Cost of Landscaping Rocks: A Homeowner’s Guide

Rocks can completely transform an outdoor space, adding rugged natural beauty; understanding the cost of landscaping rocks can help you create a realistic budget before you begin your next DIY project.

Landscaping Rock Pricing at a Glance

The costs below are average costs for landscaping rocks in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Costs do not include professional labor costs or delivery fees, and assume the owner will pick up the rocks themselves.

Pea Gravel Costs

• By volume (cubic yard): $32.00
• By weight (ton): $28.50

Mulch Costs

• By volume (cubic yard): $25.00
• By weight (ton): $75.00

Lava Rock Costs

• By volume (cubic yard): $127
• By weight (ton): $300

Crushed Granite Costs

• By volume (cubic yard): $150.00
• By weight (ton): $150.00

Factors Affecting the Cost of Landscaping Rocks

Type

The type of rock you choose has the biggest impact on pricing. Basic gravel products cost far less than decorative materials like river rock or lava rock. Larger decorative stones also tend to cost more because they are heavier and often sourced from farther away.

Quantity

The more material your project requires, the more expensive it becomes. Small garden beds may only require a fraction of a cubic yard, while large outdoor spaces or long driveways may require several tons of material.

Pro tip: Buying in bulk can sometimes reduce material costs per ton or cubic yard.

Labor Costs

DIY installation can save homeowners money, but installing landscaping rocks properly still requires time, tools, and physical labor—all of which many homeowners find is best left to licensed individuals.

FAQs

How do you find out how much rock you need for a landscaping project?

To estimate how much landscaping rock you need:

• Measure the length and width of the area you will add the stone.
• Determine the desired depth.
• Multiply the dimensions to calculate cubic feet.
• Convert the total into cubic yards or tons, depending on the supplier's pricing method.

How many square feet does a ton of landscaping stone cover?

On average, one ton of landscaping stone covers about 80 to 120 square feet at a depth of 2 inches. Larger stones typically cover more area than smaller gravel products.

Where can homeowners find affordable landscaping rocks?

Ways to reduce the costs of landscaping stones include:

• Buying in bulk
• Buying directly from local suppliers
• Buying from home improvement stores and other big-box retailers like Home Depot or Walmart

Is DIY installation better or worse than hiring professional landscapers?

DIY installation can lower labor costs for smaller projects. However, larger projects involving grading and drainage often benefit from professional expertise.