How much decorative landscape stone do I need: Calculating the Right Amount of Decorative Landscape Stone for Your Project

Determining how much decorative landscape stone you need for your project comes down to a few key measurements and planning techniques. As a designer, I always start by clarifying the area’s square footage and the desired stone depth (usually 2-3 inches for most projects). Here’s how you can calculate the required amount step by step:

1. Measure the Area: Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage (sq ft) you want to cover.
2. Estimate Depth: Decide how deep you want the stone layer. For decorative purposes, 2-3 inches is typical.
3. Convert Depth to Feet: Divide your depth in inches by 12 (e.g., 2 inches ÷ 12 = 0.1667 feet).
4. Calculate the Volume: Multiply your area (sq ft) by the depth (in feet) to get the cubic feet needed. Example: 100 sq ft x 0.1667 = 16.67 cubic ft.
5. Convert to Cubic Yards or Tons:
6. For cubic yards, divide cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
7. If you’re buying stone by weight, check with your supplier for the weight per cubic yard or cubic foot, as this varies by stone type.

For example, if you plan to cover a flower bed that’s 10x15 feet (150 sq ft) with 2 inches of stone: 150 × 0.1667 = 25 cubic feet. 25 ÷ 27 = 0.93 cubic yards, so you’d need about 1 cubic yard of decorative stone. Always round up for good coverage and to accommodate settling over time.

As a designer, I recommend integrating the color and texture of your decorative stone into your overall outdoor scheme for consistent visual flow. If you find these types of calculations challenging, using a purpose-built tool like a room or landscape floor planner for outdoor spaces can help you quickly visualize and measure, ensuring accuracy while aligning with your design vision.

Tips 1:

Try marking out the area with landscape paint or garden hose so you can see the coverage. This helps you visualize how the stone will interact with existing plants and hardscapes—something I always do as part of my design process. If you’re adding stone to walkways or driveways, aim for a deeper layer (3-4 inches) for stability.

FAQ

Q: How deep should decorative landscape stone be?

A: For most decorative applications, 2-3 inches is standard. For high-traffic areas, 3-4 inches provides better coverage and stability.

Q: Can I use different types of stone in one landscape?

A: Absolutely. Mixing textures and colors can create visual interest, but ensure they complement the overall design for cohesion.

Q: How do I keep landscape stone from sinking or moving?

A: Use a landscape fabric underneath to separate the stones from soil and prevent sinking. Edging helps contain the stone within the area.

Q: Will I need extra stone for future maintenance?

A: It’s wise to order about 10% extra to accommodate for settling and possible replenishment over time.

Q: How do I clean and maintain decorative landscape stone?

A: Rake the stones periodically to maintain even coverage and remove debris. Occasionally, you may need to top up the area with fresh stones to retain the finished look.