General Information - Landscape Rock

There are many good reasons for using decorative rock:

Decorative look accents grass, trees, walls, etc.
Low maintenance after installation
Economy (especially when used in problem soil areas)
Ease and speed of installation, with minimal preparation
Multiple use (areas covered with decorative rock my be driven on or parked on.
No water use, perfect for arid climate, or water restricted areas.

There are many sizes and colors of rock to choose from for walkways, borders, and driveways. To customize your landscape, see our display areas to find the product best suited for you.

Rock Needed

Material quantity can be determined by computing the square footage of the area being landscaped. Measure the length of the area and multiply by the width of the area to get your square footage. Need help? Bring a diagram of your area with measurement to our sales staff.

Length x Width = Square Footage

Rock

1 ton of 3/8", ¾", or 1 ½" rock will cover:

120 sq. ft 2" deep
80 sq. ft 3" deep
60 sq. ft 4" deep
40 sq. ft 6" deep
To estimate your rock at a 3" depth:

Square Footage divided by 80 = tons

Materials Needed
Underlayment (weed barrier)
Edging materials
Wheelbarrow
Miscellaneous hand tools
Installing Rock

Designate the area to be covered, and clean off any existing debris and weeds. Then calculate the square footage and tonnage needed for your project. For walkways or high-traffic areas, breeze, road base, or a ¾" rock is recommended. Where foot traffic is not expected on slopes, borders, or around foundations, a 1 ½" rock is most popular. When steep slopes are encountered, we recommend a 2" - 4"" or 5"- 12" "rip rap" for the best results.
Select your underlayment. Plastic has long been a popular and cost efficient weed control and water - repellent material. At least a 6 mil thick plastic is recommended to control weeds and maximize drainage near foundations, as water will run over this material. It is important to keep drainage away from foundations. Landscape Fabric has several advantages. Fabric will allow water to penetrate, while still controlling weed growth. This allows you to install material close to plant material. Fabric will also outlast plastic by not breaking down due to extreme temperatures or ultraviolet rays.
When your edging has been installed and your materials have been selected, you are ready to begin the installation. It is important to be generous with your underlayment, as you only get one chance to install it. Overlap your underlayment 4" at the joints and 3" at your edges and foundations. This will allow you proper coverage when you install your rock. Always overlap so that any drainage flows over your joints rather than under.
Begin your installation at the bottom or low end of the area for two reasons: First, this will act as a building block or foundation to work from, and second, should allow you to walk over already installed rock, rather than your underlayment.
When your rock is placed, smooth out the highs and lows with a rake or shovel for a uniform appearance. All landscape rock will have a certain percentage of fines (dirt) when delivered. Finally, you must wash your rock down with a garden hose to clean off any fines and enhance its natural color.

Information thanks: PioneerSand & Gravel