Boulders bring height, weight and a sense of permanence to a yard. They anchor planting beds, frame a waterfall, edge a pool or stand alone as a focal point. Size decides almost everything about a boulder: where it fits, how it looks, and how it gets from our yard into your landscape. This guide covers the size range we carry, how to plan for weight, and how to move and place boulders safely.
The range we carry
Our boulders range in size from 6 to 8 inches in diameter, weighing around 30 pounds, all the way up to 4 by 4 feet, weighing around 4,000 pounds. They can be naturally occurring or blasted from a quarry, and we carry a variety of colors. Every boulder is a little different, so weight varies with shape and type of rock.
Boulders are used for walls, focal accents, waterfalls, and around swimming pools and ponds. Browse boulders and call to check what is in the yard today.
Picking the right size
Scale is easy to misjudge. A boulder that looks modest in a yard full of pallets can look larger at home, or smaller next to a two-story house. Take a photo of the spot with a person or a tape measure in it for reference, and bring it to the yard.
- Small boulders work in clusters, along dry creek beds and at the edge of planting beds.
- Medium boulders anchor a bed corner or a path turn, or can serve as a natural seat.
- Large boulders make a focal point, frame a waterfall or hold a slope.
- Mix sizes in odd-numbered groups for a natural look. See boulder landscaping ideas.
Moving small and medium boulders
You can rent a dolly from us for a daily fee. It is suitable for moving smaller rocks and large plants around your property. Lift with your legs, wear gloves and closed-toe shoes, and get help. Plan a clear path from where the stone is dropped to where it goes.
Never try to roll or lift a boulder that is too heavy for you and your equipment. Rocks shift unexpectedly, especially on slopes. When in doubt, use professional delivery and placement.
Delivery and large boulders
Palletized stone and large boulders are delivered by flatbed truck with a forklift. We deliver Monday through Saturday, and our delivery pricing covers our basic costs. See delivery.
For the largest boulders, we can refer you to a crane placement company that can lift and set them where you want them. That is often the safest way to place a boulder over a fence, onto a slope or into a waterfall.
Before delivery, check access. Measure gate widths, look for overhead lines and soft ground, and note where a truck can safely park. Tell our staff about any tight spots when you schedule.
Placing boulders so they look natural
- Mark each spot before delivery so the stone can be set once.
- Dig in so part of the boulder sits below grade. Boulders look natural when they appear to rise out of the ground.
- Turn the boulder to show its best face toward the main view.
- Set it firmly so it cannot rock or roll, especially on slopes or near water.
- Plant around the base to blend it into the landscape.