Choosing the right landscaping rock saves money and avoids rework. Each type has distinct characteristics that make it ideal for specific applications. Here is a practical comparison of the five most common types, with real-world costs and coverage rates.
River Rock (1-3 Inches)
Smooth, rounded stones pulled from riverbeds. Available in mixed earth tones — tan, grey, brown, white. Weight: 2,700 lbs per cubic yard.
- Best for: Dry creek beds, drainage swales, garden borders, water features
- Depth: 2-4 inches for decorative, 6+ inches for drainage
- Cost: $100-$250 per ton delivered
- Pros: Natural look, excellent drainage, does not decompose, low maintenance
- Cons: Heavy and hard to move, uncomfortable to walk on, not suitable for flat paths
Pea Gravel (1/4 - 1/2 Inch)
Small, rounded stones with smooth texture. Available in natural tan, brown, grey, or mixed blends. Weight: 2,600 lbs per cubic yard.
- Best for: Patios, pathways, between stepping stones, dog runs, play areas
- Depth: 2-3 inches, always use with edging to contain
- Cost: $30-$60 per ton delivered
- Pros: Comfortable underfoot, excellent drainage, affordable, easy to install
- Cons: Migrates without edging, gets into shoes, hard to shovel snow off
Crushed Stone (#57)
Angular, machine-crushed rock in 3/4 to 1 inch pieces. Grey or limestone white. Weight: 2,800 lbs per cubic yard.
- Best for: Driveways, French drains, base material under pavers, backfill
- Depth: 4-6 inches for driveways, 2-3 inches for decorative
- Cost: $25-$50 per ton delivered
- Pros: Locks together and compacts well, structural strength, most affordable option
- Cons: Industrial look, not comfortable barefoot, angular edges
Decomposed Granite (DG)
Finely crushed granite that packs into a firm, natural-looking surface. Gold, tan, brown, or grey. Weight: 2,500 lbs per cubic yard.
- Best for: Pathways, xeriscape ground cover, bocce courts, rustic patios
- Depth: 2-3 inches loose, 3-4 inches if stabilized with resin
- Cost: $40-$80 per ton delivered
- Pros: Natural look, compacts to walkable surface, drains well, affordable
- Cons: Tracks indoors on shoes, needs replenishment every 2-3 years, muddy when saturated
Lava Rock
Lightweight volcanic rock with porous texture. Red, black, or brown. Weight: 1,500 lbs per cubic yard — roughly half the weight of other rocks.
- Best for: Garden mulch replacement, fire pit surrounds, xeriscape, accent areas
- Depth: 2-3 inches
- Cost: $75-$150 per ton delivered
- Pros: Extremely lightweight (easier to haul), retains soil moisture, does not decompose, vivid color
- Cons: Rough texture (not barefoot-friendly), can blow in high wind, fades over several years
How Much Rock Do You Need?
The calculation depends on weight per cubic yard. Use our landscaping rock calculator to enter your area dimensions, select rock type, and get the exact tonnage and estimated cost. For full project budgeting including labor and edging, try the landscaping cost estimator.