The cheapest landscaping rocks are typically pea gravel and crushed stone (or crushed granite), which generally cost between $ 𝟑𝟓 and $ 𝟓𝟎 per ton (or $ 15 to $ 30 per cubic yard). These base materials are incredibly budget-friendly, highly versatile, and excellent for drainage, pathways, and ground cover.
If you're seeking the most budget-friendly option, crushed stone often emerges as the winner. Other cheap landscape rock options include pea gravel and river rock. These cheapest rocks for landscaping are cost-effective due to their abundance and minimal processing requirements.
10 Creative Ways to Personalize Your Landscape on a Budget
Coverage Guidelines
One Ton of Rock Covers: 240 square feet – 1″ deep. 120 square feet – 2″ deep.
10 Budget-Friendly Landscaping Materials That Can Transform Your Outdoor Space
Less Expensive Alternatives To Gravel Driveway Surfaces
Decomposed granite is a type of gravel made from 100% pulverized granite. This type of gravel is ground into fine particles and will pack together to form a gravel that hardens like concrete when compacted.
Understanding gravel measurements and coverage
When delivered, a ton of pea gravel creates a pile approximately 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 2 feet high. Crushed stone, being denser, forms a slightly smaller pile.
A professionally installed gravel driveway can last 20 to 30 years or more when constructed with the correct foundations and maintained properly. The longevity of a gravel driveway depends far less on the gravel itself and far more on the quality of the groundwork beneath it.
Specific landscape types are also described such as gardens, coastal landscapes, desert landscapes, and tropical rainforests.
Mulch is an excellent, cost-effective material for landscaping. It helps retain moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, and adds a finished look to your garden beds. You can use organic mulch, like wood chips or bark, which decomposes and enriches the soil over time.
Recycled Materials: Eco-Friendly and Cost-Saving
Reclaimed items don't just save money; they also add character. Upcycling gives your garden a bespoke, creative edge. Build vertical planters or benches from pallets. Use old bricks for paths, edging, or rustic walls.
Several fantastic, budget-friendly materials look almost identical to granite but cost a fraction of the price. The most popular and realistic options vary by application, ranging from high-pressure laminates for tight budgets to engineered materials like quartz and solid surfaces.
Pea Gravel — The Budget-Friendly Choice
Pea gravel consists of small, smooth pebbles in a mix of natural colors. It's the most affordable decorative rock option and works well for functional landscaping. Cost: $35–$45 per ton — the cheapest decorative rock option.
Cheap Gemstones - or should we say 'affordable'?
One ton of gravel generally covers 50 to 100 square feet, depending on how deep you spread it.
For walkways and high-traffic zones, opt for gravel for stability and durability. For planting zones, stick with soil that's been blended for nutrient content and drainage. For levelling areas beneath turf or artificial lawn, use sand as a compactable, even base.
Typically, a layer of rock at least 2-3 inches deep is effective in preventing most weed growth. This thickness provides a solid barrier that suppresses weeds while allowing for proper drainage.
For 20mm gravel, the ideal depth depends on the project:
Here's a TL:DR version: Gravel vs. Crushed Stone: Gravel is naturally occurring with rounded edges, while crushed stone is manufactured and has sharper edges.
The coverage of a ton of gravel depends on the size of the pebbles and the desired depth of the coverage. On average, a ton of 20 mm gravel will cover approximately 10 square metres to a depth of 50 mm, while a ton of 40 mm gravel will cover approximately 5 square metres to a depth of 50 mm.
1 cubic yard = 1,500 pounds. 1 ton = 2,000 pounds / 1,500 pounds per cubic yard = 1.33 cubic yards.
Before you start laying the gravel, it's important to prepare the site properly. This involves removing any existing grass, weeds, or debris from the area. You may also need to level the area using a shovel or rake to create a solid base for the gravel.