River Rock
River Rock delivered direct from local quarries to 204 US cities. Bulk pricing from $60/ton on full-load orders. Same-day delivery in most metros, free delivery on 16+ ton loads.
About River Rock
River Rock is a decorative material in the 1 - 3" size range with a typical density of 2700 lbs per cubic yard. Naturally rounded or screened for visual appeal, used wherever appearance matters as much as function: garden beds, paths, water features, dog runs, and exposed patio surfaces.
A typical residential order is 3-8 tons; full-load contractor orders run 16-24 tons. We deliver in tandem-axle dump trucks (10-16 ton capacity) or tri-axles (16-24 ton capacity). Pricing varies with regional quarry proximity, load size, and current diesel; full-load delivery typically saves 15-20% over partial loads.
Specifications
- Category
- Decorative
- Typical size
- 1 - 3"
- Color
- Mixed natural
- Density
- 2700 lb/yd³ · 1.35 tons per cubic yard
- Sold by
- The ton
- Order minimum
- 1 ton (bag drop) · 4 tons (truck load)
- Full-load discount
- 16+ tons, typical 15-20% off list
- Delivery window
- Same-day on orders before 11 AM in most metros · 24-48h standard
- Free delivery threshold
- 16+ tons within the standard service radius
Coverage: how much River Rock do you need?
Quick reference: square feet covered by one ton at common spread depths. For exact tonnage, plug your dimensions into the material calculator.
Best uses for River Rock
How to install River Rock
-
1
Edge the area
Steel, plastic, or stone edging keeps loose decorative gravel from migrating.
-
2
Clear & level
Remove sod, grade flat, and lay landscape fabric to suppress weeds.
-
3
Spread to depth
2-3" finished depth is standard, going deeper for dog runs or high-traffic paths.
-
4
Top up annually
Pea gravel and river rock settle ~10-15% per year; plan one re-dressing each spring.
Comparable materials
From $37/ton- Size1/4 - 3/8"
- Density2800 lb/yd³
- ColorTan / mixed
From $69/ton- Size3/8"
- Density2800 lb/yd³
- ColorMixed earth
From $65/ton- Size0 - 1/4"
- Density3000 lb/yd³
- ColorTan, gold
Where we source River Rock
We source River Rock from local quarries within the delivery region, typically inside a 50-mile radius. Short hauls mean lower delivery cost for you and a smaller diesel footprint per ton.
Every load is weighed at the source and the ticket travels with the truck, so you get exact tonnage, not estimates. Quality varies by quarry; we work with operators whose product meets state DOT spec for the applications we recommend.
Why bulk delivery saves money
On a per-ton basis, retail bag pricing lands at about three times the bulk truck rate once you add up tax, the haul home in a passenger vehicle, and the bag waste. At our delivered range of $60 to $93 per ton, a 5 ton homeowner order saves hundreds versus the bagged equivalent at typical retail. A residential project usually runs 3 to 8 tons, which fits one tandem-axle truck and one drop. Contractors stepping up to 16 tons or more unlock our full-truck rate, which is generally 15 to 20 percent below the partial-load price. Bulk also wins on time: one delivery beats 20 trips to the rack, and the driver places the load where you want it instead of a parking-lot pallet.
Ordering River Rock from MyGravelBuddy
Send your ZIP and a target load size; the quote, freight, and lead time come back the same hour during business days. Confirm the tonnage and the drop location, and we lock the truck on the schedule, typically 24 to 48 hours out for in-area orders. Payment clears, dispatch sends the window the night before, and the driver calls when the truck leaves the scale. Get a River Rock quote
FAQ: River Rock
How much does River Rock cost?
How is River Rock sold, by ton or yard?
How much do I need for a 80 sq ft project?
How fast can you deliver?
What's River Rock best used for?
What's the minimum order?
Do you deliver River Rock nationwide?
Can I pick up River Rock myself?
Related guides
GUIDEHow Deep Should a Gravel Driveway Be? Layer GuidePractical, field-tested guide: how deep should gravel driveway be. Pulled from real US installer notes and 2026 supplier price data.Read guide →
GUIDEWhat Is #57 Stone? Uses, Size, and Cost ExplainedPractical, field-tested guide: what is 57 stone. Pulled from real US installer notes and 2026 supplier price data.Read guide →
GUIDEHow Much Gravel Do I Need? Quick Sizing GuidePractical, field-tested guide: how much gravel do i need. Pulled from real US installer notes and 2026 supplier price data.Read guide →
GUIDEDoes Gravel Stop Weeds? Honest Answer + What WorksPractical, field-tested guide: does gravel stop weeds. Pulled from real US installer notes and 2026 supplier price data.Read guide →