Rip Rap: Size, Uses, and Cost Per Ton (2026)
Also called: Armor Stone, Rip Rap Stone, Shot Rock
Rip Rap at a Glance
| Size | Large angular stones typically 6-24 inches in diameter, though some applications use stones up to 36 inches or larger. |
|---|---|
| Weight per cubic yard | 3,000 to 3,600 lbs (1.50 to 1.80 tons) |
| Cubic yards per ton | 0.56 to 0.67 |
| Cost per ton | $35 to $80 per ton |
| Cost per cubic yard | $45 to $100 per cubic yard |
| 10-ton truckload | $350 to $800 before delivery |
| Compaction | Minimal (0%). Stays loose, needs edging. |
| Drainage | Excellent. Open voids between stones, water passes straight through. |
| Best for | Shoreline protection, Stream bank stabilization, Steep slope erosion control, Culvert outlets |
| Wrong for | Driveways, Walkways, Decorative landscaping, Small residential projects |
What Is Rip Rap?
Large, heavy, angular stones ranging from 6 to 24+ inches used primarily for erosion control. Rip rap protects shorelines, stream banks, bridge abutments, and steep slopes from water erosion. The heavy weight and interlocking shape resist displacement by flowing water and wave action.
Project guide: Drainage Gravel Guide: #57 Stone, Depth, and Tons per Foot of French Drain
How Much Rip Rap Do I Need?
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What Rip Rap Costs in 2026
Rip Rap costs $35 to $80 per ton, or $45 to $100 per cubic yard. A 10-ton single-axle truckload runs $350 to $800 before delivery. An 18-ton tandem load runs $630 to $1,440. Delivery adds $50 to $150 within 10 to 15 miles of the supplier.
| Quantity | Material cost |
|---|---|
| 1 ton | $35 to $80 |
| 1 cubic yard | $45 to $100 |
| 10-ton single-axle load | $350 to $800 |
| 18-ton tandem load | $630 to $1,440 |
| 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep | $53 to $144 |
Extremely heavy — requires dump truck delivery. A tandem truck carries only 12-15 tons. Placement often requires an excavator or skid steer. Get quotes for delivery AND placement together.
Prices vary by region and order size. See the gravel cost per ton guide and the delivery cost guide.
How Much Rip Rap 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 | 2.0 to 2.4 | $70 to $192 |
| 12 x 40 ft driveway (480 sq ft) | 4 in | 5.9 | 9.8 to 11.7 | $343 to $936 |
| 3 x 50 ft walkway (150 sq ft) | 3 in | 1.4 | 2.3 to 2.7 | $81 to $216 |
Different size? Use the gravel calculator or convert with the tons to yards calculator.
Where Rip Rap Works and Where It Fails
Best uses
- ✓ Shoreline protection
- ✓ Stream bank stabilization
- ✓ Steep slope erosion control
- ✓ Culvert outlets
Wrong uses
- ✗ Driveways
- ✗ Walkways
- ✗ Decorative landscaping
- ✗ Small residential projects
Common Uses
- ✓ Shoreline protection
- ✓ Stream bank stabilization
- ✓ Bridge abutments
- ✓ Steep slope stabilization
- ✓ Culvert outlets
- ✓ Retaining wall faces
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Extremely effective at preventing water erosion | − Very heavy — requires heavy equipment to place |
| + Heavy weight resists displacement by water | − Expensive for large projects |
| + Long-lasting — lasts decades with no maintenance | − Not suitable for foot traffic |
| + Angular shape interlocks for stability | − Requires engineering design for major installations |
| + Natural appearance blends with waterside environments | − Limited decorative appeal |
Rip Rap Sizes and Colors
Large angular stones typically 6-24 inches in diameter, though some applications use stones up to 36 inches or larger. Weight ranges from 25 to 500+ pounds per stone. Colors vary by source quarry — typically gray, blue-gray, tan, or brown. Sold by the ton rather than by the yard.
Compare Rip Rap With Other Materials
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Project Guides That Use Rip Rap
Rip Rap by City
Suppliers stock Rip Rap in these cities:
Find Rip Rap Near You
10291 Ophir Rd, Newcastle, California
22 McBride Rd, Slate Hill, New York
4372 I-35W S, Alvarado, Texas
Greenwood, Indiana
16 E Huron St, Pontiac, Michigan