River rock calculator for Vermont
A ton covers different areas by size: 3-inch rock spreads over half the space of 1-inch rock.
Enter your project dimensions
River rock coverage changes with stone size. To keep the ground covered, make the layer roughly double the stone diameter: 1-inch rock needs 2 inches, and 3-inch rock calls for 4 inches or more. The same ton then covers half as much ground. Select a size and enter the bed in this river rock calculator for tonnage based on river rock at 2,700 lb per cubic yard. The delivery pile can seem modest. One ton equals three fourths of a cubic yard. Fabric visible after spreading means the layer needs more depth, not more material.
Plan your order
- Measure every bed or border in feet. Multiple-areas mode combines separate sections.
- Match depth to about double the stone diameter: 2 inches with 3/4-1 inch rock, 3-4 inches with 1-3 inch rock, and 4-5 inches for larger pieces.
- Divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply yards by 1.35 for tons.
Per-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
Bare soil gradually takes in loose rock. Stone settles season by season, weeds push through, and after three years the bed may need more material. Install non-woven fabric, hold it down with pins, then add the rock. For drain rock used in an active drainage route, place the fabric around the stone rather than below it.
Natural-looking rock bed ideas
- Combine two sizes. Start with a 1-2 inch base and group larger stones in clusters. Using one uniform size can look like a parking lot median.
- For a dry creek bed, set the largest anchor stones one third into the ground to give them a water-shaped look.
- Hose the rock down after spreading. Quarry dust can dull its color until it is rinsed away.
- At foundations, install 3-4 inches over fabric and slope it gently away from the wall. This creates a clean edge and directs roof water along the bed.
- Use a blower on low to remove leaves. A rake can scatter stones into the grass, where mower blades may hit them.
Example: a 200-square-foot bed
At 2 inches deep, 200 x 0.167 of one-inch river rock equals 33 cubic feet, or 1.2 cubic yards, at about 1.7 tons. Order two tons. Apply the extra as a double layer along the front edge, where it shows most and wears thin first.
Rock or mulch over five years
Mulch improves soil and costs less to deliver, but needs renewing annually or every other year. River rock has a higher initial cost and generally looks much the same in year five. Summer heat can warm soil beneath stone, so mulch fits planted beds better. Use rock at edges, along drainage runs, and for borders. Enter the same 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 beneath river rock?
Can river rock go on top of mulch?
What does a yard of river rock weigh?
More calculators
Rock beds need occasional upkeep.
River rock, large river rock, and drain rock by the ton, with free delivery included.
