How many yards of landscape stone do I need: Calculating the Right Amount of Landscape Stone for Your Project

To determine how many yards of landscape stone you need, the key factors are the area you want to cover and the depth or thickness of the stone layer. Landscape stone (such as gravel or river rock) is typically sold by the cubic yard. Here’s a straightforward way to estimate your needs:

1. Measure the Area: Calculate the length and width of the space in feet. Multiply to get the square footage (length × width).
2. Choose Your Depth: Decide how deep you want the stone layer. For most landscaping, 2-3 inches is standard.
3. Convert Depth to Feet: Since measurements are in feet, divide your desired depth in inches by 12. (For example, 2 inches ÷ 12 = 0.167 feet.)
4. Calculate Cubic Feet: Multiply your area (in square feet) by the depth (in feet). For example, 100 sq ft × 0.167 ft = 16.7 cubic feet.
5. Convert to Cubic Yards: There are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard. So, divide your cubic feet by 27. (For the example above: 16.7 ÷ 27 ≈ 0.62 cubic yards.)

Always round up to ensure you have enough material. If you’re covering wide open spaces or want to design detailed garden beds, as a designer, I recommend using tools that visually map out your project, like a 3D floor planner, so you get both an accurate estimate and can visualize how the stones will impact your landscape aesthetics and layout.

Tips 1:

If you have irregularly shaped or sloped areas, break them into smaller rectangles or triangles and calculate each section individually. Add 5-10% extra stone for future touch-ups or settling.

FAQ

Q: How much landscape stone do I need for 100 square feet at 2 inches deep?

A: You would need about 0.62 cubic yards. Always round up to a full cubic yard for easier ordering and to account for settling.

Q: What is the most common depth for landscape stone?

A: Most landscape projects use 2-3 inches of stone for proper coverage and weed suppression.

Q: How do I calculate landscape stone for a circular area?

A: Use π × radius² to find the area in square feet. Then, follow the same step-by-step process for rectangular spaces.

Q: Can I use the same calculation for all stone types?

A: Yes, but keep in mind the coverage can slightly vary depending on stone size and compaction.

Q: Are there digital tools to help me plan my landscape stone needs?

A: Absolutely! There are online 2D and 3D floor planner tools that can visualize your layout and estimate material requirements accurately.