Lava Rock: Uses, Cost, and Buying Guide
Also known as: Volcanic Rock, Scoria
What Is Lava Rock?
Lava rock is a lightweight, porous volcanic stone commonly used in landscaping. Its rough texture helps retain moisture while allowing airflow to plant roots.
Great For Landscaping with Gravel
Is Lava Rock Right for You?
Best for
- ✓ Water retention
- ✓ Low-maintenance landscapes
Not recommended for
- ✗ Walkways
- ✗ Driveways
- ✗ High-traffic areas
Common Uses
- ✓ Landscaping
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Decorative ground cover
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Very lightweight | − Breaks down over time |
| + Excellent moisture retention | − Sharp edges |
| + Decorative appearance | − Can scatter easily |
Lava Rock Sizes & Colors
Typically 3/4"–1.5" sizes. Red or black.
Lava Rock Cost
| Measure | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Per ton | $90 – $150 |
| Per cubic yard | $110 – $180 |
Lightweight but bulky — fewer tons per truckload.
Prices vary by region, availability, and order size. Urban areas typically pay more than rural areas.
How Much Lava Rock Do I Need?
Enter your project dimensions to estimate the right amount.
Please enter your dimensions above to calculate.
Lava Rock vs Alternatives
Lava Rock vs Pea Gravel
Compare Lava Rock and Pea Gravel side by side — uses, pros & cons, costs, and which is best for your project.
Crushed Stone vs Lava Rock
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Crushed Limestone vs Lava Rock
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Lava Rock vs River Rock
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Decomposed Granite vs Lava Rock
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#57 Gravel vs Lava Rock
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#8 Gravel vs Lava Rock
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Crusher Run vs Lava Rock
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#89 Stone vs Lava Rock
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Fill Dirt vs Lava Rock
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Lava Rock vs Topsoil
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Brown Shredded Mulch vs Lava Rock
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Black Shredded Mulch vs Lava Rock
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Lava Rock vs Rip Rap
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Compost vs Lava Rock
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Lava Rock vs Washed Gravel
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Bank Run Gravel vs Lava Rock
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Lava Rock vs Marble Chips
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Lava Rock vs Stone Dust
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#411 Gravel vs Lava Rock
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Construction Gravel vs Lava Rock
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Lava Rock vs Recycled Asphalt
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Bluestone vs Lava Rock
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Jersey Shore Gravel vs Lava Rock
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Lava Rock vs Mexican Beach Pebble
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Lava Rock by City
Lava Rock Crushed limestone is commonly used and readily available in the following cities:
Find Lava Rock Near You
9821 E OH-37, Sunbury, Ohio
3255 S Old Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska
1040 O'Malley Rd, Anchorage, Alaska
4701 Altamesa Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas
1811 Forman Dr, Pipestone, Minnesota
4101 32nd St N, Fargo, North Dakota
1629 K Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia
1701 N Price Rd, Pampa, Texas
W 100 S, Mount Pleasant, Utah
800 Main St, Holden, Massachusetts
10211 Bickham Rd, Dallas, Texas
3003 Boyd Dr, Carlsbad, New Mexico
3463 Cedarville Rd, Bellingham, Washington
4180 Moreland Ave, Conley, Georgia
2504 Moon Dr, Falls Church, Virginia
441 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, California
2090 Etiwanda Ave, Ontario, California
91-07 Astoria Blvd, New York, New York
16720 E 13 Mile Rd, Roseville, Michigan
16515 Centerfield Dr, Anchorage, Alaska
11793 N State Road 9, Hope, Indiana
1313 Laona Cir, Anchorage, Alaska
Central, Louisiana
4584 Texas 36, Brenham, Texas
2700 28th St SW, Wyoming, Michigan
5005 W 106th St, Zionsville, Indiana
2331 Mill Rd, Alexandria, Virginia
10301 Northwest Fwy, Houston, Texas
138 Kent Rd, Wassaic, New York
9660 Legler Rd, Lenexa, Kansas
7530 Hudson Cemetery Rd, Kennedale, Texas
2104 Fort Mill Pkwy, Fort Mill, South Carolina
505 E Ellis St, Paul, Idaho
8911 Guide Meridian Rd, Lynden, Washington
5210 State Route 532, Stanwood, Washington
474389 East State Road 200, Fernandina Beach, Florida
121 Laurel Rd, Beaufort, North Carolina
300 N Sangamon St, Chicago, Illinois
162 S Main St, Manchester, New Hampshire
3046 Jens Way, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
2495 Main St, Buffalo, New York
15683 Jarvis St NW, Elk River, Minnesota
6966 Fisher Rd, Jeddo, Michigan
705 Clemens Mill Road, Philomath, Oregon
1935 US Highway 42 NE, West Jefferson, Ohio
1109 Old Newport Hwy, Sevierville, Tennessee
207 Omohundro Pl, Nashville, Tennessee
3334 W Main St, Norman, Oklahoma
501 Cole St, East Peoria, Illinois
1541 Diamond Drive, Casper, Wyoming
12725 US-221, Woodruff, South Carolina
607 Wareham St, Middleborough, Massachusetts
4315 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Portland, Oregon
24 Morpheus Dr, Cumberland, Rhode Island
3689 Webster Rd, Fredonia, New York
50 Robinson Industrial Drive, Perryville, Missouri
15555 SW Tualatin Sherwood Rd, Sherwood, Oregon
1650 Mystic Lake Dr S, Shakopee, Minnesota
10229 Killduff Rd, Gambier, Ohio
333 Mitchell Rd NW, Norcross, Georgia
6386 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach, Missouri
Anderson, Indiana
628 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, Tennessee
5570 Highway 95 S, Greenback, Tennessee
100 Martintown Rd, Woodbine, New Jersey
1634 Highway 210, Carlton, Minnesota
1245 Arrow Hwy, Irwindale, California
810 Oak Meadow Dr, Franklin, Tennessee
360 Valley Rd, Millwood, West Virginia
39379 SD Highway 46, Wagner, South Dakota
62 Leversee Rd, Troy, New York
626 N Main St, Templeton, California
533 Rochester Rd, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
818 North McKenzie Street, Foley, Alabama