A yard of river rock usually costs between $50 and $200. But this price can change a lot. Many things make the price go up or down. These things include the rock’s size, its color, where you buy it, and if you need it brought to your home.
River rock is popular. People like it for their yards. It looks nice. It is good for paths. It works well around plants. Knowing the price helps plan your yard work. This guide helps you learn about the costs. It covers what makes prices different. It helps you know how much you might pay.
Image Source: greelysand.com
Knowing a Cubic Yard
We talk about rock by the yard. This means a cubic yard. What is a cubic yard?
Think of a box. This box is 3 feet long. It is 3 feet wide. It is 3 feet tall. The space inside this box is one cubic yard.
- Length: 3 feet
- Width: 3 feet
- Height: 3 feet
- Total space: 27 cubic feet
When you buy a yard of river rock, you get enough rock to fill that box. This is how sellers measure bulk rock. They sell it by the cubic yard. The price you see is often the cubic yard river rock cost.
Things That Change the Price
The price for a yard of river rock is not fixed. It moves up and down. Several things make the cost different. Knowing these helps you guess your total cost.
Rock Type and Look
River rock comes from rivers. It is smooth and round. But it looks different in different places.
- Color: River rock can be gray, brown, red, white, or mixed colors. Brighter colors or mixes can cost more. They look like decorative landscape rock prices. Special colors are often priced higher.
- Shape and Smoothness: All river rock is smooth. But some might be smoother than others. This usually does not change the price much.
- Source: Where the rock comes from matters. Rock found close by costs less. Rock brought from far away costs more. This is because of moving costs.
Rock Size
River rock comes in many sizes. Sizes are often measured in inches. Small river rock is like peas or marbles (less than 1 inch). Bigger rock can be as big as your fist or head (4-8 inches or more).
- Small sizes (under 1 inch)
- Medium sizes (1-3 inches)
- Large sizes (4 inches and up)
The size changes the river rock sizes and prices. Small rock might be priced differently than large rock. Often, smaller rock is cheaper per yard. This is because it fills space more easily. Larger rock takes more space per piece. It can be harder to handle. So, large rock can cost more per yard. Check prices for the size you want.
How Much You Buy
Buying more usually makes the price per yard go down. Sellers give better prices for large amounts.
- Small amounts: If you buy just a little, like one yard, you pay the standard price.
- Bulk amounts: If you buy many yards, like 10 or more, you might get a discount. This is called bulk river rock prices. Buying in bulk is cheaper per yard. It is good for big projects.
Where You Buy It
You can buy river rock in different places.
- Landscape Supply Yards: These places sell many kinds of rock, soil, and mulch. They usually have the best prices for large amounts. Their landscape supply river rock price is often lower per yard than other places.
- Home Improvement Stores: Places like Home Depot or Lowe’s sell river rock. They often sell it in bags. Bags are good for small jobs. But buying many bags costs much more than buying by the yard. They might also sell by the yard, but their price per yard can be higher than a supply yard.
Getting the Rock to Your Home
Moving rock is hard and costly. Rock is heavy. You need a truck. Or you need someone to bring it to you.
- Picking it up: If you have a truck that can carry the weight, you can get it yourself. This saves money on delivery. But remember, a cubic yard of rock is very heavy. Make sure your truck is strong enough.
- Delivery: Most people get river rock delivered. This costs extra. The river rock delivery cost depends on how far you live from the seller. It also depends on how much rock you buy. Delivery costs can add $50 to $200 or more to your total price. Sometimes, the delivery price is the same for 1 yard as for 5 yards. This makes buying more rock cheaper overall per yard.
Price Ranges for a Yard
Given all these factors, the cubic yard river rock cost can range quite a bit.
- Low End: You might find basic gray or brown river rock in smaller sizes for $50 to $100 per cubic yard. This is likely from a local supply yard. You might pick it up yourself or live close by for cheap delivery.
- Mid Range: Most people will pay between $100 and $150 per cubic yard. This price is common for medium-sized rock. It might include a basic delivery fee. This is a typical landscaping rock cost per yard.
