Rock can be a beautiful addition to your backyard, but it’s not exactly cheap. To help you plan how much your rock installation will cost, we’ve broken down the process into its key components: type of rock, location of the rock quarry and delivery method, how much you need and when you need it.
We also touch on some other considerations like zonings and permits so there aren’t any surprises later on!
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Landscaping with rocks can add aesthetic appeal and value to your outdoor space. |
| There are several types of landscaping rocks to choose from, including river rocks, pea gravel, and decorative rocks. |
| The cost of landscaping with rocks varies depending on several factors, including the type of rock, the size of the area to be landscaped, and the cost of labor in your area. |
| When choosing the right type of rock for your landscaping project, consider factors such as color, texture, size, and the overall style of your outdoor space. |
| Installing and maintaining your landscaping rocks requires proper preparation, tools, and techniques to ensure that they remain stable and aesthetically pleasing. |
Type Of Rock
The type of rock you choose will have the biggest impact on your budget. The most common types of rocks used in landscaping are flagstone, granite, limestone and boulders.
Stone prices vary depending on the size and thickness of each piece. A larger stone with a thicker base will cost more than smaller pieces.
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Location Of The Rock Quarry
It’s important to consider the location of the rock quarry. The closer your property is to the rock quarry, the more expensive your rocks will be because of shipping costs.
If you want to save money and have a shorter distance from your property to where you’re getting your rocks, then aim for a location within 50 miles or less from where you live.
If price isn’t an issue for you and don’t mind traveling further for cheaper rocks, then feel free to locate yourself even further away from where the rock quarry is located. It all depends on what type of shopper you are!
Delivery Method
It’s important to know how the rock will be delivered to your home. It’s the most expensive part of the process, so knowing how much it costs can help you budget appropriately. Delivery prices are calculated based on distance, time and method of transport.
Delivery is usually done by road (truck or tractor-trailer), rail or barge. Truck delivery is generally cheaper than rail because trains require more specialized equipment and train tracks are usually located in urban areas where space is limited.
However, if you live in an area with little or no access to good roads (or if you don’t have a truck), then rail will probably be your only option for getting rocks delivered directly to your property
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How Much You Need
The more you need, the more it will cost. That’s just how it works. If you’re only going to be needing a few rocks for your backyard, then buying them individually is going to be very expensive per unit.
But if instead you can buy in bulk or at least over a period of time (i.e., buying five pounds every two weeks), then it’ll be much cheaper per unit.
This is true of all things in life: if you buy something for $40 that lasts for 200 uses and another item for $10 that only lasts 50 uses, which one do you think would have been better value? The answer is obvious!
When You Need It
You will want to think about your rock’s availability. The demand for rocks is seasonal, so they may not be available when you need them. If you are ordering from a local quarry, it will take a certain amount of time to produce the rock and deliver it to your yard.
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Where You Buy From
If you’re looking for the cheapest rock options, it’s best to source them from a local rock quarry. The advantage of buying from a quarry is that they usually have bulk pieces or “slabs” of stone that are left over from creating steps, walls and other features on their job sites.
They can sell these slabs to homeowners at much cheaper prices than retail landscapers or suppliers.
Buying directly from a landscaper is another option if you don’t mind paying more than what you would pay for crushed stone at your local home improvement store.
Most landscape contractors will have access to higher-quality building materials due to the fact that they work with professionals who need durable products for their projects (i.e., commercial buildings).
This means they should also be able to help you find better quality and more aesthetically pleasing rocks in general – just be prepared to spend more money!
How Thick The Rock Layer Needs To Be
How thick your rock layer needs to be depends on the type of rock you choose, and the size of your yard. Thicker rocks cost more because they’re typically stronger and more durable than thinner ones.
They also require special tools for installation, which adds to the cost. If you’re concerned about drainage and keeping water from collecting on top of your rocks in heavy rain or snowfall, then a thicker layer is better since it will help prevent pooling water from seeping into the ground beneath them.
