Garden Rocks: Buying, Free Sources, Reuse and Resale

If you’re planning an epic landscaping project for your yard, large garden rocks and boulders will bring the drama.

These rocks are a critical part of the hardscaping of your landscaping design and are a foundation to include your plants and shrubs.

Get the large rock right and your rock garden, rockery, or water feature will follow.

If you’re wondering where you can buy large garden rocks to transform your garden.

What to Expect? In this guide, we explain where you can get the large garden rocks you’ll need for the job, along with the best types of large rocks to include in garden landscaping and a crazy hack you might not have considered!

Why can I buy large garden rocks?

Getting massive chunks of geological material isn’t so easy, especially if you are looking for a specific kind of stone.

Depending on the scale of your project, we may be talking about hundreds of kilos or even tones of the stone.

A bit of forethought is going to be necessary along with a willingness to pay the delivery charges necessary to get the rock hauled into your yard (this is definitely not a curbside drop off).

Here are some places to look for your perfect large rock.

A local quarry

Local is the most important word here as it will cut down on transportation costs.

Quarries can sell you large pieces of rock and give you some advice on handling them.

Sometimes, you may be able to get a large piece of off-cut rock for free, or with a heavy discount.

However, the finer points of getting into position in your yard are unlikely to be part of the service.

Buy large garden rocks guide — Should you buy large garden rocks

Hardware suppliers

Home Depot and other home improvement retailers may carry large river rocks and landscaping stones that you can buy at their larger stores or order online.

This may be the most convenient option, as large retailers like these have pallets and flatbed trucks with the loading cranes needed to unload the rocks at your property.

Garden centers

Garden centers will have the expertise on hand to advise and assist you in finding the right rock for your rockery, even if they cannot supply it themselves.

Again, buying locally may help to keep transportation costs down.

Online

If you have a very specific requirement, you’ll find the most comprehensive selections of large rocks online at specialist retailers.

These retailers can often assist with even obscure requirements like multi-ton boulders or rare accent rocks.

A specialist stone merchant will also be able to fulfill orders nationwide, delivering and even placing your rock.

What kinds of large garden rocks are available?

There are many options for landscaping your garden with rock.

Because of the expense and permanence of installing large rocks in your yard, you may need expert advice to select the right stone.

Popular large garden rocks include:

Sandstone

Sandstone is a soft, sedimentary rock that is common and relatively easy to quarry and shape.

You can get large sandstone rocks in colors that range from a light sandy color to deeper reds and browns.

Limestone

This is another easily worked rock that gets character and texture from its distinctive stratum lines.

Soft limestones will not be suitable for structural design in the garden.

Riprap

Riprap is large angular chunks of stone or boulders that you can use in structural work or the creation of barriers.

Granite is the stone that is usually used for riprap.

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 to include in a garden.

Their smoothness brings refreshing tranquility to any outdoor space, especially where there is water.

How much do large rocks cost?

A beautiful large rock is expensive, with an absolute minimum cost per ton of 0.

For specific or rare stones, costs of $600-plus aren’t uncommon.

These 5 factors will determine how much you’ll pay:

How much your rock weighs: this is the most important contributor to cost.
The shape and colour of your rock: the more unusual it is, the more you’ll pay!
Where the rock comes from: of course native rock is going to be cheaper than rare rock from exotic locations.
Delivery and installation costs: distance will up the price you pay. An addition fee of $200-plus is not uncommon for especially large rocks.
Additional work to install the rock: tasks like partial burial will cost more.

Handling large garden rock

Having a strategy for getting your “mini-mountain” into your backyard will save you a whole lotta heartache, as having a palette loaded with hundreds of kilos of rock on the curbside is no fun!

Think through whether getting large rocks into your garden is even going to be workable.

Excellent access is key to fuss free delivery to the exact location where the rock is going to be.

Without that, you may need to have the rock craned into your yard, which will add to costs.

Here are some tips for handling large garden rocks

Protect your hands and feet when handling the rock. You’ll need gloves and boots with robust toe protection.

Keep children and pets away from the rock when you are moving it and until you secure it in its long-term position.

Avoid lifting the rock as this could cause a back injury. Instead, lever the rock into position with iron bars, rollers or a wheelbarrow if the rock is smaller.

Be prepared to re-turf your lawn or remedy damage to shrubs and flowerbeds from‌ shifting your huge rock.

Why not fake it till you make it!

Did you know you can buy super-large FAKE garden rocks?

This is an amazing idea and a hassle-free solution for enjoying the appearance of a large garden rock without the hassle.

They are much cheaper too!

The fake garden rocks and boulders have another secret – they’re hollow!

Most of these fake rocks are made from lightweight fiberglass so you can use them to hide unsightly objects in your yard like sump pumps, tree stumps, or electrical boxes.

The painted UV-resistant finish on these rocks makes them look like the real thing and stay in decent condition all year round.

Look at these 3 large faux landscaping rocks

EMSCO Group Landscape Rock with Natural Sandstone Appearance

EMSCO Group Landscape Rock – Natural Sandstone Appearance – Large – Lightweight – Easy to Install

Dimensions: 20.5 in x 25 in x 18 in (52.07 cm x 63 cm x 46 cm)

This is a high-density resin rock with a natural sandstone color and realistic texture. It has holes in its hollow base so you can anchor it to 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)

You can style your yard with this large landscape rock with realistic coloring and authentic texture. It is made from hollow polyethylene.

