Lava Rock: Size, Uses, and Cost Per Ton (2026)
Also called: Volcanic Rock, Scoria
Lava Rock at a Glance
| Size | Typically 3/4"–1.5" sizes. |
|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 1,500 to 1,800 lbs (0.75 to 0.90 tons) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 1.11 to 1.33 |
| Cost per ton | $90 to $150 per ton |
| Cost per cubic yard | $110 to $180 per cubic yard |
| 10-ton truckload | $900 to $1,500 before delivery |
| Compaction | Minimal (0%). Stays loose, needs edging. |
| Best for | Water retention, Low-maintenance landscapes |
| Wrong for | Walkways, Driveways, High-traffic areas |
Need Lava Rock? See yards near you that stock it and ask them for a price.
Find Lava Rock near meWhat 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.
Project guide: Landscaping With Gravel: How Much to Order, Depth by Use, and Cost
How Much Lava Rock Do I Need?
Draw your project area on the map to get an instant material estimate for Lava Rock.
Plan your lava rock project
Type your address, trace the area on a satellite photo, and see how many tons to order.
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Enter an address in step 1. Then click around the edge of the spot you want to cover and the planner does the math.
What Yards Charge for Lava Rock, October 2026
- Median per cubic yard
- $89
- Middle half $62 to $91. 7 prices from 2 yards.
Cheapest in Oregon, median $56 per cubic yard. Most expensive in California, median $89.
| State | Median per cubic yard | Middle half | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $56 | $54 to $105 | 3 |
| California | $89 | $84 to $90 | 4 |
From prices yards publish on their own websites, for the lava rock alone, before delivery and tax. A state is listed once it has three or more prices. Updated monthly; the next update is due November 3. Gravel prices by state.
What Lava Rock Costs in 2026
Lava Rock costs $90 to $150 per ton, or $110 to $180 per cubic yard. A 10-ton single-axle truckload runs $900 to $1,500 before delivery. An 18-ton tandem load runs $1,620 to $2,700. Delivery adds $50 to $150 within 10 to 15 miles of the supplier.
| Quantity | Material cost |
|---|---|
| 1 ton | $90 to $150 |
| 1 cubic yard | $110 to $180 |
| 10-ton single-axle load | $900 to $1,500 |
| 18-ton tandem load | $1,620 to $2,700 |
| 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep | $72 to $135 |
Lightweight but bulky — fewer tons per truckload.
Prices vary by region and order size. See the gravel cost per ton guide and the delivery cost guide.
How Much Lava Rock for Common Projects
Tons include 0% compaction and a 10% waste allowance. Formula: cubic yards = square feet x depth in inches / 324.
| Project | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons to order | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 20 ft patio (200 sq ft) | 2 in | 1.2 | 1.0 to 1.2 | $90 to $180 |
| 12 x 40 ft driveway (480 sq ft) | 4 in | 5.9 | 4.9 to 5.9 | $441 to $885 |
| 3 x 50 ft walkway (150 sq ft) | 3 in | 1.4 | 1.1 to 1.4 | $99 to $210 |
Different size? Use the gravel calculator or convert with the tons to yards calculator.
Compare Lava Rock With Other Materials
Side-by-side size, cost, drainage, and best-use comparisons.
- Lava Rock vs Pea Gravel
- Crushed Stone vs Lava Rock
- Crushed Limestone vs Lava Rock
- Lava Rock vs River Rock
- Decomposed Granite vs Lava Rock
- #57 Gravel vs Lava Rock
- #8 Gravel vs Lava Rock
- Crusher Run vs Lava Rock
- #89 Stone vs Lava Rock
- Fill Dirt vs Lava Rock
- Lava Rock vs Topsoil
- Brown Shredded Mulch vs Lava Rock
- Black Shredded Mulch vs Lava Rock
- Lava Rock vs Rip Rap
- Compost vs Lava Rock
- Lava Rock vs Washed Gravel
- Bank Run Gravel vs Lava Rock
- Lava Rock vs Marble Chips
- Lava Rock vs Stone Dust
- #411 Gravel vs Lava Rock
- Construction Gravel vs Lava Rock
- Lava Rock vs Recycled Asphalt
- Bluestone vs Lava Rock
- Jersey Shore Gravel vs Lava Rock
- Lava Rock vs Mexican Beach Pebble
- #4 Stone vs Lava Rock
Project Guides That Use Lava Rock
Lava Rock by City
Suppliers stock Lava Rock in these cities:
Find Lava Rock Near You
Share your location and the closest yards that stock lava rock come first, with miles and a phone number.
Every yard that stocks lava rock
Yards with published prices first.
2900 Old Oregon Trl, Redding, California
14880 Brighton Rd, Brighton, Colorado
2594 Port Sheldon St, Jenison, Michigan
30265 SE Highway 212, Boring, Oregon
3689 Webster Rd, Fredonia, New York
4229 Round Bottom Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio
6245 State St, Saginaw, Michigan
9821 E OH-37, Sunbury, Ohio
3251 Jacuzzi St, Richmond, California