Some rock installation companies charge by the cubic yard and others charge by the hour. It generally takes 1 person 1 hour to install 1 cubic yard of rock. Hourly rates tend to be $50 – $70 per hour per laborer. So if, for example, you need 10 cubic yards of rock spread, then it’ll probably cost between $550 – $650. As for calculations, 1 cubic yard = 1.15 tons and 1 cubic yard = 27 square feet.

River rock is the most popular choice for landscape rock around houses and it also happens to be one of the cheapest options too. River rock is usually priced at anywhere between $60 – $80 per yard. Crushed granite and pea gravel are on the lower price end too, but they are not nearly as common.

Most residential properties have river rock that is 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches. River rock is smooth, polished, medium-sized and adds a decorative aspect to garden beds. Pea gravel is the smallest option coming in at only 3/8 inches. Given the tiny size, pea gravel is a great choice for a playground or pathway. Crushed granite is a good selection if you have hilly terrain since it drains very well and will prevent puddling. Check out our recent blog to learn more about Landscaping Rocks to Use Around Homes: Type, Size and Color.

If you’re installing a different kind of rock than you already have in place, you will need to remove the old rock before laying new rock. While it may be tempting to just put new rock over old rock, this would be a mistake. The reason is because landscape rock that’s too deep will spill over into your grass. Also, if there is foot traffic on the rocks, the walking may cause the older layer of rocks to be exposed and this would look bad.

Start by clearing the rocks of any leaves or branches. If you have landscape fabric underneath the rock, then you won’t need to replace that unless it is in very bad condition. You should be left with an area that only has a weed barrier laid down and pinned to the ground. Then you’ll be ready to install stones.

You will need a shovel to scoop up the rocks and a wheelbarrow to relocate the rocks to areas that need it. Since rocks are heavy, you should only fill the wheelbarrow up about halfway full. Dump the wheelbarrow of rocks in separate areas so there are multiple rock piles. Then use a metal rake to spread out the rock evenly. For further reading on the topic, view our blog How to Spread Landscape Rock: Your Complete Guide to Installation.

You generally want to have a layer of rock that is roughly 2 inches thick. If you have less than that, the fabric will get exposed in some parts. If you have more than that, the rock may spill over the edging and into the grass. That said, when you order the landscape rock from a local supplier, you should err on the side of getting too much because it’s better to have rock too thick than too thin.

You should ask for a ballpark estimate on the total cost for your stone installation project. Be ready to share about how many tons of rock you ordered and how far the rock pile is from the landscape beds. Ask the rock installation service how long they’ve been doing it and what their process is like. Google their company name to make sure they have good reviews online. Click here to get a free estimate on rock installation from His Workmanship.