If you are thinking of a dramatic landscaping project for your backyard, you will want to include large boulders.
Large boulders are an essential aspect of the hardscaping in the landscaping design and form a baseline to include your plants.
Once you have the large rocks placed correctly, your rock garden, rockery, or water feature will be easy.
If you have been wondering where to buy large garden rocks to make your garden dramatic.
What to Expect? In this guide, we say where you can buy the large garden rocks for your project, plus the best types of large rocks to include in the landscaping garden, and a crazy hack you may not have thought of!
Why can I buy large garden rocks?
Securing large pieces of geological material can be a challenge especially if you are looking for a specific kind of stone.
I write this not to discourage you, but to point out it may uncover a bit of work on your behalf.
Depending on the size of your project; we are talking about hundreds of kilos or even tones of the stone.
A little planning will be necessary as well and an willingness to cover the necessary delivery fee to have the rock moved into your yard (and no this is not going to be in a dumpster out front).
Below are some places to search for your ideal large rock.
A local quarry
The word local is most important here because it can save on transportation costs.
Quarries can sell you large pieces of rock and maybe offer some advice on working with the rock.
You may also be able to get a large piece of off-cut rock for free or for a heavy discount.
I would expect that you’re probable not going to get some of the finer details on getting the rocks into position where you want them to go in your yard.
Hardware suppliers
Large home improvement retailers, such as Home Depot, usually offer large river rock and landscape stone at their larger stores or you can order them online.
This option is often the most EZ and convenient for your backyard upgrade because as they typically have the pallets and flatbed vehicles with cranes to unload your rocks for you.
Garden centers
A garden center is likely to have staff trained to help you find the right rock for your rockery, even if they aren’t able to sell it directly.
Moreover, in order to reduce transportation costs, buying locally may be an option.
Online
If you’re looking for something very specific, you will find the most extensive options for larger rocks online from some of the specialty retailers.
These specialty retailers can also often help meet even obscure requests such as a multi-ton boulders or accents with rare colors or shapes.
Also, a qualified stone merchant will be able to process orders nationwide, provide shipping, and delivery and/or place the rock onsite for you.
What kinds of large garden rocks are available?
There are many different ways to beautify your yard with rock.
Due to the cost and permanence of installing large rock in your yard, you may want to consult an expert before committing to a stone selection.
Large rocks popular for landscaping include:
Sandstone
Sandstone is a soft, sedimentary rock that is abundant and relatively easy to extract and shape.
You can find large sandstone boulders in colors of light sandy to deeper reds and browns.
Limestone
This is another easy-to-work stone that takes on character and texture from its unique striation lines.
Soft limestones will not be acceptable for structural design in the garden.
Riprap
Riprap consists of big angular pieces of stone or boulders that can be used in structural applications or constructed barriers.
The stone that is most often used for riprap is granite.
Tufa
Tufa is a visually striking type of porous limestone that is lighter than other rocks of equivalent size.
You can even chisel or drill it to plant within it!
It is expensive but it can look stunning as part of the right project.
River rocks, cobbles, and boulders
These are some of the most beautiful and desirable large stones for a garden.
Their smoothness creates a refreshing peacefulness to any outdoor space, especially if they are set near water.
How much do large rocks cost?
A stunning, substantial rock will cost a pretty penny, with an absolute baseline price per ton of $0.
When it comes to particular or scarce stones, costs can easily exceed $600.
These five variables will ultimately dictate how much you will ultimately pay:
- The weight of your rock: This is the number one factor in cost.
- The shape and colour of your rock: the more unusual it is, the more you will pay!
- The source of your rock: of course, native rock will be more cost-effective than rare stone from exotic locales.
- Costs of delivery and installation: distance will dictate how much you pay. An additional $200-plus is not uncommon for really large rocks.
- Additional work to install your rock: partial burial will also come at an additional cost.
Handling large garden rock
Having a plan for getting your “mini-mountain” into your back yard will save a ton of heartbreak, as you will find that having a palette full of hundreds of kilos of rock on the curb, isn’t enjoyable!
Think about whether getting large rock into your garden will even be feasible.
Good access can make the delivery to the exact place you’re putting the rock easy.
Without good access, you may have to crane the rock into your yard, which expects you to add costs.
Here are some tips for handling large garden rocks
- Wear suitable gloves and boots with steel toe protection when handling the rock to protect your hands and feet.
- Keep children and pets away from rock and when you are moving the rock and until you install the rock into its permanent position.
- Avoid lifting the rock since this may cause injury to your back. Instead, lever rock into position with iron bars, rollers or a wheelbarrow if it’s smaller.
- Be prepared to re-turf your lawn or repair any damage to shrubs and flowerbeds from moving your massive and heavy rock.
Why not fake it till you make it!
Did you know that it is possible to purchase super-sized FAKE garden rocks?
Now you may be asking yourself if this is a good idea.
I think this is a great idea and an easily enjoyable solution for how to have the appearance of a large garden rock without the hassle of possessing a large garden rock.
The rocks are also much cheaper!
The fake garden rocks and boulders have another secret-hollow!
Most of the fake rocks are made using lightweight fiberglass, allowing them to easily hide unsightly objects outside your home such as tree stumps, electrical boxes, and even sump pumps.
The rocks are painted with a UV-resistant finish, making them look like the real thing while providing decent year-round longevity.
Look at these 3 large faux landscaping rocks
EMSCO Group Landscape Rock with Natural Sandstone Appearance
- Dimensions: 20.5 in x 25 in x 18 in (52.07 cm x 63 cm x 46 cm)
This rock is manufactured from a natural sandstone colored resin with a high density and realistic texture. There are holes in the hollow base meaning you can securely anchor it in the ground.
DEKORRA PRODUCTS Faux Rock Autumn Bluff
- Dimensions: 42 in x 24 in x 24 in (107 cm x 61 cm x 61 cm)
This large landscape rock in your backyard will transform your outdoor space with realistic color and natural stone-like texture. It is constructed of lightweight hollow polyethylene.
Replicated Riverbed Rock
- Dimensions: 21 in x 39 in x 21 in (53 cm x 99 cm x 53 cm)
Designed to be durable for extended exposure outdoor, this is a commercial-grade replica riverbed rock designed for durability and outdoor use. It includes ground stakes that can be used to anchor to the ground.
Rounding up
You’ll be happy to know that anybody can position a substantial, gigantic rock in the backyard.
With thoughtful garden design, thoughtful research, and good luck, you might even get lucky and nab yourself a free rock!
In any event, it is clear that there are plenty of options available for the location of a real or faux garden rock.