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 |
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.
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 gravel project
Type your address, trace the area on a satellite photo, and see how many tons to order.
Loading the planner...
Start typing and pick your address from the list. The map jumps straight to your property.
Your satellite view shows up here
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 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.
Where Lava Rock Works and Where It Fails
Best uses
- ✓ Water retention
- ✓ Low-maintenance landscapes
Wrong uses
- ✗ Walkways
- ✗ Driveways
- ✗ High-traffic areas
Common Uses
- ✓ Landscaping
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Decorative ground cover
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Very lightweight | − Breaks down over time |
| + Excellent moisture retention | − Sharp edges |
| + Decorative appearance | − Can scatter easily |
Lava Rock Sizes and Colors
Typically 3/4"–1.5" sizes. Red or black.
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
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