Calculate your materials
What you'll need to buy
- River rock (bulk by the ton)Smooth decorative stone, by size gradeShop
- Landscape fabricWeed barrier under the rockShop
- Bed edgingKeeps rock contained and tidyShop
- Steel landscape rakeSpreads and levels the stoneShop
- WheelbarrowMoves rock from the pile to the bedShop
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How the math works
A 200 sq ft landscape bed at 2" deep = 200 × (2 ÷ 12) = 33.3 cu ft = 1.23 cubic yards ≈ 1.7 tons of 3/4"–1" river rock. With 10% waste, round up to about 1.4 cubic yards.
Formula
Reference values
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| 3/4"–1" rock | ≈ 1.4 tons / yd³ |
| 1"–2" rock | ≈ 1.35 tons / yd³ |
| 2"–4" cobble | ≈ 1.3 tons / yd³ |
| 1 yd³ @ 2" deep | covers ≈ 160 sq ft |
| Decorative depth | 2–3" typical |
Step by step
- Measure each bed and add up the total square footage.
- Pick a depth (2" decorative, 3" full coverage).
- Multiply area × depth in feet for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Add 10% waste, multiply yards by ~1.4 for tons, and round up.
Waste allowance
Always add a waste factor: more for diagonal, herringbone, or irregular layouts and for trenches in rocky soil. It's cheaper to round up than to pay for a second delivery.
Bags vs. bulk
Bagged material is convenient for small jobs, but loose/bulk delivery is almost always cheaper per unit once you pass roughly 1–3 cubic yards. Compare the per-cubic-yard price before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
How much river rock do I need for a 200 sq ft bed?
At a 2" decorative depth, 200 sq ft needs about 33 cubic feet — roughly 1.2 cubic yards or 1.7 tons of 3/4"–1" river rock. Go to 3" if you don't want any soil showing through.
How deep should river rock be?
About 2" is enough to cover the ground in a decorative bed, and 2–3" is the typical range. Use 3" for full coverage or in a dry creek bed, and a bit more for larger cobble, which leaves bigger gaps.
How many square feet does a yard of river rock cover?
At 2" deep, one cubic yard covers about 160 sq ft; at 3" it covers around 110 sq ft; at 4" about 80 sq ft. Deeper layers and bigger rock cover less area per yard.
How much does a yard of river rock weigh?
Around 1.3–1.4 tons per cubic yard depending on stone size — smaller, tightly-packed rock is heavier per yard than large cobble, which has bigger air gaps. Suppliers usually sell it by the ton.
Should I put fabric under river rock?
Yes — lay non-woven landscape fabric under decorative river rock to block weeds and keep the stone from sinking into the soil. It makes the bed far easier to maintain and the rock stays cleaner.
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