River rock calculator for Rhode Island
Stone size affects tonnage coverage. A ton of 1-inch rock spreads across twice the area of a ton of 3-inch rock.
Enter your project dimensions
River rock coverage changes with stone size. Cover the ground with a layer roughly double the stone diameter: use 1-inch rock at 2 inches deep, while 3-inch rock requires 4 inches or more. That means the same ton covers half the area. Enter the bed dimensions and chosen size in this calculator to calculate tons using river rock's 2,700 lb per cubic yard. The delivery pile can also appear modest. A ton amounts to three-quarters of a cubic yard. Fabric visible after spreading points to insufficient depth, not insufficient material.
Plan the order
- Record each border or bed in feet. Multiple-areas mode combines separate sections.
- Use a depth about twice the rock diameter: 2 inches for 3/4-1 inch stone, 3-4 inches for 1-3 inch stone, and 4-5 inches for larger rock.
- Divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply yards by 1.35 for tons.
Ton coverage by 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 rock
Without landscape fabric, bare ground gradually pulls rock downward. Stones settle a bit each season, weeds come through, and the bed can need more rock in three years. A few dollars spent on a roll of fabric can avoid that. Spread non-woven fabric first, hold it with pins, and add the stone. For drain rock carrying water, enclose the stone in fabric rather than placing fabric beneath it.
Natural-looking rock bed ideas
- Use two stone sizes: lay a 1-2 inch base, then add groups of larger stones. One uniform size can have the look of a parking lot median.
- For a dry creek bed, sink the largest anchor stones a third of their depth into the ground so they appear shaped by water.
- Hose the rock down once it is spread. Quarry dust on delivered stone can mute its color until that first rinse.
- Place 3-4 inches over fabric beside foundations, sloping the layer gently away from the wall. This finishes the edge and guides roof water along it.
- Use a blower on low to clear leaves. A rake can toss stones into the grass, where they may meet mower blades.
Example: a 200-square-foot bed
At 2 inches deep, one-inch river rock works out to 200 x 0.167 = 33 cubic feet = 1.2 cubic yards, about 1.7 tons. Order two tons. Put the extra along the front edge in a double layer, since that visible section thins out first.
Rock or mulch over five years
Mulch nourishes the soil and has a lower delivery cost, but needs refreshing every year or two. River rock costs more at first, then generally looks much the same in year five. Summer sun can heat soil around stone, so mulch usually belongs in planted beds. Use rock for borders, drainage lines, and edges. Enter identical dimensions in both calculators to compare tonnage and see the price difference.
River rock coverage and pricing FAQs
How can I figure out the river rock I need?
What area does 1 ton of river rock cover?
What coverage comes from 50 lbs of river rock?
What is the price of a ton of river rock?
What depth should river rock have?
Is landscape fabric needed below river rock?
Can river rock go on top of mulch?
What does a yard of river rock weigh?
Other calculators
Long-term rock bed material.
River rock, large river rock, and drain rock sold by the ton with free delivery included.
