The cheapest stone for landscaping and construction is widely available and requires minimal processing. Cost varies significantly by type, size, color, and purchase location. Affordability is relative to project needs and proximity to the source. Understanding these factors aids budget-conscious decisions.
What Makes Stone Affordable
Affordability factors include: quarry proximity reducing transportation costs. Abundant regional stones cost less due to supply and extraction ease. Minimal processing keeps prices down; crushed stone is far less expensive than cut, polished slabs. Local demand and easy extraction influence cost, making common, accessible materials most economical.
Types of Budget-Friendly Stones
Crushed stone, or gravel, is the most affordable option for landscaping and construction. It consists of mechanically crushed rocks, creating angular pieces. Crush and run materials cost $10 to $50 per ton. Limestone is another budget-friendly choice, especially where quarried. Its versatility and low cost make it a popular aggregate.
River rock, with smooth, rounded edges, is economical for decorative purposes. Prices range from $45 to $130 per ton. Pea gravel, a smaller, smoother river rock, is among the cheapest landscaping stones. It costs between $30 to $60 per ton.
Certain granite types, as crushed aggregate, can be affordable locally. While flagstone is often more expensive, smaller, irregular, or locally sourced pieces offer budget-conscious alternatives.
Where Inexpensive Stones Are Used
Inexpensive stones are widely used in landscaping and construction for their functionality and cost-effectiveness. Crushed stone and gravel serve as base materials for driveways, pathways, and patios, providing stability and drainage. Their porous nature prevents water accumulation and improves traction. They are also effective in drainage systems, like French drains, channeling water away from structures.
In landscaping, budget-friendly stones serve as ground cover, reducing weed growth and retaining soil moisture. River rocks are used for decorative accents around trees, shrubs, or in dry creek beds for erosion control. They also define garden borders and pathways, offering a low-maintenance alternative to traditional mulches. In construction, crushed stone serves as an aggregate in concrete and asphalt, and as a stable foundation for building structures.
Smart Buying for Stone Projects
Purchasing stone in bulk reduces costs for landscaping and construction. Buying by the ton or cubic yard, not small bags, lowers the price per unit. Local quarries and landscaping suppliers can provide better pricing than retail stores.
Consider delivery fees, as these add substantially to total cost; a single, larger delivery is more economical. Accurately calculating quantity avoids costly over-ordering and shortages. Measure length, width, and depth in feet, then divide cubic feet by 27 for required volume in cubic yards.