- High End: Prices can go up to $150 to $200 or even more per cubic yard. This is for special colors, large sizes, or if you buy from a place with higher prices. Long distance delivery also makes the price higher. Decorative landscape rock prices are often in this higher range.
Let’s look at possible costs in a table. Remember, these are just ideas. Real prices will be different where you live.
| Factor | Lower Cost Example | Higher Cost Example |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Type | Basic Gray/Brown | Multi-color, Specialty |
| Rock Size | Small (1 inch or less) | Large (4 inches or more) |
| Amount Bought | 1-2 yards | 10+ yards (Bulk price lower) |
| Place Bought | Local Supply Yard | Home Improvement Store (bags) |
| Delivery | Pick up yourself / Close | Long distance delivery |
| Possible Cost Per Yard | $50 – $100 | $150 – $200+ |
So, the price for one yard can be low or high. It really depends on what you need and where you get it.
Price Per Ton vs. Per Yard
Sometimes, sellers list rock prices by the ton. This is a different way to measure. A ton is a measure of weight (2000 pounds). A yard is a measure of space.
How does river rock price per ton compare to price per yard? You need to know how much a yard weighs.
How Much Does a Cubic Yard of Rock Weigh?
This weight is not always the same. It changes based on the type of rock. It also changes based on how wet the rock is. Dry rock weighs less than wet rock.
But we can use a general number. A cubic yard of river rock usually weighs about 2500 to 3000 pounds.
- Average weight: About 2700 pounds.
- This is more than one ton (2000 pounds).
So, one cubic yard of river rock is heavier than one ton.
If a seller prices by the ton, you need to do some math.
Let’s say river rock is $40 per ton.
A yard is about 1.35 tons (2700 lbs / 2000 lbs/ton = 1.35).
The cost per yard would be about $40 * 1.35 = $54 per yard.
If the rock is $60 per ton, the cost per yard would be about $60 * 1.35 = $81 per yard.
Use the weight to figure out the price comparison. If they sell by the ton, find out the price per ton. Then, guess the weight of a yard (ask the seller, but 2700 lbs is a good guess). Divide the yard weight by 2000 to get tons per yard. Multiply tons per yard by the price per ton. This gives you the price per yard.
Most people buy river rock by the yard. So, the cubic yard river rock cost is the most common price you will see.
Figuring Out How Much Rock You Need
Before you buy, you must know how much rock you need. Buying too little stops your project. Buying too much wastes money.
You need to calculate river rock needed. This takes a few steps.
Step 1: Measure Your Area
First, measure the space where you want the rock. Use a tape measure.
You need two numbers:
- The length of the area (how long it is).
- The width of the area (how wide it is).
Measure in feet.
Example: You want rock for a garden bed. It is 20 feet long and 5 feet wide.
Step 2: Find the Area Size
Multiply the length by the width. This gives you the area in square feet.
Example: 20 feet * 5 feet = 100 square feet.
Step 3: Decide on the Depth
How deep do you want the layer of rock? This is important. A deeper layer needs more rock. A thin layer needs less.
Common depths for river rock are 2 to 4 inches.
- 2 inches is good for cover, like around plants. It helps block weeds a little.
- 3 inches is a common depth. It gives good coverage and helps block weeds more.
- 4 inches is a thick layer. Good for areas where you walk or where you want strong weed block.
Pick a depth in inches.
Example: You want the rock layer to be 3 inches deep.
Step 4: Convert Depth to Feet
Your measurements are in feet (length and width). The depth is in inches. You must use the same unit. Convert inches to feet.
There are 12 inches in 1 foot.
To convert inches to feet, divide the inches by 12.
Example: Your depth is 3 inches. 3 inches / 12 inches/foot = 0.25 feet.
Step 5: Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet
Now you have length (in feet), width (in feet), and depth (in feet). Multiply these three numbers together. This gives you the volume of rock needed in cubic feet.
Volume = Length (ft) * Width (ft) * Depth (ft)
Example:
Length = 20 feet
Width = 5 feet
Depth = 0.25 feet
Volume = 20 * 5 * 0.25 = 100 * 0.25 = 25 cubic feet.
You need 25 cubic feet of rock.
Step 6: Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards
Rock is sold by the cubic yard. You need to change your cubic feet number to cubic yards.
