Rock
Decorative Rock Calculator
Calculate decorative landscape rock — cobbles, lava rock, marble chips — by area, depth, and cost.
Inputs
3/8-inch decorative rock gives a fine, uniform finish for pathways, xeriscape ground cover, and modern beds.
Live estimate
Material needed
3.4 cu yd
- Area
- 500 sq ft
- Cubic feet
- 83.33
- Cubic yards
- 3.09
- Estimated tons
- 5.09
- Estimated truckloads
- 0.28
- Material cost
- $407
- Total cost
- $407
Diagram
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How it's calculated
Area is derived from your shape inputs and converted to sq ft.
Depth is converted to feet; cubic feet = area × depth.
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27, then × (1 + waste %) × (1 + compaction %).
Estimated tons = cubic yards (with waste) × 1.5.
Truckloads = cubic yards (with waste) ÷ truck capacity.
Total cost = cubic yards (with waste) × price per cubic yard + delivery.
Professional guidance
When to use decorative rock
Accent beds, xeriscape gardens, fire pit borders, and low-water landscapes.
Recommended depth
2 inches for finer chips (marble, quartz), 3 inches for larger cobbles.
Pro tip
Lay landscape fabric first. Decorative stone is expensive — don't lose it to weeds and soil migration.
Common mistakes
Buying by the bag for a large bed — cost balloons fast. Anything over 0.5 cu yd is cheaper in bulk.
Material assumptions
- Decorative rock density averages 1.5 tons per cubic yard (varies by material).
- Recommended depth: 2 inches for chips, 3 inches for cobbles.
- Lava rock is lighter — closer to 0.75 tons per cubic yard.
Frequently asked questions
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Related calculators
These results are estimates only. Confirm quantities, compaction, waste, and delivery requirements with your supplier or project professional before ordering materials.