How Much Do Landscape Boulders Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for landscape boulders is $250. Prices typically range from $150 to $350, with costs varying based on boulder type, size, and local availability. Costs can reach as high as $600 per ton for specialty shapes or rare stone varieties.

Landscape Boulder Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Landscape boulder installation is a hardscaping project, and the average boulder costs $250 per ton, though a single stone can rise into the thousands depending on type, size, and site conditions. Several factors shape your final total, and costs vary significantly based on the variable involved.

Size

Landscape boulders cost more than other types of landscaping rocks because their weight demands more labor and, for larger specimens, specialized equipment like cranes to maneuver them into place. The table below shows how your landscaping boulder cost varies by diameter.

Weight

Weight determines how difficult boulders are to deliver and place, and it is the more practical measurement when a boulder is oblong or irregularly shaped. Costs range from $3 for a small boulder to more than $2,500 for a large one, not including installation and delivery. The table below breaks down costs by weight so you can estimate your budget based on the stones you have in mind.

Type of Boulder

Boulder type is one of the biggest price drivers, with rarer stones, colors, and patterns commanding a premium, and imported stones running two to four times the cost of locally quarried options. When selecting a boulder, consider matching it to existing pavers, stone walkways, or the surrounding terrain for a cohesive look. The table below shows how costs vary by boulder type.

Quantity 

Most suppliers require a minimum order, so you may end up purchasing more stone than your project strictly needs, and boulders are typically sold by the ton rather than individually. Smaller stones can sometimes be purchased by the pound, cubic yard, or pallet, with most pallets holding about 1 1/2 tons depending on stone size. Smaller orders often carry a higher per-ton price due to minimums, while larger orders drive up delivery costs.

Site Prep

Site preparation costs depend on what your yard requires before boulders can be installed, and the table below shows how costs break down by preparation method.

Delivery Costs

Delivery costs depend on the quarry's location and the stone's weight, so even if you plan to handle placement yourself, you will still need to contact a local rock delivery service for an accurate quote. A rock delivery specialist has the equipment to get your boulders to the right spot safely and efficiently.

Labor

Most homeowners spend $150 to $2,500 on delivery and installation of landscaping boulders, with the total driven by the number of boulders and the scale of the project. You will typically need to hire a landscaper with specialized equipment, and costs rise further when boulders must be placed in tight areas or when heavy equipment has limited access to the site.

Landscape Boulder Ongoing Costs: What to Budget For

Landscaping boulders last indefinitely and typically require no maintenance once installed, but homeowners who want a polished, manicured yard may want to budget for occasional upkeep. The table below shows what common maintenance services cost per boulder.

Why You Should Hire a Landscape Boulder Pro

Hiring a local rock delivery company is a requirement when bringing in boulders. Expect to pay $50 to $75 per hour in labor if the pro quotes by the hour, or $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on factors such as weight. Either way, this is a project you shouldn’t, and usually can’t, do on your own. 

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a landscape boulder pro

Sweat equity is the number one reason to hire a pro, but don’t discount these other, just-as-impactful reasons:

• A pro has the equipment required for safe loading and delivery. 

• You may not like the initial placement—a pro can easily move the boulder. 

• Like any project with safety risks, you want to hire someone with good insurance. 

• Pros understand soil compaction and drainage. 

• Can provide excellent feedback when a large boulder may not be the best option. 

If you want to DIY a landscape boulder project

Short answer—don’t. That being said, there are some items you can check off the list that will result in a faster, often less expensive final bill, such as:

• Mark the exact boulder placement beforehand. 

• Have 811 mark utilities on your property. 

• Measure any access points, such as gates or doorways. 

• Trim any branches or trees in the planned path. 

• Mark septic areas and sprinkler systems. 

Landscape Boulder Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Boulder installation often fits into a larger landscaping project, and several add-on services can increase your total budget. The table below shows costs for common landscape boulder add-ons to help you plan accordingly.

How to Save Money on the Cost of Landscape Boulders

Landscaping boulder installation often accompanies other landscaping jobs, and costs can rack up quickly. If you need to tighten your budget, here are some helpful tips:

• DIY some of the work: You may not be able to install a 500-pound boulder on your own, but you can save on labor costs by doing some of the smaller landscaping jobs, like making your own mulch and planting flowers around the installation site.

• Choose stones from a local quarry: Avoid costly delivery fees by choosing stones readily available in your area. 

• Choose smaller stones: Smaller stones are simpler to install, so you may save on installation costs by sticking to a plan using smaller boulders that weigh less. You could even deliver and install them yourself to maximize your savings.

• Looks for sales: Some landscaping retailers run sales on stones and other landscaping projects, usually in the fall when landscaping season is over. Instead of choosing a rare or high-end stone, choose one that is on sale but still looks good with your landscaping. 

• Keep your project minimal: Instead of doing a complete overhaul, go with a landscape design that will make the largest impact for the lowest cost. You don’t always need an extensive project to make a big difference.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.