Burlap typically costs $0.25-$3 per linear foot, or about $3-$30 per yard, depending on width, weave, and order size. A small roll or specialty, tightly woven fabric can cost substantially more; the main price drivers are material grade, dimensions, shipping, and whether cutting or installation is included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic burlap by the yard | $3 | $7 | $15 | Usually 40-48 inches wide |
| Burlap roll, per linear foot | $0.25 | $1.25 | $3.00 | Price varies with width and weave |
| Small garden or craft roll | $8 | $18 | $40 | Often 3-6 feet wide or a short length |
| Large roll, 100 yards | $120 | $250 | $500 | Bulk price before freight or tax |
| Burlap sack | $1 | $3 | $8 | New sacks; used sacks may cost less |
What a burlap project costs by the yard or roll
For standard natural jute burlap, shoppers commonly pay $3-$15 per yard for fabric 40-48 inches wide. A 10-yard purchase therefore runs about $30-$150 before delivery and tax. Basic open-weave material sits near the lower end; finer, heavier, dyed, or treated fabric tends to cost more.
Roll pricing is often quoted by linear foot, not square foot. A 48-inch-wide roll priced at $1.25 per linear foot covers roughly 4 square feet, or about $0.31 per square foot, before waste. Check both the roll width and length before comparing prices.
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard natural jute, ordinary access, and no custom cutting or installation.
How fabric, cutting, and delivery shape the quote
Material is usually the largest expense, but small orders may also carry a minimum charge, handling fee, or shipping cost. Custom lengths can reduce waste for a project but may not receive the same discount as a full roll. Retail prices generally exclude sales tax.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes it | Common billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic burlap material | $3-$15 per yard | Weight, weave, color, and width | Linear yard or foot |
| Heavy or specialty fabric | $10-$30 per yard | Tight weave, treatment, or finish | Linear yard |
| Cutting or edge finishing | $0-$5 per cut | Retailer and cut complexity | Per cut or order |
| Shipping | $8-$35 per order | Roll size, distance, and delivery speed | Per shipment |
| Installation labor | $40-$90 per hour | Surface, access, and attachment method | Hourly or project quote |
Some stores cut yardage without an extra fee, while online sellers may charge more for bulky rolls or impose a minimum purchase. If someone installs burlap as temporary screening, erosion control, or decorative covering, labor depends on the surface and fastening method.
Does width, weight, or weave change the burlap price?
Width affects how much usable coverage each yard provides. A 40-inch fabric roll covers less area than a 60-inch roll at the same price per yard, though the wider option may cost more per yard. Compare price per square foot when the project is coverage-based, and allow extra fabric for overlap and trimming.
Light, loose-weave burlap is generally economical for craft projects and temporary wrapping. Heavy or tightly woven grades, often selected for upholstery, durable covers, or repeated use, can cost $10-$30 per yard. Treated, dyed, or flame-resistant products may carry an additional premium and should be checked against the project’s requirements. For a large-area job, grade and width can matter more than the listed price per yard.
Three burlap purchases with realistic totals
A small craft project using 3 yards of 40-inch basic burlap at $6 per yard costs about $18; with a $10 delivery fee, the total is roughly $28 before tax. A garden bed needing 20 linear feet of 48-inch fabric at $1 per foot costs about $20, or around $35 with a small-roll minimum and shipping.
For event draping, 50 yards of heavier 60-inch burlap at $14 per yard costs $700. If cutting and delivery add $30-$90, the expected material order is $730-$790 before tax. These examples assume fabric only unless cutting or delivery is stated.
How much burlap costs in stores versus bulk orders
Small craft packages and short rolls often have a higher per-yard price than full bolts because packaging, handling, and retailer margins are spread across less material. A 5-yard cut may cost $25-$75, while a 100-yard basic roll may work out to roughly $1.20-$5 per yard, depending on grade and seller.
Bulk savings are not guaranteed after freight. A large roll can be costly to ship, and a low-priced roll may leave excess material or require storage. Local fabric, garden, and farm-supply shops can be economical when pickup avoids shipping charges. Prices in major metro areas may run 10%-25% above rural or discount-market prices, though online bulk rates can narrow the gap.
When installation, disposal, or extras add to burlap cost
Buying fabric for a simple craft or garden task usually requires no professional labor. For fitted coverings, event draping, or installation across a large area, a hired worker may charge $40-$90 per hour, with small jobs sometimes subject to a minimum service fee. A straightforward 2-4 hour installation could add $80-$360, apart from materials.
Fasteners, ties, stakes, or trim may add $5-$50 depending on the setup. Removing an existing covering or hauling away scraps can add another $25-$100 when handled by a contractor. Ask whether the quote includes fasteners, cleanup, and minimum labor charges.
How to lower the burlap bill without buying too much
Measure the coverage area and add only the overlap and trimming allowance the job needs; buying 10%-15% extra is often more practical than ordering a full spare roll. For a small project, compare the total price of yardage from a local store with an online roll after shipping and minimum-order fees.
Choose open-weave, untreated fabric when appearance or durability does not require a premium grade. For repeated use, compare the cost of heavier burlap with the cost of replacing lightweight fabric. Request quotes for the same width, grade, and total length, and confirm whether prices are per yard or per linear foot. Matching specifications prevents a low unit price from hiding a smaller or lighter product.
What to check before accepting a burlap price
Confirm the material is jute burlap rather than a synthetic substitute, and ask for its width, weight or grade, weave, and treatment. Check whether the quoted amount includes cutting, delivery, tax, and any minimum order. If the fabric will cover an outdoor area, verify that its intended lifespan and exposure limits suit the use; untreated burlap can deteriorate when kept wet or exposed to weather.
For installation quotes, request a written scope stating the surface area, attachment method, labor hours or fixed charge, and cleanup responsibility. A comparable quote should specify both the fabric and the completed work.