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If A Licensed Contractor Is Installing The Rock
The cost of rocks is largely dependent on the type of rock you choose. You can expect to spend anywhere from $1 per pound for granite or marble and up to $10 per pound for some types of limestone and slate.
The price will vary depending on where you live in the country, with granite being more expensive in warmer climates like southern California than it is in northern Minnesota, where there’s less demand.
The amount you need will also affect your rock costs if you’re only going to landscape a small area (say, your front walkway), then using just a few hundred pounds won’t cost much at all compared with having several tons delivered to cover a large yard or patio area.
What Type Of Base Material Is Prepared By The Landscaper
Base material is the soil that is used to support the rock. It can be prepared in a number of ways, but most commonly it consists of topsoil and sand. In some cases, you may want to include gravel as well.
Base material will be delivered by your landscaper or prepared by you if you are doing it yourself.
The amount of base material needed depends on how big or small your rocks are; however, most people use between four and six cubic yards per 100 square feet of yard space (about three tons).
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Additional Considerations Like Zonings And Permits
Once you’ve figured out what kind of rock you want, the next step is to determine how much it will cost. There are several factors that can affect the price of rocks, including:
- The size of the rocks and how many cubic feet they would take up in your yard
- The type of rock (limestone vs granite)
- If there are any other materials or labor involved with getting them into place
As a rule of thumb, if you’re installing something like a stone wall or landscape edging, plan on about $2/cubic foot for material costs.
This is just an estimate; if you want more specific information about what exactly it will cost for your project, talk to some local landscaping contractors and get free bids from at least three different places before deciding which company to hire.
You Can Reduce Costs Through Research And Planning
Having a rock garden in your backyard is one of the best ways to add interest and visual appeal to any space.
However, it can be difficult to figure out how much it will cost to buy rocks for your project. Luckily, there are several ways you can reduce costs when building your rock garden.
Before purchasing any types of rocks, you should do some research online and ask friends or family members for recommendations on local suppliers.
You should also ask if they know anyone who sells bulk quantities at lower prices than individual units so that you can save money in the long run if possible (and make sure the quality of the stones is up to par).
One way that many people choose not only how much but which type/s could be used would be based on their budget constraints as well as personal preference between various types available locally.”
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you an idea of how much rocks cost for your backyard. There are many factors to consider when it comes to pricing, but with a little bit of research and planning, we think that anyone can afford the rock they need without going overboard on costs.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about landscaping with rocks, check out these resources:
This Old House provides a comprehensive guide to the cost of various types of landscaping rocks and offers tips for choosing the right rocks for your project.
Lawn Love offers an in-depth analysis of the cost of river rocks for landscaping, including installation and maintenance costs.
HomeGuide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of landscaping with river rocks, including factors that affect the price and tips for saving money on your project.
FAQs
What are the different types of landscaping rocks?
There are several types of landscaping rocks, including river rocks, pea gravel, lava rocks, crushed granite, and decorative rocks.
How much does it cost to landscape with rocks?
The cost of landscaping with rocks depends on several factors, including the type of rock, the size of the area to be landscaped, and the cost of labor in your area. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 for a landscaping project that involves rocks.
How do I choose the right type of rock for my landscaping project?
When choosing the right type of rock for your landscaping project, consider factors such as color, texture, size, and the overall style of your outdoor space. River rocks, for example, are popular for their natural look and ability to complement a variety of landscaping styles.
How do I install landscaping rocks?
Installing landscaping rocks typically involves preparing the area, laying a weed barrier, and placing the rocks on top. It’s important to use the right tools and techniques to ensure that the rocks are level and stable.
How do I maintain my landscaping rocks?
Maintaining your landscaping rocks involves regularly removing debris and leaves, checking for weed growth, and occasionally washing the rocks to remove dirt and grime. It’s also important to periodically replenish the rocks to ensure that they remain in place and maintain their aesthetic appeal.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.
