How Much Landscaping Rock Do I Need?

Do you want to enhance the appearance of your home or property, but don’t know how much landscaping rock you need? Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just starting out, this guide will help make the process easy.

When you lay down landscaping rocks, you are working towards designing a more water efficient landscape.

We’ll cover everything from estimating how much rock to buy to the average costs of landscaping rocks.

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Determining How Much Rock You Need

When assessing how much landscaping rock you need, it’s important to consider both the size of the area you’re working with and the depth of coverage you desire. For example, a small patio might only require a few bags of pea gravel, while a large backyard might need several dump truckloads.

To calculate the amount of landscaping rocks you need in cubic yards, first measure the length and width of the area you’re working with. Then, multiply those numbers by the desired depth of coverage in feet. Finally, divide that total by 27 to convert it to cubic yards.

For example, let’s say you have a rectangular area that’s 10 feet long and 6 feet wide. You want the landscaping rocks to be 3 inches deep.

To figure out how many cubic yards of rock you need, first multiply 10 by 6 to get 60. Then, multiply 60 by 3 to get 180. Finally, divide 180 by 27 to get 6.67 cubic yards of rock.

Keep in mind that this is only an estimate. It’s always best to buy a little more landscaping rocks than you think you need, just to be safe. That way, you won’t have to make a second trip to the store if you end up needing more than you initially thought.

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Landscaping Circular Areas: How Much Rock Do I Need?

When calculating the amount of landscaping rock you need for a circular area, it’s important to first determine the radius of the circle. The radius is the distance from the center of the circle to its edge. To find the radius, simply divide the diameter in half.

For example, let’s say you have a circular area that’s 10 feet in diameter. To find the radius, you would divide 10 by 2 to get 5. This means that the radius of your circle is 5 feet.

Now that you know the radius, you can calculate the square footage of your circle using the following formula:

Pi x Radius2. In this case, you would multiply 3.14 (Pi) by 5 (the radius) squared to get 78.5 square feet.

To convert square footage into cubic yards, you would simply divide the total by 27 (there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard). This means that you would need approximately 2.9 cubic yards of landscaping rock for your circular area.

As with a rectangular area, it’s always best to buy more rocks than you think you need. This will ensure that you have enough to complete your project without having to make a second trip to the store.

Tips for Laying Rocks

Once you’ve determined how much landscaping rock you need and have purchased the appropriate amount, it’s time to start laying the rock. Here are a few tips to help make the process go smoothly:

• Use Landscape Fabric: To prevent weeds from growing up through your rocks, be sure to lay down landscape fabric before spreading the rock. This fabric will also help to hold the rocks in place and prevent them from migrating across your yard.
• Use a Garden Hose: This will help you visualize where the rocks should go and ensure that you don’t accidentally spread them outside of the desired area.
• Spread an Even Layer: Use a rake to spread the rocks evenly across the entire area. Avoid creating mounds or valleys, as this will make your landscaping look uneven.
• Add More Rock If Needed: Once you’ve spread the rocks, take a step back and assess the coverage. If it looks like you need more rocks, simply add more until you’re satisfied with the results.
• Use a Plate Compactor: Once you’ve finished spreading the rocks, use a plate compactor to evenly compress the material. This will help to prevent it from shifting or moving over time.

For even more landscaping tips, check out this article published by Texas A&M Agrilife Extension titled, “Low Maintenance Landscaping Tips.”

Average Costs of Landscaping Rocks

The cost of landscaping rocks will vary depending on the type of rock you choose and the quantity that you need.

Generally, you can expect to pay $40 to $100 for every cubic yard.

Wrapping Up

There you have it! Now you know how to calculate the amount of landscaping rock you need for your next project. Remember to always buy more rocks than you think you need and to use a plate compactor to ensure that the material stays in place.

If you’re not sure how much landscaping rock you need for your project, don’t hesitate to ask a professional at your local home improvement store. They’ll be able to help you calculate the right amount based on the size of your project and the depth of coverage you desire.

If you would rather just leave landscaping to the pros, Evergreen Lawn and Landscape is at your service. Give us a call today!