Blog>Cost Guides>Landscaping rock installation cost

Last updated: 29 April 2024

Landscaping rock installation cost

When used with the right combination of plants, flowers and other natural textures, rocks in the garden can be stunning. In this guide, we’ll look at the average landscaping rock installation cost, so you can plan your project.

Landscaping rock installation cost
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Fast Facts

  • On average, creating a garden rockery in the UK costs around £1,110

  • The material cost of boulders for garden projects is in the region of £403 per tonne

  • Hiring a landscape gardener will cost about £31 per hour

A rockery can be an attractive and interesting feature in the garden, as can incorporating natural stone into a pond, waterfall or water feature.

Keep reading to find out about the price of creating a rock garden and the average landscaping rock installation cost in the UK.

How much does creating a rock garden cost?

Cost provided itemLow costHigh costAverage cost
Create a garden rockery£700£1,500£1,110
Boulder costs per tonne£250£556£403
Landscape gardener - cost per hour£23£40£31
Last updated: May 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

On average, landscape rock prices for supply and installation are somewhere in the region of £700 and £1,500.

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How much do boulders for a rock garden cost?

If you're planning to build a rockery or rock garden, one of the main costs will be the boulders and rocks that you use. But how much do rock boulders cost?

On average, you can expect to pay around £250 - £556 per tonne of decorative rocks and boulders.

The exact price will depend on the size and material of the boulders you choose for your rock garden.

How much does landscaping cost per m2 in the UK?

The cost of landscaping will depend on the type of surface cover you're installing. Here are some average landscaping costs per square metre in the UK:

  • Real grass – £12 - £30 per m2

  • Artificial grass – £25 - £60 per m2

  • Levelling – £20 - £120 per m2

To find out more, check out our landscaping cost guide.

landscaping boulder installation

How much does landscaping rock installation cost?

Now, what about the cost of installing your garden boulders? You'll most likely need to hire a local landscape gardener to position your garden boulders.

Landscape gardeners usually charge an hourly rate for their work, at an average cost of around £31 per hour.

You’ll need to make sure there’s suitable access for the delivery vehicle,

Factors affecting your rock garden cost

Several factors will affect rock garden prices, including:

  • The size of your garden

  • Quantity of rocks and boulders you want to install

  • Access to your garden

  • Any special machinery needed (for delivery and positioning of the rocks and boulders)

  • Where you live

We always recommend getting quotes from at least three local landscape gardeners. That way, you can make sure you're being quoted fair and competitive prices.

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Where to get big rocks for landscaping

The best places to get big rocks from for your landscaping project are local garden centres, landscaping companies, and local rock and boulder specialists.

The biggest factor to consider when sourcing big rocks is the delivery. Chances are you won't be able to move them yourself so you'll need to organise delivery to your home.

Most suppliers of boulders for garden projects will offer a delivery service – either included in the price or for an additional fee.

Rock garden ideas

FAQs

Are rock gardens expensive?

The cost of creating a garden rockery can vary, with an average rock garden price ranging from £700 to £1,500.

You can keep costs down by choosing cheaper rocks, and opting for fewer rocks per square metre.

What is the cheapest rock to use for landscaping?

The cheapest landscaping rocks are generally considered to be pea gravel, river rocks, and crushed concrete.

When it comes to creating a rock garden, you're best choosing rocks made of hard limestone and sandstone.

They have a lot of character and are easy to split. They're also considered to be an affordable type of rock for landscaping.

Can I install garden rocks and boulders myself?

Yes, you can make a DIY rockery or install small to medium-sized rocks yourself. However, moving and positioning larger boulders requires know-how and specialist equipment.

As such, it’s always best to call in the professionals for larger boulders, to avoid hassle and possible injury.

A landscape gardener will be able to safely and efficiently position the boulders – and find the perfect spot for each stone.

What’s the best location in the garden for a rockery?

The ideal rockery location is somewhere where there is enough light for your plants. So, choose a spot away from trees and shrubs that cast too much shade.

Use a landscape gardener to find a spot where your rockery will look most attractive and be a real focal point.

You could even build a water feature at the same time - why not? The options are endless.

How deep do you want landscape rock?

When laying landscaping rock, you'll want to create a layer about 2 inches deep.

If you're using landscaping rocks that are deeper than 2 inches themselves, then a single layer of those rocks should be enough.

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