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River rock quantity and cost for beds, dry creek features, and decorative borders.
With these inputs:
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| River rock needed | 1.65 tons |
| Volume | 1.22 yd³ |
| Area covered | 120 sq ft |
| Estimated cost | $91 – $215 |
| Rock size | 1" – 2" |
| Depth used | 3 in (recommended minimum) |
| Area | 120 sq ft |
| Volume | 1.22 yd³ |
| Weight | 1.65 tons |
| Landscape fabric needed | 132 sq ft |
| Edging (perimeter) | 52 linear ft |
| Material cost | $91 – $215 |
Always lay landscape fabric underneath river rock. Without it, weeds grow straight through and the rock slowly sinks into the soil.
River rock is priced by the ton like other stone but costs two to three times as much, so over-ordering is expensive. This calculator uses river rock's own density and depth guidance, including the deeper coverage that larger cobble sizes require.
The depth should be at least twice the largest stone dimension. That means 2 inches for 1-inch rock, 3 to 4 inches for 2-inch rock, and 6 inches for large cobble.
River rock is the most expensive common landscape stone at $55 to $130 per ton delivered, or roughly $75 to $175 per cubic yard depending on colour and size.
Yes. Landscape fabric stops weeds coming up and keeps the rock from sinking into the soil, which otherwise buries a decorative bed within a few years.
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