For a 100 square foot area with a 2-inch depth, you’ll need approximately 1-1.5 tons of 3/4 inch river rock, or 1.25-1.75 tons of 2 inch river rock. Use our calculator above for a precise estimate based on your specific project parameters.

3/4 inch river rock is smaller and provides a smoother, more uniform appearance. It’s ideal for pathways and decorative landscaping. 2 inch river rock is larger, provides better drainage, and is often used in French drains or as a bold decorative element.

To calculate river rock needs manually: Measure length and width in feet, multiply to get square footage. Convert depth from inches to feet (divide by 12). Multiply area by depth to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply by 1.4 to get tons. Our calculator automates this process with size-specific adjustments.

6 tons of river rock would cover approximately 600-720 square feet at 2 inches depth for 3/4 inch rock, or 420-540 square feet for 2 inch river rock. The cost varies by region but typically ranges from $300-$600 for the material alone.

A “load” typically refers to the amount a dump truck can carry, which is usually about 10-15 cubic yards or 14-21 tons of river rock. This can vary based on truck size and material density.

For decorative purposes, 2 inches is typically sufficient. For drainage applications or high-traffic areas, 3-4 inches is recommended. For very large river rock (3+ inches), you may need 4-6 inches depth.

Yes, it’s recommended to use landscape fabric underneath river rock to prevent weeds from growing through. For better drainage, you might also consider adding a base layer of crushed stone.

Yes, river rock is excellent for drainage applications. Larger sizes (2-3 inches) are particularly effective for French drains, dry wells, and other drainage solutions because they create void spaces that allow water to flow through.

River rock typically costs between $50-$150 per ton, depending on your location, the rock size, color, and quantity purchased. Delivery fees may apply for large orders.

River rock has smooth, rounded edges from natural water erosion. It’s more comfortable to walk on than angular crushed stone. Compared to pea gravel, it’s larger and less likely to migrate. It’s generally more expensive than crushed stone but offers a more natural appearance.