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet (as we learned earlier).
To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide your cubic feet total by 27.
Cubic Yards Needed = Volume (cubic feet) / 27
Example: You need 25 cubic feet. 25 cubic feet / 27 cubic feet/yard = 0.926 cubic yards.
You need about 0.93 cubic yards of rock.
Step 7: Round Up
You cannot buy exactly 0.93 cubic yards. You must buy in whole or half yards, or sometimes quarter yards. Always round up to the next amount you can buy.
If you need 0.93 yards, you will buy 1 cubic yard.
If you needed 1.1 yards, you would buy 1.5 or 2 yards, depending on how it’s sold. Better to have a little too much than too little.
Example Calculation Summary:
- Area: 20 ft by 5 ft
- Depth: 3 inches
- Area in sq ft: 20 * 5 = 100 sq ft
- Depth in feet: 3 / 12 = 0.25 ft
- Volume in cubic feet: 100 * 0.25 = 25 cubic ft
- Volume in cubic yards: 25 / 27 = 0.93 cubic yards
- Amount to buy: 1 cubic yard
Table for Easy Calculation
Here is a quick guide for common square foot areas and depths. This helps you calculate river rock needed faster. Find your square footage and desired depth. See how many yards you might need.
Keep in mind, these are estimates. The real amount can change slightly. This is because of how the rock settles. Also, the ground might not be perfectly flat.
| Area (Square Feet) | 2 Inches Deep (Yards) | 3 Inches Deep (Yards) | 4 Inches Deep (Yards) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.6 |
| 100 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 1.2 |
| 150 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 1.9 |
| 200 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 2.5 |
| 250 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 3.1 |
| 300 | 1.9 | 2.8 | 3.7 |
| 400 | 2.5 | 3.7 | 4.9 |
| 500 | 3.1 | 4.6 | 6.2 |
| 1000 | 6.2 | 9.3 | 12.3 |
Use this table as a quick guide. For exact needs, do the math yourself. Measure length and width. Convert depth to feet. Multiply length, width, depth to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Round up.
This table helps with your plan. It gives a good idea of the landscaping rock cost per yard based on the area you want to cover. If you need 5 yards, look at the cost per yard. Multiply that by 5. Add delivery.
Where to Buy River Rock
Knowing where to shop helps you find better prices. It also helps you see the rock.
Landscape Supply Yards
These are the best places for large amounts. They have big piles of rock. You can see the rock size and color. You can also ask questions.
- Pros:
- Lower prices per yard, especially for bulk river rock prices.
- More choices in rock types and sizes.
- Staff know about rock and can help you figure out how much you need.
- They offer delivery.
- Cons:
- Might require you to have a truck to pick up small amounts.
- Delivery cost depends on distance.
Look up “landscape supply near me” or “rock yard near me”. Call them for their landscape supply river rock price. Ask for prices by the cubic yard. Ask about delivery costs to your home.
Home Improvement Stores
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s sell river rock. They usually sell it in bags. A common bag size is 0.5 cubic feet.
- Pros:
- Easy to buy just a little bit.
- Good for small projects or topping up.
- Easy to transport if you only buy a few bags.
- Cons:
- Very expensive per cubic yard compared to bulk.
- Need many bags for a medium or large area. Lifting and opening bags takes time and effort.
Let’s compare bag price to yard price.
A bag is 0.5 cubic feet.
A yard is 27 cubic feet.
You need 54 bags to make one cubic yard (27 / 0.5 = 54).
If a bag costs $5, one yard from bags costs $5 * 54 = $270.
Compare this to the $50 to $200 range for bulk rock by the yard. Bags are much more costly for bigger jobs.
Some big box stores might sell by the yard for delivery. Their price per yard might still be higher than a dedicated rock yard. Always compare the cubic yard river rock cost from different sellers.
Thinking About Delivery Costs
Delivery is a big part of the total cost. The river rock delivery cost varies.
- Distance: The main factor is how far the seller is from your home. More miles mean more money for gas, truck wear, and driver time.
- Amount: Some places charge a flat fee for delivery, no matter how much rock you get (up to a truck’s limit). Others might charge slightly more for larger loads.
