What Is The Cheapest Rock For Landscaping?

Landscape rocks are an attractive and cost-effective option for a broad range of projects, including stone and gravel roads, patios and walks, and retaining walls. But what is the cheapest rock for landscaping?

The most inexpensive rock you will find for landscaping is decomposed granite. Decomposed granite is an excellent resource for giving your landscape a rustic and natural appearance. It is an excellent aggregate for landscaping and other surfaces. The normal price range is $40 to $50 per cubic yard.

Besides being so cheap, decomposed granite comes in many different colors and is an excellent starting point for your new rock garden. Decomposed granite has some close competitors when it comes to the price range. So, what are the most affordable rocks you could use for landscaping?

What is Landscape Rock?

Before we dive in and answer this question, let’s properly define what we mean by “landscape rock”. There are many ways that rocks can be used in the landscape, and there are also many varieties and types of rock that are used.

Landscape rock, or decorative stone, is a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a little bit of visual interest to their yards. There are many different types of landscape rock available, from gravel and sand to larger rocks and boulders. Landscape rock can be used in a variety of ways, including as a groundcover, in planters, or to create pathways.

It is important to choose the right type of landscape rock for your project, as some rocks are better suited for certain uses than others. For example, gravel is often used as a groundcover because it drains well and is easy to spread, while larger rocks are better suited for creating pathways or accenting garden beds. With so many options available, landscape rock is a versatile material that can help you create the perfect outdoor space.

Landscape rock can also be very expensive, so it adds up quickly when you need a lot of it for your garden or landscape, especially if you’re on a budget. There are some ways to save on costs and it starts with learning about the cheaper landscaping rocks that still get the job done.

What Are the Cheapest Rocks for Landscaping?

Color, intrigue, and practicality are all added by landscaping rocks to your yard. You may use them to build long-lasting mulch around garden beds, roads and walks, a dry stream riverbed for drainage, and other creative features.

They are obtainable in various colors, sizes, and textures, allowing you to mix and match to achieve the desired look for your project. The typical cost of landscaping stones in the United States is from $25 and $2,500. A 20-square-foot dry riverbed constructed of pea gravel and mixed river stones typically costs approximately $600.

A 25-square-foot patio sitting area with 3 inches of rocks may cost approximately $120 at the low end. With that said, let’s look at the cheapest option for both bulk landscaping and a smaller yard that can turn your garden into something magnificent.

1. MIGHTY109 landscaping decomposed granite for bulk

Crushed granite is typically used for pathway installation and costs $40 to $50 per yard. It gives the walkway a more contemporary, streamlined appearance. This product is in great demand, but there does not appear to be a material scarcity.

The chosen quality type mainly determines the decomposed granite cost and the depth of the area to be covered. The cost is also determined by your location and the distance between you and the nearest quarry. You would be able to directly get your hands on the MIGHTY109 material from the supplier, Bulk Depot.

It will help if you know that this decomposed landscaping material is much finer and brittle than most landscaping rocks but works well in many spaces.

Decomposed granite features:

• It is a low-cost paving material that is ideal for vast expanses.
• It’s easy to put together, making it an excellent DIY landscaping project.
• It lends a naturally velvety appearance to your environment.
• Because the surface is smooth and not solid, it drains incredibly effectively.
• It is available in a variety of colors, including brown, tan, and gray.
• The crunching sound it makes when trodden on provides a rustic atmosphere.

2. Mango garden product rainforest gravel for smaller gardens

Margo Garden Products Gravel provides an extremely tiny, crushed rock of the best standard from across the world. These tiny stones are divided by color, crushed, and bagged for easy handling so that they may be used for projects of different sizes.

This natural stone gravel may be used in residential or commercial settings to provide a natural rockscape pattern in planters, long walks, or ornamental accents in indoor or outdoor places. This gravel has good size and quantity for smaller gardens with attractive color and complements a warm green tone.

Rainforest gravel features:

• Gravel can be used to prevent weed development in landscaping beds.
• Made entirely of long-lasting natural stone.
• It aids in the retention of moisture in the soil and the prevention of erosion.
• Ideal for both home and commercial landscaping projects.
• Mulch and Soil Council certification ensures product quality.

