The question of whether mulch is cheaper than gravel is common for property owners seeking to cover large areas with ground material. Both materials offer distinct benefits, such as weed suppression and moisture retention, and they dramatically influence the look of a landscape. A comprehensive financial comparison reveals that the initial purchase price is only one part of the equation. The true cost-effectiveness of each material depends heavily on its density, project scale, and long-term maintenance requirements.
Initial Purchase Price and Material Types
Mulch and gravel are sold using different units of measure, which complicates a direct price comparison. Organic mulches, including dyed wood chips, shredded hardwood, or pine straw, are typically sold by the cubic yard or in two-cubic-foot bags. Bulk prices generally range from $30 to $60 per cubic yard, though premium options can cost up to $100.
In contrast, inorganic materials like gravel are primarily sold by the ton. Common types, such as crushed stone and pea gravel, generally cost between $15 and $75 per ton, while decorative river rock can reach $100 to $300 per ton. Due to the inherent difference in density, a cubic yard of common gravel weighs approximately 1.2 to 1.7 tons. This weight difference means that the amount of material received for the money is not equivalent, even if the price tags appear similar.
Calculating Coverage and Project Volume
A true cost comparison requires translating the price per cubic yard or per ton into a cost per square foot of coverage. The industry standard for landscape coverage is the cubic yard, which is 27 cubic feet of material. A single cubic yard of either mulch or gravel will cover approximately 100 square feet at a depth of three inches, the recommended application depth.
Standard gravel weighs roughly 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. When purchasing by the ton, a property owner receives less volume and coverage than they would from a cubic yard of lighter mulch. The weight of gravel also directly affects transportation costs, especially for large bulk deliveries. Freight fees for gravel are often higher because the total weight of the load limits how much material can be moved in a single delivery.
Long-Term Costs and Replacement Frequency
While mulch generally has a lower initial unit price, its organic nature means it is not a one-time purchase. Organic mulches decompose over time, requiring annual or biennial reapplication to maintain the desired depth for weed suppression and moisture retention. Shredded hardwood mulch typically needs refreshing every 9 to 12 months, while slower-decomposing bark mulches may last up to two years. This regular replacement cycle means the material cost, plus the labor for spreading, compounds rapidly over five to ten years.
Gravel, being an inorganic material, does not decompose, making it essentially a one-time purchase. Stone and gravel can last for ten years or more, requiring only occasional raking to level the material and minor topping-off if the layer thins. Although gravel may require a layer of landscape fabric underneath and periodic weed control, its longevity typically makes it more cost-effective over a long period. The initial higher investment in gravel is offset by the lack of recurring material purchases, ultimately making it the cheaper option for projects intended to last five years or more.