Landscape rock ships in five common formats: samples, 1/2 cubic foot bags, 1,000 and 2,000 lb sacks (supersacks), palletized bags, and loose bulk by the truckload. Which one you pick comes down to how much you need and how the delivery truck can reach your site. Here is how each format works and what to expect on delivery day.
The ways landscape rock is packaged
The same rock can arrive several ways. Smaller formats are easy to handle by hand, while bulk gets the per-ton price down but needs space and access.
| Format | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Sample (16oz, 32oz, 64oz) | Confirm color and size before buying |
| 1/2 cubic foot bag | Small beds, touch-ups, single planters |
| 1,000 lb sack | Mid-size beds and paths |
| 2,000 lb sack (1 ton) | Larger projects, full beds and walkways |
| Pallet of bags | Several beds, easier to spread by hand |
| Bulk truckload | Driveways, big yards, lowest per-ton cost |
How do I pick a size for my project?
Match the format to the volume. A planter or a small border is bag territory. A full front-yard path or a bed redo is usually a 1,000 or 2,000 lb sack. A driveway or a whole-yard ground cover is a bulk order. If you are between sizes, round up a little, since coming back for one more bag is more expensive than ordering it together.
Run the area and depth through the free coverage calculator to turn square footage into tons. That number tells you whether you are in bag, sack, or bulk range.
Why order a sample first?
Rock color shifts with light and moisture, and photos never match a yard exactly. Ordering a 16oz, 32oz, or 64oz sample lets you set the real stone next to your house and hardscape before you commit to a ton. It is a small cost that prevents an expensive mismatch on a bulk order. Browse the decomposed granite options and add a sample to start.
What happens on delivery day?
The biggest variable is access. Bagged and palletized orders usually come on a truck with a liftgate or forklift and get set in your driveway or at the curb. Bulk loose rock is dumped from a dump truck, so you need a clear, reachable spot with enough headroom and a firm surface.
Where does the rock get dropped?
Most often the driveway or the nearest hard, level spot the truck can safely reach. The driver cannot place loose bulk inside a backyard or around obstacles, so plan a staging area and a path to move it with a wheelbarrow if needed.
What access does the truck need?
A clear approach, room to maneuver, and no low branches or wires for a dump bed to raise. Soft ground, tight gates, and steep driveways can limit what a large truck can do, so note any constraints when you order.
Where ESR ships from
We deliver nationwide from our two California yards in Visalia and Rosamond. You can also pick up at either yard. Whether you need a single sample, a few bags, a ton sack, or a full truckload, the same rock is available across all formats so you can sample small and scale up.
Frequently asked questions
What is a supersack?
A supersack is a large woven bag that holds roughly 1,000 or 2,000 lb of rock. It ships on a pallet and is lifted off the truck, which makes it easier to place than loose bulk while still carrying a lot of material.
How much does a ton of rock cover?
As a rough rule, one ton covers about 100 square feet at 2 inches deep, though this varies by stone size and density. Use the coverage calculator for your exact area and depth before ordering.
Can I get rock delivered if I do not have a big driveway?
Yes. Bagged and palletized formats work well for tight sites because they are set down as units rather than dumped. For loose bulk, you need a clear, reachable drop spot, so smaller sacks or pallets are often the better call on a small lot.
Do you ship outside California?
Yes. We ship nationwide from our Visalia and Rosamond yards. Samples and bags travel easily, and bulk freight is arranged based on your location and volume.
Order the right amount
Size your project with the coverage calculator, order a sample of your color from decomposed granite, then scale to bags, sacks, or bulk. We deliver nationwide from our California yards.