How Much Does It Cost To Install Landscape Rock?

Costs to install landscape rock

How much does it cost to have landscape rock installed? There are a variety of landscape rocks you can choose from. The most common rocks are easiest to source and install. If you’re looking to landscape on a budget, these will be your best options. If you want to use uncommon rock, your costs are likely to increase.

Landscape rock and stone material costs

Rock landscaping costs, on average, $3 to $6 per square foot. Crushed stone comes in cheaper, ranging from $1 to $2. Crushed granite can be $3 per square foot on the high side. Granite pavers can be roughly $6 per square foot. For building stone steps, you can expect to pay $100 to $300 per step.

Landscaping rock cost by ton, river rocks can cost between $45 to $130, whereas lava rocks can range from $80 to $240 depending on color and location. For large boulders, you can expect to pay $100 to $600 per ton.

Labor costs to install landscape rocks

The costs for installation varies based on the type of landscaping you want and include material, delivery, and installation. These average costs also factor into the common question, “How much does it cost to replace grass with rock?” Softscaping refers to plant elements, such as flowers, shrubs, and trees. This work can include weed management, mowing, and planting. Costs for softscaping can range from $900 to $3,000.

Xeriscaping conserves water and eliminates the need for irrigation by replacing plants with rock. This could look like a decorative lava rock trim around the home, or surrounding a feature. Depending on the job, xeriscaping installation can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000.

Hardscaping is the use of non-plant elements. Paths, decks, and retaining walls fall under this purview. As the range of hardscaping jobs varies, so does the average cost for hardscaping installation, ranging from $2,000 to $30,000.

How many landscape rocks do I need?

Most landscaping jobs require you to purchase rock by the ton, or by square footage. To calculate this, you need to ascertain the size of the area, the depth of the area, and the thickness of the rock.

Measuring for landscape rocks

The cost to install landscape rock is based on size. One ton of river rock can fill 115 to 135 square feet, assuming a 2” deep space. For 3” deep spaces, a ton of river rock only fills 80 to 90 square feet, and for a 4” deep space, that number drops to 55 to 65 square feet.

To ascertain how much rock you need, first, you need to divide the inches of rock layer thickness by 12 (this converts the inches to feet). Multiply this number by the square footage of the space, which tells you how many cubic feet of rock you intend to purchase. If you need the measurement in cubic yards, divide the cubic feet by 27.

Size of landscape rocks

The job you wish to accomplish will likely dictate the thickness of rock you require. 3/8 to 3/4 inches is ideal for paths and walkways, filling between pavers, playgrounds, and drip edges around gutter downspouts. One-inch river rock is great for walkways, riverbeds, and general landscaping. One to three-inch rocks are the most common size and are generally great for decorating water features. This can include waterfalls and pools. Three to five-inch rock can be great for garden borders, retaining walls, and accents for pools, ponds, and other features.

DIY or Hire a landscaper

It’s very possible to DIY your own landscaping project. You’d need a truck to haul the rock, as well as weed-blocking landscape fabric to lay down in the area you dig. You’ll want to be in good physical condition, as you’ll need to haul the stone and dig out the area you wish to landscape. You’ll layer the rock, and use a garden rake to evenly spread them out. Use a hand-tamp tool for leveling a walkway.

If you need to dig deep, or require grading, you’ll need an excavator. This should be done by a professional. You can also hire professionals if you’d prefer not to handle the physical labor or need someone to plan the job. The costs of professionals can vary based on location and contractor, so be sure to ask questions when chatting with various landscaping companies.