materials-guides · 5 min read

Landscape Boulder Guide

Boulders are the single highest-impact element in a landscape. Here is how to spec them right.

Landscape boulders are sold by nominal diameter — the average dimension across the rock. A 2-foot boulder is roughly 2 feet across in any direction.

Common sizes and weights

SizeApprox. weightPlacement
12"~150 lbTwo people can set.
18"~500 lbSkid steer or tractor.
24"~1,200 lbSkid steer or mini-ex.
36"~4,000 lbMini-excavator + strap.
48"~9,500 lbFull-size excavator.
Pro tip
Bury one-third of every boulder. Anything sitting on top of grade reads dropped-off, not landscaped.
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