Rip Rap: Uses, Cost, and Buying Guide
Also known as: Armor Stone, Rip Rap Stone, Shot Rock
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.
Great For Drainage Gravel
Is Rip Rap Right for You?
Best for
- ✓ Shoreline protection
- ✓ Stream bank stabilization
- ✓ Steep slope erosion control
- ✓ Culvert outlets
Not recommended for
- ✗ 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 & 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 & 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.
Rip Rap Cost
| Measure | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Per ton | $35 – $80 |
| Per cubic yard | $45 – $100 |
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, availability, and order size. Urban areas typically pay more than rural areas.
How Much Rip Rap Do I Need?
Enter your project dimensions to estimate the right amount.
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Rip Rap vs Alternatives
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Rip Rap by City
Rip Rap Crushed limestone is commonly used and readily available in the following 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
2425 N Glassford Hill Rd, Prescott Valley, Arizona
310 W Sam White Ln, Pleasant Grove, Utah
4341 Snake River Ave, Lewiston, Idaho
New York, New York
W3998 US Highway 45, Eden, Wisconsin
72 Miller Rd, Colchester, Connecticut
7101 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1100 Brandt Drive, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
1220 N Main St, Belton, Texas
7000 Thelma Lee Dr, Alexandria, Kentucky
7101 Downing Ave, Bakersfield, California
6140 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico
1629 K Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia
1425 Metro East Dr, Pleasant Hill, Iowa
389 Crockett St, Center, Texas
104 Main St E, Dillingham, Alaska
573 E Grant Ave, Vineland, New Jersey
277 Whites Path, Yarmouth, Massachusetts
5511 Highway 403, Charlestown, Indiana
1045 Palms Airport Dr, Las Vegas, Nevada
12997 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, Colorado
13715 Berry Hill Rd, Elkwood, Virginia
3500 Giddings Rd, Orion charter Township, Michigan
2191 W Tanner Rd, Sacaton, Arizona
Miami, Florida
4584 Texas 36, Brenham, Texas
2700 28th St SW, Wyoming, Michigan
1111 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana
128 SW Circle Dr, Hines, Oregon
13530 Willandale Rd, Rogers, Minnesota
5109 Masotta Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada
50 Maclellan Dr, Eliot, Maine
Greenwood, Mississippi
50 Lynch Pl, Cumberland, Rhode Island
12200 Billingsley Rd, Waldorf, Maryland
85 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, New Hampshire
144 Martha Lewis Blvd, Havre de Grace, Maryland
2400 E Main St, Trinidad, Colorado
77 Blackbird Dr, Bailey, Colorado
980 Lee Road 10, Auburn, Alabama
5349 Norway Grove School Rd, DeForest, Wisconsin
Plainfield, Illinois
1572 45th St N, Fargo, North Dakota
670 S Cooper St, Memphis, Tennessee
940 N 20th St, Columbus, Ohio
66 Canal Center Plz, Alexandria, Virginia
7800 Interstate 10 E, San Antonio, Texas
1380 Lead Hill Blvd, Roseville, California
17 Old Nashua Rd, Amherst, New Hampshire
729 Fuller Rd, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Winchendon, Massachusetts
140 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach, California
Portland, Oregon
25 Westminster Dr, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
5557 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, Maryland
1392 Oak Openings Rd, Avon, New York
39 Gilliland Ave, Amsterdam, New York
5710 Ogeechee Rd, Savannah, Georgia
2329 W Mescal St, Phoenix, Arizona
E3481 Royalton St, Waupaca, Wisconsin
14411 US-290 E, Manor, Texas
3100 Frederick Blvd, Portsmouth, Virginia
7870 E Fireweed Rd, Palmer, Alaska
6110 Abbott Dr, Omaha, Nebraska
709 Keith Ave, Pembroke, New Hampshire
39379 SD Highway 46, Wagner, South Dakota
404 Heyward Green Dr, Franklinton, Louisiana
626 N Main St, Templeton, California
87 E Commerce St, Bridgeton, New Jersey
2036 Oldmans Creek Rd, Swedesboro, New Jersey
19001 Hull Street Rd, Moseley, Virginia