River rock calculator for Delaware
Rock size changes tonnage coverage. A ton of 1-inch material reaches twice the area of a ton of 3-inch rock.
Enter your project dimensions
River rock coverage depends on the stone size. To keep soil hidden, install material at about double its diameter: 1-inch rock takes 2 inches of depth, while 3-inch rock calls for 4 inches or more. That leaves the larger size covering half as much from the same ton. Choose a size and enter the bed dimensions to calculate tons from river rock's 2,700 lb per cubic yard. The delivery pile may seem smaller than expected. One ton equals only three-quarters of a cubic yard. If fabric remains visible after spreading, the layer lacks depth rather than material.
Order sizing
- Enter the dimensions of each border or bed in feet. Use multiple-areas mode to combine separate sections.
- Match the layer to stone diameter: use 2 inches with 3/4-1 inch rock, 3-4 inches with 1-3 inch rock, and 4-5 inches for larger pieces.
- Convert cubic feet to yards by dividing by 27, then multiply yards by 1.35 for tons.
Ton coverage by stone size
| Stone size | Layer depth | 1 ton covers |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4-1" river rock | 2 inches | ≈ 120 sq ft |
| 1-3" river rock | 3 inches | ≈ 80 sq ft |
| Large river rock (2-4") | 4-5 inches | ≈ 53 sq ft |
| Oversize accents | single layer | 35-50 sq ft |
| Project | Typical size | Depth | Volume | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation border | 40 x 3 ft | 3" | 1.1 yd³ | 1.5 tons |
| Dry creek bed | 25 x 4 ft | 4" | 1.2 yd³ | 1.7 tons |
| Accent beds | ≈ 150 sq ft | 2" | 0.9 yd³ | 1.3 tons |
| Downspout splash zones, x4 | 3 x 2 ft each | 3" | 0.2 yd³ | 0.3 tons |
| Front-yard xeriscape | ≈ 600 sq ft | 3" | 5.6 yd³ | 7.5 tons |
Install fabric before stone
Without landscape fabric, bare ground gradually absorbs the rock. Stone settles season by season, weeds emerge between it, and the bed can need more material in three years. Install non-woven fabric first, secure it with pins, and spread the rock over it. For rock used in a drainage route, fold the fabric around the stone instead of placing it beneath the layer.
Natural-looking rock bed ideas
- Combine two sizes. Start with a 1-2 inch layer and group larger stones through it. A single uniform size can resemble a parking-lot median.
- For dry creek beds, sink the largest anchor stones one third deep to give them a water-set look.
- Wash the rock after installation. Dust on the stone can mute its color until it gets a thorough hose rinse.
- For foundation beds, install 3-4 inches over fabric and grade the surface slightly away from the wall. This creates a clean edge while directing roof runoff along the bed.
- Blow leaves away on low. Rakes can throw stones into the grass, where mower blades can strike them.
Example: a 200-square-foot bed
At 2 inches deep, one-inch river rock calculates as 200 x 0.167 = 33 cubic feet = 1.2 cubic yards, or about 1.7 tons. Order two tons. Place the remaining rock along the front edge in a double layer, where coverage thins first and stays most visible.
Rock or mulch over five years
Mulch improves soil and costs less per delivery, but it needs refreshing every year or two. River rock costs more at first, then usually looks much the same in year five. It can warm nearby soil in summer, so mulch usually belongs in planted beds while rock fits borders, drainage lines, and edges. Use the same dimensions in both calculators. The tonnage difference shows the price difference right away.
River rock coverage and pricing FAQs
How can I figure out the river rock I need?
What square footage can 1 ton of river rock cover?
What area does 50 lbs of river rock cover?
What is the cost of a ton of river rock?
What depth should river rock have?
Is landscape fabric needed beneath river rock?
Can river rock go on top of mulch?
What does a cubic yard of river rock weigh?
Other calculators
Planning for a rock bed
River rock, large river rock, and drain rock sold by the ton with free delivery included.
