River Rock: Uses, Cost, and Buying Guide
What Is River Rock?
Naturally rounded stones smoothed by water erosion. Available in sizes from 1 to 5+ inches. River rock adds a polished, natural look to any landscape and is prized for its smooth texture and visual appeal.
Great For Landscaping with Gravel
Is River Rock Right for You?
Best for
- ✓ Dry creek beds
- ✓ Decorative borders
- ✓ Erosion control
- ✓ Water features
Not recommended for
- ✗ Walking surfaces
- ✗ Driveways
- ✗ Areas needing compaction
Common Uses
- ✓ Landscaping
- ✓ Dry creek beds
- ✓ Drainage
- ✓ Decorative borders
- ✓ Erosion control
- ✓ Pond and water features
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Beautiful, natural appearance | − More expensive than crushed stone |
| + Extremely durable and long-lasting | − Heavy and difficult to move |
| + Heavy enough to resist displacement | − Not suitable for walking surfaces |
| + No sharp edges | − Cannot be compacted |
| + Low maintenance | − Limited use for structural applications |
River Rock Sizes & Colors
River rock comes in a wide range of sizes: small (1"–2"), medium (2"–3"), large (3"–5"), and boulders (5"+). Natural colors include gray, brown, tan, white, black, and multi-colored blends. Mexican beach pebbles offer polished black and gray options.
River Rock Cost
| Measure | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Per ton | $40 – $100 |
| Per cubic yard | $45 – $120 |
Due to weight, delivery is recommended for orders over 1 ton. Expect $75–$200 for delivery.
Prices vary by region, availability, and order size. Urban areas typically pay more than rural areas.
How Much River Rock Do I Need?
Enter your project dimensions to estimate the right amount.
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River Rock vs Alternatives
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Mexican Beach Pebble vs River Rock
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Project Ideas
River Rock by City
River Rock Crushed limestone is commonly used and readily available in the following cities:
Find River Rock Near You
10291 Ophir Rd, Newcastle, California
304 Beltline Rd NW, Decatur, Alabama
18825 Old Mehama Rd SE, Stayton, Oregon
16 S West Silver Lake Rd, Traverse City, Michigan
4372 I-35W S, Alvarado, Texas
2425 N Glassford Hill Rd, Prescott Valley, Arizona
New York, New York
1100 Brandt Drive, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
2252 Southwind Blvd, Bartlett, Illinois
30265 SE Highway 212, Boring, Oregon
22950 W 119th St, Plainfield, Illinois
1220 N Main St, Belton, Texas
2780 Nauset Rd, Eastham, Massachusetts
6140 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico
18203 Des Moines Memorial Drive, SeaTac, Washington
14555 Elm Row Rd, Albion, Michigan
1701 N Price Rd, Pampa, Texas
494 Western Tpke, Altamont, New York
1079 Belvidere Rd, Port Deposit, Maryland
3500 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina
2090 Etiwanda Ave, Ontario, California
197 Woodland Pkwy, San Marcos, California
1990 E Ash St, Globe, Arizona
3500 Giddings Rd, Orion charter Township, Michigan
4561 Clark Rd, Sarasota, Florida
Bailey, North Carolina
13870 Taylor Hollow Rd, Collins, New York
76 St Paul St, Burlington, Vermont
5005 W 106th St, Zionsville, Indiana
2331 Mill Rd, Alexandria, Virginia
128 SW Circle Dr, Hines, Oregon
13530 Willandale Rd, Rogers, Minnesota
20036 Interstate 30 N, Benton, Arkansas
9660 Legler Rd, Lenexa, Kansas
2630 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Hood River, Oregon
220 Nebraska St, Carroll, Nebraska
13271 M-140, South Haven, Michigan
2104 Fort Mill Pkwy, Fort Mill, South Carolina
817 IL Route 38, Elburn, Illinois
2111 Prairie Rd, Eugene, Oregon
35740 Ute Ct, Booneville, Iowa
Merrill, Wisconsin
Plainfield, Illinois
1935 US Highway 42 NE, West Jefferson, Ohio
1511 Keystone Rd, Chester, Pennsylvania
1004 SE Spencer Ave, Port Orchard, Washington
Township Road 45, Bellefontaine, Ohio
66 Canal Center Plz, Alexandria, Virginia
216 N Church Rd, Franklin, New Jersey
9075 County Road 10, Fort Lupton, Colorado
3701 Bickford Ave, Snohomish, Washington
351 Winter St, Hanover, Massachusetts
3668 Hicks Ln, Chico, California
2715 N Interstate 35, Georgetown, Texas
801 Sheep Creek Trl, Fairplay, Colorado
5139 W 106th St, Inglewood, California
2124 Priest Bridge Dr, Crofton, Maryland
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Winchendon, Massachusetts
2399 N Perkins St, Appleton, Wisconsin
500 Grantham Ave, West Monroe, Louisiana
2160 Lanier Ln, Rockville, Virginia
5228 Shilshole Ave NW, Seattle, Washington
550 S Packard St, Kansas City, Kansas
Mustang, Oklahoma
1096 Industrial Ave, South Lake Tahoe, California
16951 Clear Creek Rd, Redding, California
2846 Silk Oak Ave, Thousand Oaks, California
1870 Smokey Park Hwy, Candler, North Carolina
100 Martintown Rd, Woodbine, New Jersey
266 Pioneer Pkwy, Waco, Texas
1264 N Beck St, Salt Lake City, Utah
905 Church Ave, Wabasha, Minnesota
N2564 County Road QQ, Waupaca, Wisconsin
818 North McKenzie Street, Foley, Alabama
19001 Hull Street Rd, Moseley, Virginia