What Is the Cheapest Rock for Landscaping?
5/9/2023
5/9/2023
9/5/23
From rock gardens to garden borders, there are many ways to improve your outdoor space using popular landscaping rocks. Using landscaping with rocks is a popular way to add a natural touch to any outdoor space. Stones come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a versatile addition to any landscape design. However, choosing the right type of rock for your landscaping project can be daunting, especially if you're on a budget and you're trying to achieve a particular look. Stone Center, a leading supplier of natural stone products, offers a wide variety of affordable landscaping rocks that are perfect for your DIY landscaping project. With locations in Columbus and Cincinnati, Stone Center is a reliable and accessible source for quality rock prices that won't break the bank.
The term "landscape rock" refers to any type of natural or decorative stone used in outdoor landscaping projects. These rocks can be used for a variety of purposes such as creating pathways, retaining walls, water features, and decorative accents.
Landscape rock is a versatile and popular choice among homeowners and landscapers alike.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. Let's try to find the answer to the question on everyone's mind: how much is landscape rock?
Smooth river rocks are a popular choice for landscaping projects due to their natural appearance and durability. The average rock landscaping cost of river stones ranges from $100 to $800 per ton, and this number depends on the size and type of rock. This translates to an average cost of $30 to $50 per cubic yard, including delivery. It makes river rocks a cost-effective option for landscaping projects, especially for larger areas.
Another option to consider is crushed granite. The cost of crushed granite varies depending on factors such as the location and distance of delivery. The average landscaping rock prices of crushed granite range from $30 to $70 per ton or $0.70 to $1.50 per cubic foot and $20 to $45 per cubic yard.
Another rock type you might consider is boulders. On average, boulders can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per ton or $30 to $40 per cubic yard. While boulders may be a more significant investment upfront, they are a durable and long-lasting addition to any landscape design, requiring minimal maintenance over time and adding a touch of natural beauty and ruggedness to outdoor spaces.
If you have a landscape project, Mexican beach pebbles are a great option. Landscaping pebbles can be of different colors, each offering unique visual and functional properties. They're often used in garden beds, around trees, or in other landscaping designs to create a natural and polished look.
On average, beach pebbles cost between $400 and $700 per ton or $40 to $50 per cubic yard.
Crushed stone is a type of landscaping rock that's made by crushing various types of natural stone into smaller pieces. The stones are typically sourced from quarries or gravel pits and are available in a range of sizes and colors, depending on the type of stone used.
Lava rock is a type of landscaping rock that is formed from cooled molten lava. They are typically black or reddish-brown in color and can range in size from small pebbles to large boulders. They are particularly well-suited for arid or desert climates because they retain heat and can help to reduce water loss from the soil.
Lava rocks are an affordable landscape rock option that can add a unique texture and color to outdoor spaces. They usually cost between $50 to $100 per ton or $30 to $35 per cubic yard.
Pea gravel is a type of landscaping rock that consists of small, smooth, and rounded stones that are approximately the size of a pea. It's typically made from natural materials that have been weathered and worn down over time. Pea gravel is one of the cheapest landscaping rocks available. The average landscape rock prices of pea gravel are between $30 to $55 per ton or $3 to $8 per bag, $2 to $5 per cubic foot, or $35 to $120 per cubic yard.
We know that you're looking for the cheapest landscaping rock that still checks all of your boxes. However, when considering landscaping rock for your outdoor space, it's important to factor in additional costs beyond the cost of the rock itself.
For example, delivery fees and installation costs are two common expenses associated with landscaping rock. Delivery fees vary depending on the supplier's location and the amount of rock being delivered. Similarly, installation costs can also vary depending on the complexity of the project and the amount of labor required.
Additionally, landscape fabric is often necessary to place under the rock to prevent weeds from growing. This fabric can be an additional expense but don't shy away from making this investment as it can save time and money in the long run by reducing the need for weed removal.
Finally, mulch may be needed to cover the rock and provide additional benefits such as moisture retention and weed suppression. Depending on the type of mulch used, this can also add to the overall cost.
So if you're wondering how much it costs to have landscape rock installed, it varies depending on the complexity of the project, the type of rock being used, and the labor involved.
On average, the cost of removing landscape rock ranges from $50 to $200 per hour for professional removal services. However, if you plan to remove the rock yourself to cut down on costs, you'll only need to pay for the rental of equipment such as a skid-steer loader, which can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 per day. Additional costs to consider include disposal fees, which vary depending on the location and the amount of rock being removed. If the rock is recyclable, some disposal facilities may offer a reduced fee.
When buying landscape rock, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you select the best option for your unique outdoor space.
One important factor is price, as different types of rocks can vary widely in cost. It's important to determine your budget before making a purchase and to compare landscape stone prices from different suppliers to find the best deal.
Another consideration is the size and shape of the rocks. Different sizes and shapes can have different visual impacts on the landscape and can be more or less suitable depending on the intended use.
Color is also a key factor to consider when choosing landscape rocks, as color can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the space.
The texture of the rocks is also an important consideration, as some rocks have a smooth and polished appearance while others are rougher and natural-looking.
Now that we've explored the prices of some of the most popular landscaping rocks, let's talk about volume. The first helpful tip is to measure the dimensions of the area where the rock will be placed to calculate the square footage. This will give you a rough idea of how much rock is needed, which can then be converted into cubic yards or tons to make purchasing and delivery easier.
It's also important to consider the desired depth of the rock layer, as this will affect the amount needed. Different types of rocks have different densities, so it's important to research and understand the weight and volume of the cheapest stones for the garden that you're considering.
Additionally, it's a good idea to order slightly more rock than necessary to account for any spillage, settling, or future additions to the landscaping design.
There are many types of inexpensive landscaping rocks, each offering its own unique advantages and disadvantages. While we would love to make one singular recommendation, we know that each project is unique and many factors are involved.
Regardless of your specifications or your project vision, our team is here to help. If you're in Ohio and looking for a reliable stone supplier, Stone Center provides a wide selection of landscaping rocks at competitive prices. With the right type of rock and careful planning, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional landscape design. Contact us today to learn more about all landscaping rock options and get started on your project.
Jon, the owner of Stone Center, is a knowledgeable expert in natural stone products, specializing in various types of stone for landscaping and architectural projects. Passionate about promoting the beauty and versatility of natural stone, Jon aims to use these blogs to inspire readers with creative ideas to upgrade their homes.