boulders Archives - A&A Materials Inc

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

3 March 2025

Landscape Boulders Cost 2025

Landscaping boulders cost around $120 – $350 each ton on average or $50 – $160 for each cubic yard. Landscaping boulders by themselves cost as little as $3 each for 10-inch boulders or up to $2,300 each for boulders larger than 48 inches. Landscape boulders can be utilized as edging, landscaping steps, retaining walls, all- natural seating, or as a centerpiece.

The following factors affect the cost of landscaping boulders:

Stone size & quality: Larger landscaping boulders over 36 inches cost the most since they are the most challenging to quarry and for transporting. Landscaping rocks that are smaller cost less and can be delivered by truckload. The stone quality also affects the cost, with smoother, top-quality boulders at the higher end of the scope.

Stone type: General landscaping boulder kinds can comprise of granite, sandstone, limestone, basalt/lava rock, and Gneiss. Because of landscaping boulders’ weight and the higher cost of transporting them across longer distances, some boulder kinds are only available in specific areas and prices are going to usually be the lowest for boulders quarried close to you.

Quantity: A lot of supplier’s price their landscape boulders by each ton, although many suppliers price smaller boulders by the cubic yard or by a full pallet. Verify with your supplier to check whether they have minimum order sizes for delivery.

Delivery fees: Landscaping boulder delivery costs $50 to $400+, subject to the distance and the boulder size and overall weight.

Site preparation & installation:

Leveling or grading: Re-grading a yard cost $0.40 to $2.00 each square foot to guarantee the area is level or graded properly for drainage prior to installing landscaping boulders.

Installation labor: Landscaping companies can charge $25 – $50 each hour for each person for labor. DIY installation can save on labor costs; however, it can be challenging for larger, heavier boulders.

Removing or repositioning existing rocks: Landscape rock removal costs $50 to $200 each cubic yard to reposition the rocks within the same property or $220 to $250 each cubic yard.

Landscape Boulders Phoenix by A&A Materials, Inc.

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers Landscape Boulders for your landscaping needs. Call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

boulders, Landscape Materials

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

28 February 2025

Differences Between Rocks and Boulders

Differences Between Rocks and Boulders 🏔️🔍

Both rocks and boulders are natural stone formations, but they differ in size, use, and formation. Here’s how they compare:

🔸 Key Differences

Feature	Rocks 🪨	Boulders 🏔️
Size	Smaller, typically under 10 inches in diameter.	Large stones, over 10 inches, often several feet wide.
Weight	Lightweight to moderately heavy.	Very heavy, often requiring machinery to move.
Formation	Broken down from larger stones through erosion and weathering.	Larger pieces of bedrock that have broken off due to natural forces.
Common Uses	Landscaping, gravel, drainage, pathways, and decorative rock gardens.	Retaining walls, large decorative landscaping features, and erosion control.
Ease of Handling	Can be moved by hand or with small tools.	Requires heavy equipment like forklifts or cranes.

🔹 Examples of Each

Rocks: Pea gravel, river rock, crushed stone, riprap.
Boulders: Large landscape boulders, volcanic rock formations, massive stones in nature.

Are Rocks and Boulders The Same Material?

Are Rocks and Boulders the Same Material?

Yes, rocks and boulders are made of the same geological materials, but they differ in size and formation. Both can be composed of igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock types, depending on their origin.

🔹 Key Similarities

✅ Same Geological Composition – Both can be made of granite, limestone, basalt, sandstone, etc.
✅ Natural Formation – Both form through geological processes like erosion, cooling, and pressure.
✅ Similar Mineral Content – Both contain minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica, depending on the rock type.

🔸 Key Differences

Feature	Rocks 🪨	Boulders 🏔️
Size	Smaller, less than 10 inches.	Larger, over 10 inches (often several feet wide).
Formation	Often broken down from larger boulders or bedrock.	A larger, intact piece of bedrock.
Use	Gravel, pathways, decorative rock gardens, drainage.	Landscaping features, erosion control, retaining walls.

🌎 Example Materials Found in Both

Granite – Common in landscaping boulders and crushed rock.
Limestone – Used in retaining walls and gravel driveways.
Sandstone – Found in rock formations and flagstone.

So while all boulders are rocks, not all rocks are boulders!

