A yard of rock typically costs $50-$200 delivered, with an average near $100-$125 for common landscape stone and a short local delivery. Rock type, order size, delivery distance, and whether spreading is included can shift the total substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock material | $20/yd | $60/yd | $250+/yd | Basic gravel to premium decorative stone |
| One yard delivered | $50 | $100-$125 | $300+ | Short-haul delivery; specialty stone may cost more |
| Installed rock | $150/yd | $300/yd | $600+/yd | Includes basic spreading and site preparation |
| Coverage at 3 inches deep | About 100 sq ft | About 100 sq ft | About 100 sq ft | Actual coverage varies by stone size and grading |
What a Cubic Yard of Landscape Rock Usually Costs
For ordinary crushed gravel, pea gravel, or mixed landscape rock, material alone commonly runs $20-$100 per cubic yard. Rounded river rock, washed stone, and selected decorative colors often cost $60-$180 per yard. Premium polished or imported stone can exceed $250 per yard before delivery.
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet and weighs roughly 1.2-1.5 tons for many common aggregates; dense stone can weigh more. For a typical small residential order, budget about $100-$200 for one delivered yard of standard rock. Local rates, minimum delivery charges, and access affect that estimate.
Assumptions: standard U.S. residential delivery, common landscaping stone, normal truck access, and no installation.
How Stone Type and Delivery Shape the Quote
Suppliers may quote material by cubic yard, ton, or bag. Bulk prices are usually lower per unit than retail bags, but a small order can lose that advantage when a delivery minimum applies. The table separates common line items; actual quotes may combine hauling and handling charges.
| Quote item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic gravel or crushed stone | $20-$75 | Per cubic yard | Gradation, washing, and local supply |
| Decorative river rock | $60-$180 | Per cubic yard | Color, size, and stone source |
| Delivery | $30-$150 | Per load | Distance, minimum order, and truck access |
| Spreading labor | $40-$100 | Per worker-hour | Wheelbarrow distance and site preparation |
| Fabric or edging | $0.15-$1.50 | Per sq ft or linear ft | Material grade and installation scope |
Ask whether the delivered price includes fuel, dumping, and any small-load surcharge. Spreading and landscape fabric are often separate from a material-only quote.
Which Rock Specs Change the Price Most?
Stone size and finish are major price drivers. Basic 3/4-inch crushed rock is generally less expensive than clean, washed 1-2-inch river rock. Decorative stone sold by color or selected appearance can add $30-$100 or more per yard compared with basic aggregate.
Depth changes the quantity needed: a 2-inch layer covers about 160 square feet per yard, while a 4-inch layer covers about 80 square feet. Sloped ground, uneven soil, or a compacted base may require extra material. Measure the area and planned depth before comparing per-yard prices.
Order size matters, too. A supplier may charge a $30-$150 delivery fee even for a single yard, while larger loads can spread that charge across more material. Confirm the truck’s minimum load and the site’s unloading limits; narrow gates or overhead wires may prevent a standard dump truck from reaching the drop point.
What Three Rock Orders Cost in Practice
These examples illustrate typical quote totals rather than fixed national rates. They assume ordinary access and exclude taxes where applicable.
| Order | Material estimate | Delivery or labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 yd basic 3/4-inch gravel | $35-$70 | $40-$100 delivery | $75-$170 |
| 3 yd river rock for beds | $240-$450 | $50-$120 delivery | $290-$570 |
| 5 yd crushed stone, delivered and spread | $175-$375 | $200-$450 labor and delivery | $375-$825 |
Spreading can make labor a similar expense to the stone on small jobs. A crew may spend 2-4 hours moving several yards across a short, accessible area; long wheelbarrow routes or hand placement take longer.
How Much Do Local Delivery Fees Add?
Delivery often costs $30-$75 for a nearby drop and $75-$150 or more for a longer route, rural address, or small order. Urban suppliers may have higher base prices but shorter delivery distances; remote areas can face fewer suppliers and higher hauling charges.
Across U.S. markets, a comparable order may run roughly 10%-25% above a supplier’s regional baseline in high-cost metro areas. Rural delivery can add 10%-30% when travel is long or loads are limited. Compare the delivered total, not just the listed price per yard. Ask for the delivery radius, minimum quantity, and any fee for placing rock in a specific spot.
When Does Installation Add More Than Materials?
Professional spreading commonly adds $40-$100 per worker-hour, or about $100-$300 for a straightforward small bed. Larger installations may be quoted at roughly $1-$3 per square foot for spreading, with prep and fabric raising the rate.
Removing old stone, weeds, or soil can add $50-$200 or more, depending on volume and disposal access. Fabric installation may add around $0.50-$2 per square foot including labor. Get separate material, delivery, preparation, and spreading prices to see what drives an installation quote.
Can Gravel or Smaller Stone Cut the Budget?
Crushed gravel and locally available drainage stone are usually cheaper than decorative river rock and can suit paths, utility areas, and drainage zones. Pea gravel may be affordable, but its loose surface can shift underfoot. Larger decorative stones use fewer pieces per area but are not necessarily cheaper by volume.
Bagged rock is convenient for repairs or very small beds, but often costs several times more per cubic foot than bulk material. For projects needing roughly one cubic yard or more, compare bulk delivery against the full bag price and handling effort. Choose stone for its intended use rather than paying for appearance where basic aggregate will do.
Where Can Buyers Trim a Rock Delivery Bill?
Measure the bed accurately and calculate volume using area in square feet multiplied by depth in feet, then divide by 27. Add a modest allowance for settling or uneven ground rather than ordering far above the estimate. A supplier can confirm the needed tonnage because rock weight varies.
Combining the order with a neighbor’s delivery, selecting an in-stock local stone, or arranging a full-load drop may lower the effective hauling charge. Compare at least three delivered quotes with the same rock size, quantity, depth, and placement instructions. Skip unnecessary premium colors and add-ons, but do not reduce depth below what the project needs.