Replicated Riverbed Rock

Replicated Rock – Long – Riverbed (Riverbed) (21" H x 39″ L x 21″ D)

Dimensions: 21 in x 39 in x 21 in (53 cm x 99 cm x 53 cm)

This is a commercial-grade replica riverbed rock that is made to withstand long-term outdoor exposure. It comes with ground stakes to anchor it into the ground.

Free garden-rock sources and permission

Get permission and plan the load before collecting rocks

Obtain the landowner’s permission and check the specific public-land or shoreline rules before removing stone; “free” does not mean lawful to take. Assess contamination, size, access and the intended garden use. Arrange suitable lifting and transport equipment for heavy loads and stay within vehicle and wheelbarrow ratings.

So where can I get free garden rocks?

Free rocks are not so difficult to source, but youll have to keep your eyes peeled and be willing to hunt.

Also a willingness to remove anything up to a ton of free rock and stone may be the cost of getting the material for free.

Check out these 7 easy ways to get free rock for your backyard.

Ask a landscaper or gardeners

Landscapers, land management contactors and gardeners could be a great source of surplus or recently removed rocks that would be just perfect for your new rockery.

You could be doing them a real big favour by enabling them to offload waste that would be costly to remove.

Always Good Idea – Give some of your local landscapers a call and see what you can find.

Landowners and farmers

If you have some farmers or landowners in your vicinity why not reach out (without trespassing) and ask if they have some rocks or stones they want removed?

Craigslist

Scour Craigslist and other classifieds for people advertising rocks for free.

They may be surplus from a reno project or clearance material that you can intercept on its way to the dump!

Social media shout-outs

Shout-out to your social media fam and ask them for the rock you need.

Friends, followers and connections online can share your request or scout groups to help you find the rocks you need.

Construction sites

Building contractors may be able to provide excess hardcore or other rocks used in foundations and other building work.

If you are approaching a construction site be careful of machinery and hazards and approach the foreman rather than wandering around.

Skips and curbside sacks

Many people will leave out useful materials like quality stone and rocks, if they are clearing out their yard.

Cruise your neighborhood to see if a sack of rock is available.

Where not to hunt for free rock

Finding something for free is great, but remember to stay safe and on the right side of the law.

The same goes for trespassing on private property.

Building sites, disused quarries and other industrial areas are dangerous and should not be entered without express consent.

Cleaning up your thrifted garden rock

If you have acquired some quality garden rocks for your landscaping project, they are more than likely going to be a hot mess.

The clean up is hassle and hard work, but the results will be well worth it!

Here’s how to get those free garden rocks looking brand new.

Give those rocks a good scrub down

It’s the task nobody wants to do.

Simply grab your garden hose to hose those rocks down to loosen the mud, mosses and any other debris.

Those who can, powerwash!

You will get a good clean by taking your powerwasher to the rocks.

Keep In Mind – Avoid using the most powerful setting as it could chip or erode the rocks.

Selling and reusing surplus garden rocks

Online forums

Online gardening and home improvement forums like Houzz are excellent for drilling down to the target audience you need to get those rocks sold.

If you have a specific type of rock for sale or a certain type of garden design, forums, where these topics are relevant, would be a great place to advertise your garden rocks.

This strategy works best when you are patient, as it could take a while for people to respond to your post.

Sharing photos of what you’ve got and why it’s valuable should also help you get some feedback and inquiries.

Social media

If you have a lot of friends, followers, or connections, your social media network is a great place to sell those garden rocks.

The shares gain those rocks the attention you need to sell and you can also trawl the big networks for groups where people buy and sell items like yours.

Put in the effort with a great video of the rocks so potential buyers can get a 360-degree view.

Classified Ads

If you think your old rockery is someone’s new one, the best place to get it sold is probably classified or want ads.

Using sites like Craigslist gives you access to thousands of people who may be searching for the exact rocks you have.

Make it easy to get the rocks sold by offering a competitive price, cleaning up the rocks, and offering some help with delivery.

Make sure you also ‌look at the want ads to see if there is someone out there who is looking to buy the rocks you’ve got.

Many people on classified ad sites are looking for free rocks, so if you just want them removed from your property, they are likely to be picked up quickly.

e-Bay and other online auctions

eBay is a place where even the most neglected, and obscure items can sell.

If you have unusual or rare rocks that have value, they may get the right attention at an online auction.

To get a decent amount of cash, you may have to wait for a long-time for the rocks to garner some interest.

Set the reserve that you want and if they don’t sell, re-post them until you get a bite!

Contact local landscapers

That pile of old rocks gathering moss may be just the thing your local landscaper is looking for.

Gardeners and landscapers are doing the hard work of building rockeries and retaining walls all day and may ‌integrate your rock into their next garden design.

Getting a great deal on pre-loved rock can reduce the costs for a project, so many gardeners will take a call and perhaps visit to see the rock.

In Addition – Landscapers have the equipment and expertise needed to remove the rock from your property. Even if they don’t immediately use the rock, they may have storage.

3 last-minute tips for getting your landscaping rock sold

Even though your garden rocks aren’t newly quarried, putting a little effort into the sale should help you get the cash you are looking for.

Here are three tips to help you close the deal.

Clean it up

A pile of dirty old rocks will be unappealing to buyers.

Get out the power washer and clean those rocks up if you want to get money. You’ll save their new owner time and hassle.

Take some pics

You are more likely to get interested buyers if they get a chance to see the rock before responding to your ad.

Get some good photos and provide a detailed description of the type of rock and the quantity available.

Move it to a pallet

Shifting rock is a real hassle, so you can make it easier for a buyer to make transportation arrangements by moving the rock to a ton sack or pallet and providing good access for removal.