How Much Rock Do I Need For Landscaping?

If you're looking to rock your landscaping project by sprucing up the look of your gardening areas, you may be wondering just how much rock you actually need for the job. You probably don't want to order too much, nor too little rock so how do you determine the exact amount to order? Don't worry, this guide has all the answers you'll need to ensure that you are buying the right amount of rock for your landscaping project.

Calculating Volumes and Measurements

Every rock has its own weight, and since granite, pea gravel, and other rocks used for landscaping are sold in cubic feet or cubic yards, it's important to not only measure your space accurately but also to calculate the weight of the rock you require. To ensure you have enough rock to complete your project, use the following steps:

1. Measure the area that requires rock in feet and yards.
2. Multiply the length by the width by the depth (in feet) to get your total cubic footage.
3. Divide the amount of cubic footage by 27 (to calculate the number of cubic yards from cubic feet).
4. Multiply the number of cubic yards required by the weight of the rock to get the approximate number of pounds.

Gauging How Much Rock to Buy

If the area you need to cover is quite large, it might be better to buy extra rock to allow for a buffer should you require any more than originally thought. The type of rock you choose will also affect how much rock you need. For instance, if you choose pea gravel, you'll need to spread it up to two inches deep. Take this into consideration when you measure out the area, as you'll require more of the pea gravel compared to, let's say, larger rocks like flagstone.

It's also important to factor in the size of delivery trucks. Bulk orders are typically done in 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 28 ton measurement capacities, depending on what is being delivered and the different regulations. Depending on the type of rock you choose, and the tonnage required for your project, you may need to pay for additional delivery fees as two or more trips may be required.

Using Rocks for Crushed Stone

Crushed stone is often rented out by landscapers for use in driveways, drainage ditches, and pathways. To be able to calculate the amount of stone you need for this kind of project, measure the area you are looking to cover with crushed stone, and then divide the length of the area by the width. This will help you to determine the number of tons you will need for your project, as the measurements will factor in the depth of the stones you will need.

Use Rocks for Decorative Stone

If you're looking to use rocks for decorative purposes, this is a little bit more tricky to calculate in terms of measurements. Because different sizes and shapes of decorative stones are available, you won't be able to measure just by looking at the area. The best thing to do here is to work out the approximate space you'd like to cover with decorative stones, then head over to the local store or supplier to go through the options and choose the right size and shape.

Brief Recap

Whether you're using rocks for landscaping, crushed stone, or decorative purposes, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to measuring the rock requirements. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can calculate the amount of rock you need for the project more accurately. Be sure to factor in any extra measurements when selecting the type of rock, so that you have enough material to cover the space perfectly.