- Truck Size: Sellers use different size trucks. A small truck might hold 5-7 yards. A big truck might hold 15-20 yards. If you need more than one truckload, you might pay the delivery fee multiple times.
- Dump Spot: Where do you want the rock dumped? They need a spot where a heavy truck can go. It must be flat and easy to get to. They usually dump it in one spot, like your driveway. Moving it from there is your job.
Ask about delivery rules and costs when you call. Get the total price including delivery. This is key to knowing the full landscaping rock cost per yard for your project.
Example:
Rock cost: $100 per yard
You need 3 yards. Rock total: $300
Delivery cost: $75
Total cost: $375
In this case, the delivery adds $25 per yard to the cost ($75 / 3 yards).
If you needed 6 yards:
Rock cost: $100 per yard. Rock total: $600
Delivery cost: $75 (if it fits in one truck)
Total cost: $675
Now, delivery adds only $12.50 per yard ($75 / 6 yards). This shows how buying more makes delivery cheaper per yard. This is part of the saving when you look at bulk river rock prices.
Tips for Saving Money
River rock can be a big cost for yard work. Here are ways to save money:
- Buy in Bulk: Get all the rock you need at once. The price per yard is lower. Delivery per yard is lower. This uses bulk river rock prices to your favor.
- Shop Around: Call different landscape supply yards. Ask for their cubic yard river rock cost and delivery fee. Prices can be different from place to place.
- Pick Up Yourself: If you have a strong truck and the seller allows it, pick up the rock. This saves the whole delivery cost. Be sure your truck can handle the how much does a cubic yard of rock weigh amount you plan to get.
- Use a Standard Rock: Fancy colors or special sizes can cost more. Basic gray or brown river rock is often the cheapest. It still looks good. Avoid high decorative landscape rock prices unless you need that specific look.
- Calculate Carefully: Figure out exactly how much rock you need. Use the steps to calculate river rock needed. Round up, but don’t buy way too much. Measure twice, buy once.
- Consider Depth: Do you really need 4 inches deep? Maybe 3 inches is enough. A thinner layer means buying less rock, which saves money.
- Check for Sales: Sometimes supply yards have sales. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
Saving money on river rock helps your project budget.
Summarizing the Costs
Let’s put it all together. The cost of one yard of river rock depends on many things.
- Base Rock Price: This is the price per yard at the seller’s location. It changes based on rock size, color, and where the seller gets it.
- Quantity Discount: Buying more reduces the price per yard (bulk pricing).
- Delivery Fee: This adds to the cost per yard. It depends on distance and quantity.
- Tax: Don’t forget sales tax.
The total landscaping rock cost per yard is the rock price plus the delivery cost, divided by the number of yards. Add tax to the total.
Example Project Cost (buying 5 yards):
- Rock price per yard (from supply yard, medium size): $120
- Cost for 5 yards: 5 * $120 = $600
- Delivery fee (local): $75
- Subtotal: $600 + $75 = $675
- Tax (let’s say 6%): $675 * 0.06 = $40.50
- Total Cost: $675 + $40.50 = $715.50
In this example, the total cost was $715.50 for 5 yards. The average cost per yard for this project was $715.50 / 5 = $143.10 per yard. This is within our mid-range estimate.
If you bought only 1 yard at $120 and delivery was $75:
* Rock cost: $120
* Delivery: $75
* Subtotal: $195
* Tax: $195 * 0.06 = $11.70
* Total: $206.70
Buying 1 yard costs $206.70 per yard total. Buying 5 yards costs $143.10 per yard total. This clearly shows the saving from buying more.
Remember to ask for the full price with delivery and tax when you get quotes. This gives you the real cubic yard river rock cost for your home.
Different Uses, Different Costs?
Does how you use the rock change the cost? Not directly. The rock price is the rock price. But the use might affect your choices.
- Drainage: For drainage, small, cheap river rock might be fine. You might need a lot for a drain. Focus on bulk river rock prices.
- Walkways: For walking paths, you want a comfortable size. Maybe 1-3 inches. This is a common size, so prices are typical landscaping rock cost per yard.
- Decorative Beds: Around flowers or trees, you might want a specific color or size. This could lead to higher decorative landscape rock prices. You might need less rock, so the higher price per yard might be okay for a small area.
