How deep should landscape rock be?

About one and a half times the size of the rock: 2 inches for pea-size rock, 3 inches for 1 to 3 inch river rock, and 4 to 5 inches for 3 to 5 inch rock. Anything shallower leaves the landscape fabric showing between stones.

How much landscape rock do I need for 100 square feet?

At 3 inches deep, 100 square feet needs 0.93 cubic yards, or about 1.3 tons of medium river rock. At 2 inches it is 0.62 yards, about 0.85 tons.

Do I need landscape fabric under rock?

Yes, in almost every case. Fabric keeps rock from sinking into the soil, which otherwise loses an inch or more of depth in a few years, and it blocks most weeds from below. Use a woven fabric rather than a thin non-woven sheet.

Is rock or mulch better for landscaping?

Rock costs more up front but lasts decades and does not blow away or rot; mulch is cheaper and feeds the soil but needs topping up every year. Use rock around foundations, downspouts, and in dry areas, and mulch in planting beds.

Landscaping

Landscape Rock Calculator

Landscape rock needs more depth the bigger the stone: a single layer of 3-inch river rock is already 3 inches deep. This landscape rock calculator sets a sensible depth for the rock size you pick, then returns tons, cubic yards, 0.5 cu ft bag counts, landscape fabric, and cost for beds, borders, and around the house.

What you'll need

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FANTIAN 10 lbs Pea Gravel for Landscaping, 3/8 Inch Pebble Stone, Colorful

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HongWay 500 Pack 6 Inch Landscape Staples, Garden Staples Pins Galvanized 11 Gauge Ground Stakes Yard Lawn Staples for Turf Landscaping Fabric Fence Tent Irrigation Tube Outdoor Decorations

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33ft. Galvanized Steel Landscape Edging (10-Pack) – 40" Metal Edging for Landscaping with 11 Stakes, Hammer-in Metal Landscaping Edging for Yard Pathway & Flower Beds – Lawn Edge for Garden Design

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DenicMic Solar Lights Outdoor Waterproof 10 Pack Pathway Lights Cool White

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Prices as of Sep 25, 2026, 6:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Frequently asked questions

How deep should landscape rock be?: About one and a half times the size of the rock: 2 inches for pea-size rock, 3 inches for 1 to 3 inch river rock, and 4 to 5 inches for 3 to 5 inch rock. Anything shallower leaves the landscape fabric showing between stones.
How much landscape rock do I need for 100 square feet?: At 3 inches deep, 100 square feet needs 0.93 cubic yards, or about 1.3 tons of medium river rock. At 2 inches it is 0.62 yards, about 0.85 tons.
Do I need landscape fabric under rock?: Yes, in almost every case. Fabric keeps rock from sinking into the soil, which otherwise loses an inch or more of depth in a few years, and it blocks most weeds from below. Use a woven fabric rather than a thin non-woven sheet.
Is rock or mulch better for landscaping?: Rock costs more up front but lasts decades and does not blow away or rot; mulch is cheaper and feeds the soil but needs topping up every year. Use rock around foundations, downspouts, and in dry areas, and mulch in planting beds.