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers, all purpose sand, aggregates, river rock, rip rap rock, mulch and wood chips for your landscaping or gardening needs. Contact us or call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Aggregates, boulders, rocks

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

28 February 2025

What Are Boulders and Their Uses?

An important part of the aggregate industry, boulders are used in many different industries, including landscaping, construction, and environmental management. This article goes into great detail about boulders, including their definition, applications, and typical cost.

The word “boulders,” as used in the aggregate glossary, refers to more than just big rocks. It is a material that can be used in a variety of industries due to its wide range of sizes, types, and applications. We will go into more detail about these elements in the sections that follow.

What Boulders Are

In the aggregate industry, a “boulder” is a large rock that is usually too big for one person to move and has a diameter of more than 10 inches. Boulders can be made of many different kinds of rock, such as sandstone, granite, and limestone. Because of their durability and size, they are frequently utilized in landscaping and construction projects.

Boulders are classified according to their size, shape, and the kind of rock they are made of. Boulders can range in size from tiny (10–12 inches in diameter) to enormous (>60 inches in diameter). The boulder’s shape can range from round to angular, and its color and texture can be affected by the type of rock.

Boulder Types

Boulders come in a variety of forms, each with special qualities that make them appropriate for particular applications. For example, granite boulders are perfect for outdoor applications due to their durability and resistance to weathering. In contrast, limestone boulders are softer and more manageable, which makes them ideal for sculpting and carving.

Boulders of sandstone are prized for their diverse array of hues and textures. They are frequently utilized in building and landscaping projects. River boulders are a common choice for garden landscapes and water features because of their smooth, rounded appearance, which is the result of years of water erosion.

Boulder Formation

Over thousands or even millions of years, a variety of geological processes create boulders. Boulder formation is significantly influenced by weathering and erosion. Boulders are created when these processes fragment larger rock formations into smaller ones.

Boulders can also form as a result of volcanic activity. Large pieces of rock and lava may be ejected during a volcanic eruption, and these solidify into boulders as they cool. Boulder formation is also significantly influenced by glacial activity. Boulders are created when big rocks are carried and deposited by moving glaciers.

Boulder Uses

Boulders are used in many different industries. They are frequently utilized as a foundational material in construction for bridges, buildings, and other structures. They can also be used as a decorative element in landscaping, to build retaining walls, and to control erosion.

Boulders are utilized in the field of environmental management to make rip rap, a kind of rock armor that prevents erosion of streambeds, shorelines, bridge abutments, and other structures. Additionally, boulders are utilized to build artificial reefs, which serve as habitats for marine life and aid in the restoration of degraded ecosystems.

Uses in Construction

Boulders are an essential material in construction. Because of their strength and longevity, they are utilized in the construction of building and bridge foundations. Additionally, boulders can be used to build retaining walls, which stabilize sloped areas and stop soil erosion.

Road construction is another application for boulders. They can serve as a sub-base material, giving the road surface a solid base. They can also be used to build embankments or barriers along roadsides, which will keep erosion at bay and provide safety.

Uses of Landscaping

Boulders are a common landscaping material because of their visual appeal and adaptability. They can be used to make water features, rock gardens, and other ornamental elements that look natural. Additionally, boulders can be used to establish boundaries or to give a landscape design height and structure.

Boulders have functional uses in landscaping in addition to aesthetic ones. They can be applied to enhance drainage, reduce erosion, and create wildlife habitat. In a garden, boulders can also be used as stepping stones or to create seating areas.

Boulders’ Average Cost

Boulder prices can vary greatly depending on several factors. These consist of the boulder’s dimensions, the kind of rock it is composed of, and its actual origin. Boulders can cost anywhere from $100 to $600 per ton on average.

It’s crucial to remember that transportation costs may also have an impact on boulder prices. Because of their size and weight, larger boulders can be more costly to transport. Consequently, purchasing boulders locally is frequently a more economical choice.

Cost-Related Factors

One of the main elements affecting the boulder’s price is its size. Larger boulders can be more expensive to remove and move because they require more resources. The boulder’s price may also vary depending on the kind of rock it is made of. For example, because of their durability and resistance to weathering, granite boulders are frequently more expensive than those made of limestone or sandstone.

The cost of the boulder can also be greatly impacted by where it comes from. Due to the higher cost of extraction and transportation, boulders sourced from isolated areas or places with restricted access may be more costly. Furthermore, the demand for particular boulder types may have an impact on their price.

