What is the cheapest rock to use for landscaping?

Author: Olga Paucek Jr.  |  Last update: Saturday, June 21, 2025

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.

What is the least expensive landscaping rock?

The three cheapest options for landscaping rocks are pea gravel, river rocks, and crushed concrete. There are other options, including lava rock, which is more expensive, and slate, which can be brittle and break easily. But for the most part, these three options will be the cheapest and most versatile for your needs.

What is the cheapest landscape fill?

Top Choices for Affordable Landscaping Materials
  • Mulch.
  • Shredded Leaves.
  • Pea Gravel.
  • Bark.
  • Rocks.
  • Brick Chips.
  • Sand.
  • Pine Needles & Cones.

What do you put down before rocks for landscaping?

Gravel. Gravel is a versatile and effective base material for landscape rocks, providing excellent drainage and stability.

How much is 2 tons of landscape rock?

Landscaping Rock Cost per Ton

The cost of landscaping rocks averages around $25 to $900 per ton. You can expect to pay less for decomposed granite or pea gravel than lava rock or Mexican beach pebbles, which are on the pricier end of the scale.

✅LandScape Rock: Best LandScape Rock (Pebbles)

How much is 100 sq feet?

100 sq ft. It's the size of a medium sized bedroom, not including the space the inside the closet. If you are renting a 10x10 (100 square feet) bedroom, you will have plenty of space for a bed, side table and dresser… but not much else. Most second bedrooms are between 100 feet and 144 feet (12x12).

What is the best rock to prevent weeds in landscaping?

Rocks such as pea gravel or stone mulch provide an effective barrier against weed growth while being relatively simple to install and maintain. Gravel requires little maintenance once laid down; simply topping up small areas where necessary over time will suffice.

What's better, mulch or rocks?

Both landscape rock and mulch are important for making your yard look nice. They can also help your plants grow better by controlling the temperature of the soil and keeping moisture in. But they do this in different ways. Rocks last longer but don't add nutrients to the soil.

Should I remove grass before putting down rocks?

Fully removing grass first gives you a more professional look. Removal is also worth considering if you'll need to layer your decorative rocks. This way, you can create a deeper area while still keeping the top layer even with the surrounding area.

How do I landscape my yard on a budget?

11 Cheap Backyard Landscaping Ideas
  1. Use Mulch Alternatives. ...
  2. Repurpose Old Tires. ...
  3. Go Vertical With Your Gardening. ...
  4. Add a Splash of Color. ...
  5. Plant a Functional Garden. ...
  6. Opt for Natural Perennial Ground Covers. ...
  7. Build an Outdoor Fire Pit. ...
  8. Plant a Tree.

What color rock is best for landscaping?

Consider the Surroundings

If your home has lots of rustic elements or showcases an earthy color palette, choose rocks in shades of either brown, red, or green. On the other hand, if your home features many neutral shades, consider using gray or black rocks for a touch of elevated sophistication.

How to get cheap landscape?

20 cheap landscaping ideas
  1. Plant perennials.
  2. Mulch your garden beds.
  3. Add sustainable hardscaping.
  4. Conserve water with xeriscaping.
  5. Mow less with groundcover.
  6. Lay down roots with native plants.
  7. Upcycle functional landscape decor.
  8. Consider colorful containers.

How to get free landscaping rocks?

Contact local farms or farmers to see if they have any rocks they want to get rid of. Look online, too. Homeowners doing renovations or landscaping work might be getting rid of stones found on their property. They might list these on Facebook, neighborhood and community pages, or Craigslist.

What is the cheapest ground cover option?

12 Cheap Ways to Cover Dirt in Your Backyard
  • Wood Chips: Wood chips are an excellent ground cover option that adds a natural and rustic touch to your backyard. ...
  • Install Sod or Plant Grass Seeds: ...
  • Artificial Grass: ...
  • Organic Mulch: ...
  • Build a Deck: ...
  • Pavers and Stone: ...
  • Gravel and Pebbles: ...
  • Rubber Mulch:

What are the cons of landscaping rocks?

Cons
  • Adds nothing to the soil: Stones don't break down, so they don't add nutrients to the soil compared to mulch.
  • They can get really hot: Rocks retain a lot of heat, especially during summer, which increases the soil temperature, which can be unsuitable for some plants.

Does mulch attract termites?

While the material itself does not draw termites to the area, mulch spread over three inches deep creates an inviting habitat for the pests. Layers of organic matter trap heat and moisture next to the ground. Termites use this thick mulch as shelter from harsh weather. Some kinds of mulch may even repel termites.

Does rock landscaping increase home value?

Creating a rock garden is a fantastic way to boost your home's value. A rock garden uses different types and sizes of rocks to create a visually appealing landscape. It's not only beautiful but also low-maintenance, making it an attractive feature for potential buyers.

What size rock is best for landscaping?

Choose a mix of rocks in medium and large sizes, between 3 and 8 inches. Along with being an attractive feature, these larger river rocks can help prevent moisture loss and keep weeds from growing.

How do you permanently stop weeds from growing in rocks?

Some landscapers swear by periodically sprinkling salt over the area. Apply the salt liberally and spray the area down with water. You can also use a preemergent weed killer, as long as you apply it carefully, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

What to put under landscape rock?

Use either a nonwoven or woven fabric in rock landscaping (dry creek beds, rock used as mulch, etc.). Nonwoven landscape fabric works best where water can drain into the subgrade below the rocks and no structural support is needed.

What does 150 square feet look like?

150 square feet could be approximately a 10-foot wide by 15-foot long or an eight-foot wide by 18.75 long space or any combination that gives you 150 square feet.

How many square feet is 20x20?

How many square feet is a 20x20 room? The square footage of a room 20 feet wide and 20 feet long is 400 square feet.

Is 12x12 1 sq ft?

How many square feet is a 12x12 room? To measure square footage, multiply the length and width of the room in feet. In the case of a 12x12 room, simply multiply 12 by 12, resulting in 144 square feet.

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