How much do landscape boulders cost?
How much do landscape boulders cost?
$120 – $350 cost per ton
$50 – $160 cost per cubic yard
Landscape boulders cost
Landscape boulders cost $120 to $350 per ton on average or $50 to $160 per cubic yard. Individual landscaping boulders cost as little as $3 each for 10" stones or up to $2,300 each for boulders larger than 48". Landscape boulders can be used for edging, steps, retaining walls, natural seating, or as a focal point.
| Stone size | Single stone cost |
|---|---|
| 10" | $3 – $7 |
| 12" | $5 – $15 |
| 18" | $12 – $35 |
| 24" | $35 – $90 |
| 30" | $50 – $175 |
| 36" | $100 – $350 |
| 48" | $150 – $650 |
| > 48" | $600 – $2,300 |
Landscaping boulder cost factors
The following factors impact the cost of landscape boulders:
Stone size & quality: Large landscape boulders over 36" cost the most because they are the most difficult to quarry and transport. Smaller landscaping rocks cost less and can be delivered by the truckload. The stone quality also impacts the price, with smooth, high-quality boulders at the top of the range.
Stone type: Common landscaping boulder types include granite, limestone, sandstone, basalt/lava rock, and gneiss. Due to landscaping boulders' weight and the high cost of transporting them across long distances, some stone types are only available in specific regions and prices will typically be the lowest for stones quarried in your area.
Quantity: Most suppliers price their landscape boulders by the ton, though some suppliers price smaller stones by the cubic yard or by the full pallet. Check with the supplier to confirm whether they have a minimum order size for delivery.
Delivery fees: Landscape boulder delivery costs $50 to $400+, depending on the distance and the stone size and total weight.
Site prep & installation:
Leveling or grading: Regrading a yard costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot to ensure the area is level or properly graded for drainage before installing landscape boulders.
Installation labor: Landscaping companies charge $25 to $50 per hour per person for labor. DIY installation saves on labor costs but can be challenging for large, heavy boulders.
Landscape boulder FAQs
Where can I buy landscape boulders?
You can buy landscape boulders at stone yards, quarries, landscape supply stores, online suppliers, and large home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.
What sizes and shapes do landscape boulders come in?
Landscape boulders come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, varying from small, hand-sized rocks to massive stones weighing several tons. Boulder shapes are round or angular, and their dimensions depend on the intended use and the natural formations they originate from.
How much do landscape boulders weigh?
A single 3'x3' landscape boulder weighs 600 to 2,000 pounds on average, while smaller 10" stones weigh 40 to 50 pounds each. The table below shows the average weight of landscape boulders of various sizes:
| Stone size | Average weight (lbs.) | Stones per ton |
|---|---|---|
| 10" | 40 – 50 | 40 – 45 |
| 12" | 75 – 90 | 22 – 26 |
| 18" | 150 – 200 | 10 – 12 |
| 24" | 250 – 900 | 3 – 8 |
| 30" | 500 – 1,000 | 2 – 4 |
| 36" | 600 – 2,000+ | 1 – 3 |
| 48" | 1,000 – 2,800+ | 1 – 2 |
How do I choose the right landscape boulders for my project?
Consult with a professional landscaper or landscape designer near you for help in choosing the right landscape boulders for your yard. Landscape designers charge $100 to $200 for a consultation fee or $300 to $600 for a small backyard design.
What size landscape boulders should I choose?
To determine the best landscape boulder size for your project, consider the scale, aesthetics, desired impact, and functionality of your landscape. Smaller boulders work well for edging, while boulders larger than 4 feet can provide a natural seating area or create a dramatic focal point.
Do landscape boulders require maintenance?
Landscape boulders require minimal maintenance. Clean off debris regularly and use a gentle brush and water to remove moss and lichen growth.
Can landscape boulders crack or break?
Though durable, landscape boulders can crack or break due to sudden temperature changes, intense impact, or extreme pressure. Incorrect installation or insufficient support can also lead to stress points on the boulders, causing them to crack over time.
Getting estimates for landscape boulders
Follow these tips to find a reputable landscaping company near you to install landscape boulders:
Compare prices from at least 3 landscaping boulder suppliers and installers.
Confirm the prices include delivery to your location.
Read reviews of landscapers on HomeGuide and Google.
Verify that the company is licensed and insured.
Ask the landscaper for a written quote detailing the cost of the boulders, delivery, installation labor, and any other expenses.
Questions to ask landscaping companies
Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best landscaper:
How long have you been in business?
What size landscape boulders do you recommend for my project?
Do you work with specific stone suppliers?
What landscape boulder sizes and colors are available?
Does the estimate include delivery and installation fees?
Will my yard need any special preparation before the boulders are delivered? If yes, is that included in the estimate?
How soon will the landscape boulders be delivered, and how long will the installation take?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.