Landscaping Stones Prices by Type

The cost of landscaping stones varies greatly depending on the type of stone, ranging from $25 to $900 per ton. The look, usage, size, and pricing of each stone vary. You should expect to spend extra on rocks that are rarer and less common. Below you will find a few varieties of affordable rocks and their associated prices.

Decomposed granite

Decomposed granite ranges in price from $25 to $50 per ton. It is a beautiful stone that is widely used for roads, pathways, and patios. It is available in a selection of hues and can be sifted or unsifted. The sifted varieties are more expensive. Decomposed granite is a type of granite that erodes and weathers over time.

Crushed limestone

Crushed limestone ranges in price from $30 to $45 per ton. It comes in various volumes and colors, and the amount determines the price you pay. It is broadly available in a variety of tints ranging from light to pale grey to dark grey.

Crushed limestone has become a popular landscaping material due to its versatility, availability, affordability, and beauty. Limestone’s natural hue creates a stunning curb appeal and is utilized as loose fill-in driveways, walkways, and patios.

Pea gravel

On average, the price of pea gravel costs between $30 and $60 per ton. Pea gravel is, as the name implies, roughly the size of a pea. It is too big for roadways but ideal for walks, drainage beds, and patio surfaces. Pea gravel is available in a variety of hues to complement any landscaping concept.

Stone dust

Stone dust costs between $30 and $145 per ton. It is a byproduct of crushed stone as well as a coarser variant of sand. Homeowners commonly use it in little outdoor projects or as a substrate beneath patios and pavers. Stone dust can be smoothed down to provide a firm surface to sustain pavers’ weight or fill in gaps.

River rocks

River rock can range in price from $80 to $280 per ton. They are smooth stones of various sizes and hues that have been collected from the bottoms of rivers and ancient stream beds.

They are frequently used in landscaping, where water must be drained to avoid floods. River pebbles draw attention, contrast with green grass or bushes, and decrease upkeep.

Choosing the Right Landscaping Rocks

When you want to add the right finishing touches to your landscape, you need to choose the right rock. And the best rock isn’t always the cheapest rock. Likewise, spending more doesn’t automatically make it better, either.

It’s all about choosing the right landscaping rocks for your needs, your aesthetics, and your landscape plan. Here are some things to consider when choosing your landscape rock:

• What do you want your space to feel like?
• What kinds of flowers and other plants will be in this space?
• Will you need more than one type of rock?
• Is there a color or shade of rock you’re leaning toward?

Understanding how and why the rock will be used helps you choose the right type. For example, a sleek, modern landscape looks great with black lava rock. Smooth river rocks or beach pebbles can add warmth. A tropical garden can pop with terracotta paving stones. Once you choose a style that you’re going for, then you can compare pricing and choose the best rock for you.

Other costs associated with landscaping rock

Keep in mind that there are also some other costs that come with using landscaping rock. For example, you may need to pay for delivery, and for landscape fabric that goes under the rock. Landscape fabric is not very expensive on its own, but it can add up if you’re using a lot of it and depending on what type you get.

You might also use certain types of mulch in your landscape with rocks or to complement the rocks. Unless you make mulch yourself, then this will be another added expense. Mulch is usually priced by cubic foot, so you can use a calculator to estimate how much it will cost for the amount that you need.

You also have to consider if you’re adding or working around water features, bodies of water, or if there is an issue with soil erosion on your property. Landscaping rock is often a great solution to land erosion and to decorating around water features, but there are some costs involved with doing this correctly and the rock type that you choose.

What Is The Cheapest Rock For Landscaping? Conclusion

If you’re looking for something more inexpensive, there are several advantages to starting with the cheapest choice. Decomposed granite is by far the most economical option among all the options and packs quite a visual punch in many areas of use and is a terrific start to building your project at a later point.

However, if you prefer an alternative result, crushed limestone, pea gravel, and stone dust are not too far apart in terms of cost. For most any type of rock you might desire, there is probably a cheaper alternative. As long as you are choosing cheaper in price, but not in quality, you’ll be good.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of landscaping rocks at affordable pricing for you to choose from. Do you have a favorite from the rocks we shared in this post?

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