How much landscape rock do I need for a bed?

For a 200 sq ft bed at 3 inches deep: 200 x 0.25 / 27 = 1.85 cu yd x 1.5 = 2.78 tons. With 10% waste: 3.1 tons. At $100-$200 per ton delivered, expect to pay $310-$620 for the rock.

What size landscape rock is best for weed control?

1.5-3 inch river rock or 1-2 inch crushed granite provides the best weed suppression. Smaller rocks (pea gravel, 3/8-3/4 inch) shift and expose gaps where weeds can grow. Always use landscape fabric underneath.

How much does landscape rock cost in 2026?

River rock: $100-$250 per ton. Crushed granite: $80-$180 per ton. Mexican beach pebbles: $300-$600 per ton. Lava rock: $150-$300 per ton. Delivery fees: $50-$200.

Is rock mulch better than wood mulch?

Rock is permanent (no annual replacement), fire-resistant, and does not attract pests. Wood mulch enriches the soil as it decomposes, is easier to plant in, and is cheaper initially. For beds near the house (termite risk), rock is recommended.

Landscape Rock Calculator

Find tons of decorative rock needed for landscaping beds.

100% Free2026 UpdatedNo Signup

Landscape Rock Calculator

Bed Area(sq ft)

Depth

Landscape rock is permanent — choose carefully because removal is labor-intensive. Always use heavy-duty landscape fabric underneath to prevent weeds and soil mixing. For weed suppression, 2-3 inch river rock or crushed granite works best; smaller stones like pea gravel shift more and expose gaps where weeds germinate.

What This Calculator Does

The Landscape Rock Calculator computes the tons of decorative rock, river rock, or crushed stone needed for landscaping beds, dry creek beds, and ground cover. Enter the bed area and desired depth to get the weight in tons and volume in cubic yards.

Landscape rock is a permanent, low-maintenance alternative to mulch for garden beds, pathways, and decorative features. Unlike organic mulch, rock does not decompose, need annual replacement, or attract termites. It is sold by the ton at landscape supply yards, with an average density of 1.5 tons per cubic yard for most decorative stones.

The calculator provides tons and cubic yards so you can compare pricing across suppliers - some quote per ton, others per cubic yard. The +10% waste line ensures you have enough for edges and depth variations.

How to Use

Measure the bed area in square feet (length x width for rectangular beds).
Select the rock depth: 2 in for light ground cover, 3 in for standard beds.
Enter the area and depth into the calculator fields above.
Click "Calculate" to get tons and cubic yards.
Order from your landscape supply yard - most decorative rock is sold per ton.

Worked Examples

Dry Creek Bed Decorative Rock

A 4 ft wide by 25 ft long dry creek bed using 1-3 inch river rock at 4-inch depth for a natural-looking drainage feature.

→Area: 4 ft x 25 ft = 100 sq ft.
→Depth: 4 in / 12 = 0.333 ft.
→Cubic feet: 100 x 0.333 = 33.3 cu ft.
→Cubic yards: 33.3 / 27 = 1.23 cu yd.
→Tons (at 1.5 tons/cu yd): 1.23 x 1.5 = 1.85 tons.
→With 10% waste: 1.85 x 1.10 = 2.04 tons.

Result: Approximately 2 tons of river rock needed for a 4x25 ft dry creek bed at 4-inch depth.

For a natural-looking dry creek bed, use a mix of rock sizes: larger statement rocks (6-12 inch) along the edges and in bends, with smaller river rock (1-3 inch) filling the center. Place the largest rocks first, then fill around them with the smaller material.

Reference Table

Landscape rock estimator - tons by area and depth 2026
Bed Area	Depth 2 in	Depth 3 in	Depth 4 in	Tons (3 in)
50 sq ft	0.46 tons	0.69 tons	0.93 tons	0.7 tons
100 sq ft	0.93 tons	1.39 tons	1.85 tons	1.4 tons
200 sq ft	1.85 tons	2.78 tons	3.70 tons	2.8 tons
500 sq ft	4.63 tons	6.94 tons	9.26 tons	6.9 tons
1,000 sq ft	9.26 tons	13.89 tons	18.52 tons	13.9 tons