- Water Features: Around ponds or fountains, smooth river rock looks nice. You might pick specific sizes or colors. This also falls into decorative landscape rock prices.
The project type influences the best rock size and type. That choice then impacts the cost per yard.
Final Price Considerations
When figuring out your budget, think about these final points:
- Tools: You will need a shovel, wheelbarrow, and maybe a rake to move and spread the rock. Do you own these? If not, add their cost.
- Weed Barrier: Many people put down fabric before adding rock. This helps stop weeds. You need to buy this fabric. Figure its cost per square foot of your area. Add this to your total project cost.
- Edging: You might want metal or plastic edging to keep the rock in place. This costs money too.
The rock itself is the main cost. But don’t forget these other items. They are part of the full job.
Knowing the landscape supply river rock price and the river rock delivery cost is the first step. Then, factor in how much you need. Add costs for other materials and tools. This gives you the full picture of your project’s cost.
You can get a good idea of the total cost by:
1. Measuring your area and choosing a depth.
2. Using the calculation steps to find cubic yards needed.
3. Calling local supply yards for cubic yard river rock cost for the size/type you want.
4. Asking for their river rock delivery cost for your amount and location.
5. Adding these costs together.
This guide gives you the steps and information to understand the cost. River rock makes yards look great. Plan your project and budget. Then you can enjoy your new rock areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about river rock costs.
How much area does one cubic yard of river rock cover?
One cubic yard covers an area based on how deep you spread the rock.
* 1 cubic yard covers about 160 square feet at 2 inches deep.
* 1 cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep.
* 1 cubic yard covers about 80 square feet at 4 inches deep.
Is it cheaper to buy river rock by the ton or by the yard?
It depends on the seller’s pricing. You need to compare. Find out the river rock price per ton. Find out the cubic yard river rock cost. Then figure out how much a yard weighs (around 2700 lbs is a good guess). If a ton costs X, a yard might cost X * 1.35. Compare that number to the yard price. Often, pricing by the yard is more common for landscaping rock, and the listed yard price is already competitive. But checking both can save money.
How heavy is a cubic yard of river rock?
A cubic yard of river rock weighs about 2500 to 3000 pounds. The average is around 2700 pounds. This answers how much does a cubic yard of rock weigh. This heavy weight means you need a strong truck for pickup or must pay for delivery.
Can I mix different sizes of river rock?
Yes, you can mix sizes. Some people like the look of mixed sizes. It can make the area look more natural. The price might be based on the main size, or some places sell a mix directly. Ask the seller about mixing sizes and how they price it. River rock sizes and prices usually list costs for specific size ranges, not mixes unless it’s a standard product they sell.
How can I get the best price on river rock?
To get the best price, compare costs from different local landscape supply river rock price lists. Buy in bulk to get bulk river rock prices. If possible, pick up the rock yourself to save on river rock delivery cost. Choose standard rock colors and sizes if budget is tight, avoiding higher decorative landscape rock prices. Always calculate exactly how much you need.
Will delivery trucks damage my driveway?
Rock delivery trucks are very heavy. They can crack driveways, especially if the driveway is old, thin, or has cracks already. The weight is heavy when the truck drives onto the driveway. It is also heavy when they lift the dump bed. Ask the seller about their truck size and weight. Talk to the driver about where they can safely dump the rock. Often, dumping at the street edge is safest for your driveway.
Do I need a weed barrier under river rock?
It is a good idea to use a weed barrier. River rock alone does not stop weeds well. Weeds can grow up through the rock or sprout in dirt and leaves that fall onto the rock. A weed barrier fabric helps block weeds. It also keeps the rock from sinking into the soil over time. This adds to the overall landscaping rock cost per yard project, but saves work later.
How do I calculate river rock needed for an odd shape area?
For areas not shaped like a square or rectangle, try to break the area into smaller squares, rectangles, or circles. Calculate the rock needed for each small part. Then add them together. Or, measure the longest length and widest width. Use these numbers to get a rough idea using the rectangle method. It will be a bit more than you need, but helps estimate. There are online calculators too that can help calculate river rock needed.