How Much Rock Do You Need? Yardage & Tons Made Easy
- Arizona Landscape Rock
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 21
Introduction
Ordering landscape rock is a lot like ordering pizza — it always seems like you needed more. Whether you’re covering a small front yard in Gilbert or a full commercial lot in Phoenix, knowing how much rock you need saves time, money, and headaches. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you figure it out.
Step 1: Understand Coverage Rates
1 ton of rock at 2 inches deep covers about 100–110 sq. ft.
At 3 inches deep, the same ton covers only 80–90 sq. ft.
Decomposed granite spreads differently than crushed rock — DG compacts more, so coverage may be tighter.
Step 2: Measure Your Space
Measure the length and width of the area in feet.
Multiply to get square footage.
Decide on depth (2" for most decorative rock, 3"+ for driveways or high-traffic areas).
Step 3: Do the Math
Formula: Your Square feet × 100 (square ft) = Tons needed
Example:
A 20' × 30' yard (600 sq. ft.) at 2" depth:600 × 100 ≈ 6 tons = 2" Depth
Step 4: Account for Waste & Settling
Always order 5–10% extra to cover:
Compaction during installation
Uneven ground
Minor calculation errors
Step 5: Order & Schedule Delivery
At Arizona Landscape Rock, you can order rock by the ton with same-day or next-day delivery across Phoenix and surrounding cities. Contractors get bulk discounts, and homeowners get peace of mind knowing the right amount shows up the first time.
Tips for Saving on Yardage
Use smaller rock for better coverage with fewer tons.
Combine loads if you’re working on multiple areas.
For driveways, use a base layer of cheaper material and top it with decorative rock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of rock cover 100 square feet? At 2 inches deep, 1 ton covers about 100–110 sq. ft., so you’ll need right around 1 ton for 100 sq. ft.
Should I order extra rock? Yes. Always add 5–10% to your order to cover compaction and waste.
Can I return unused rock? No. Once delivered, rock cannot be returned due to contamination.
What’s the minimum order size? Most deliveries require a 15 ton minimum, depending on the material.
Conclusion
Figuring out how much rock you need doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple formula and a little planning, you’ll avoid shortfalls and costly delays.
Ready to order your rock? Arizona Landscape Rock delivers decorative gravel, DG, boulders, and more across Arizona — fast, affordable, and contractor-friendly.
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