--- title: Landscape Boulder Sizes and Weights | Mid Valley Rock url: https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/boulder-sizes-and-weights/ business: Mid Valley Rock phone: (916) 363-4239 address: 5300 Excelsior Road, Sacramento, CA 95827 hours: Mon-Fri 7:00-4:00, Sat 7:30-3:00, Sun closed --- - [Home](https://midvalleyrock.com/) - [Rock Talk](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/) - Boulder sizes and weights # Boulder Sizes and Weights Mid Valley Rock's boulders range from about 6 to 8 inches across, weighing roughly 30 pounds, up to about 4 by 4 feet, weighing roughly 4,000 pounds. Small ones can be moved with a rented dolly; the largest need delivery by flatbed and forklift and often a crane. A pool edged with natural boulders 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](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/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](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/boulder-landscaping/). Stock photo: smooth gray boulders ## 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](https://midvalleyrock.com/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. ### Keep reading - [Boulders](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/boulders/) - [Boulder landscaping](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/boulder-landscaping/) - [Delivery & services](https://midvalleyrock.com/delivery/) - [Stone for water features](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/choosing-stone-for-water-features/) ### Visit or call - **Monday - Friday:** 7:00 am - 4:00 pm - **Saturday:** 7:30 am - 3:00 pm - **Sunday:** Closed 5300 Excelsior Road Sacramento, CA 95827 Arrive 45 minutes before closing so we have time to help. [(916) 363-4239](tel:+19163634239) ## Questions we hear a lot Still unsure? Call the yard at [(916) 363-4239](tel:+19163634239). We are happy to talk it through. ### How much does a landscape boulder weigh? Our boulders range from about 30 pounds for a 6 to 8 inch stone up to about 4,000 pounds for a 4 by 4 foot boulder. ### How do I move a boulder myself? Smaller rocks can be moved with a dolly you rent from us for a daily fee. Large boulders need delivery and often a crane. ### Can you place a large boulder in my backyard? We deliver by flatbed and forklift, and we can refer you to a crane placement company to lift and set large boulders. ## Come see the stone in person Walk the yard with us, bring your measurements and a photo of your house, and we will help you pick stone that fits the project and the budget. 5300 Excelsior Road, Sacramento, CA 95827 [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mid+Valley+Rock&query_place_id=ChIJhQvD0VfCmoARcSXoEbY0WSc) - **Monday - Friday:** 7:00 am - 4:00 pm - **Saturday:** 7:30 am - 3:00 pm - **Sunday:** Closed