per square foot), edging ($1 to $5 per linear foot), and equipment rentals such as wheelbarrows or skid steers, which can add $50 to $300 per day.
Delivery Fees and Minimum Orders
Most rock yards and suppliers charge delivery fees, which vary based on distance and weight. Expect to pay $50 to $150 for local delivery within 10 to 20 miles, with an additional $2 to $4 per mile for longer distances. Many suppliers also enforce minimum orders, usually between one and three tons. Some offer super sacks — one-ton bags that are easier to handle but slightly more expensive than loose bulk loads.
Worked Cost Examples
Small Flower Bed (100 sq ft, 2 inches deep): This requires about 0.9 tons of river rock. At $100 per ton, material costs roughly $90. Adding $100 for delivery and $50 for weed fabric and edging, the DIY total comes to about $240. Hiring professionals would raise the cost by an additional $700 in labor.
Medium Patio (200 sq ft, 3 inches deep): A patio of this size needs about 2.7 tons of pea gravel. At $40 per ton, the material costs $110. Delivery and supplies add about $240, bringing the DIY total to $350. Professional installation, however, could cost $2,000 to $3,000.
Driveway (600 sq ft, 4 inches deep): A gravel driveway of this size requires around 11 tons of crushed stone. At $25 per ton, the rock costs about $275, plus $200 for delivery. The DIY total is about $500. Professional installation would likely range between $4,000 and $6,000.
Factors That Affect Landscaping Rock Prices
Several variables influence the final price of landscaping rocks. The type of rock is the most important, with decorative stones costing far more than basic gravel. Rock size also plays a role, as larger cobbles and boulders cost more per ton. Regional availability and proximity to quarries significantly affect prices, as transportation adds to costs. Buying in bulk generally reduces the price per ton compared to smaller quantities. Delivery distance, installation difficulty, and project complexity all increase the total expense.
Cost-Saving Tips
Homeowners can save money in several ways. Buying locally sourced stone reduces transportation fees. Ordering in bulk is cheaper than buying by the bag. Comparing costs quoted in tons versus cubic yards ensures you get a fair deal, since suppliers sometimes use different units. For small projects, DIY installation saves on labor. In some cases, recycled or reclaimed rock may be available at reduced or even no cost, provided you haul it yourself. Seasonal discounts are also common, with some suppliers offering lower prices during off-peak months.
Maintenance and Long-Term Value
Rock mulch is more durable than wood mulch, lasting for decades without needing replacement. It resists pests, improves drainage, and requires less frequent maintenance. However, it can be harder to move, may sink into the soil over time, and usually requires landscape fabric to minimize weeds. While wood mulch is cheaper upfront, landscaping rocks are more cost-effective in the long run.
FAQs on Landscaping Rock Prices
A cubic yard of landscaping rock typically costs between $30 and $130, depending on the type.
Basic crushed stone ranges from $10 to $50 per ton, while decorative stones can reach $200 or more.
Professional installation usually runs $7 to $20 per square foot.
Yes, lava rock averages $160 to $240 per ton, compared to $50 to $160 for river rock.
One cubic yard covers roughly 100 square feet at three inches deep.
Sometimes — local recycling programs, construction sites, and online marketplaces may offer free or discounted rocks, though permission is always required.
Final Thoughts
Landscaping rocks add both durability and beauty to outdoor spaces. While costs vary by rock type, size, and region, the average homeowner should expect to pay between $30 and $130 per cubic yard or $10 to $200 per ton, not including delivery or installation. Before purchasing, calculate your project’s volume, compare quotes carefully, and always factor in delivery and labor. For larger projects, obtaining at least three quotes from local suppliers ensures the best deal.