Money-Saving Advice

Boulders can be made less expensive in a number of ways. Getting boulders locally is one of the best strategies. This can help local businesses and drastically lower transportation costs. Costs can also be decreased by selecting boulders that are smaller or composed of less costly rock types.

Carefully planning your project is another way to save money. You can prevent overspending and financial waste by precisely estimating the quantity of boulders required. The long-term upkeep expenses related to boulder use should also be taken into account. Boulders used to control erosion, for example, might eventually need to be replaced, raising the project’s overall cost.

In summary, boulders are essential to the aggregate industry because they can be used in a wide range of applications. Planning projects that use these adaptable materials can be made easier with an understanding of their definition, applications, and cost-influencing factors.

Boulders provide a long-lasting and visually appealing solution that can be used for a variety of purposes, including landscaping, construction, and environmental management. They are therefore still a useful resource in many different industries.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

Aggregates, boulders

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

16 February 2024

What Are Boulders?

Every boulder is a rock, but not all rocks are boulders. You will find the differences below.

Differences Between Rocks & Boulders

The differences between rocks and boulders can be clarified relating to size and separation. A rock is identified by geologists as aggregates of minerals. A boulder is a kind of rock, especially a large detached one. Every boulder is a rock, but not all rocks are boulders.

Definition Of a Rock

Wikipedia defines rock as a “naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids.” Rocks come in every size, from specks of silt to enormous mountains. They are created over 1,000’s of years by pressures and temperatures inside and underneath the earth’s crust. Rocks are made from the crystals of one or more minerals in differing compositions, as reported by ”Rocks and Minerals.” For instance, feldspar, quartz, and mica crystals combine to create granite.

Definition Of a Boulder

The word boulder comes from boulder stone, from the Middle English bulderston. Elfi Berndl, a teacher and member of the CCFMS, initiated a website in the late nineties to educate children about different kinds of rocks. According to the teacher, there are a lot of common terms for rocks, and these provide an idea of how big the rock is. The word “boulder,” for instance, is one of these general names for rocks. Boulder is used to identify large rocks that are “taller than an adult individual.”

Terms for Rock Sizes

Using Berndl’s language, the largest rock being a mountain, which is described as “a giant rock still connected to the earth.” A boulder would come next in the line in accordance with size. Other detailed rock terms are stone (a rock you can grasp with two hands) and pebble (little enough to grasp with two fingers). Smaller bits of rock can be referred to as sand, grain, speck, and dust.

Types of Rocks

Every rock and boulder falls into one of 3 classifications–igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic—on the basis of their origin.

Igneous Rocks

Igneous rocks are hardened by molten lava. Like pumice and granite. Sensational representations of igneous rocks are the volcanic rocks of Crate Lake National Park and Hawaii’s volcanoes.

Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are created at or close to the earth’s surface by the collection of particles. They have a layered appearance, and instances are chalk and sandstone. Arizona’s Grand Canyon is a beautiful demonstration of sedimentary rock.

Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rocks come from variations to pre-existing igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rocks by high temperatures and pressures. Examples are marble and slate. Metamorphic rocks are usually found in mountain areas, such as the Rocky Mountains.

Rocks & People

People first used boulders and rocks millions of years ago. Rocks were the initial tools and the earliest canvases for works of art. Rock caves were the first dwelling areas of people. Afterwards, people used types of rock to build divine monuments, like Machu Picchu.

Presently people have a considerable of uses for rocks, like in computers (quartz), toothpaste (fluorite), pottery (clay), talcum powder (limestone) and sandpaper (garnet). Rocks are used for building walls and adorning landscapes. Boulders, for instance, are utilized in Japanese gardens for representing mountains. Stones can border flower beds, and gravel can be made into pathways or raked into a pattern to imitate flowing water.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

boulders

Regular Post

Written by Brian B

19 August 2020

How Much Do Landscape Boulders Cost?

River rocks, rip rap and cinder rocks are great complimenting pieces for a landscape, but what if you want to go bigger and bolder? Nothing is bolder than boulders, especially in Arizona’s unique climate. How much do landscape boulders cost, though? This piece will explore boulder types and pricing options to best fit your at-home needs.

Boulder Costs

As is usually the case with any landscaping item, the costs will vary based on quantity and quality. One of the first things to account for is the size of the boulders. Do you want a few very large boulders on your property or an abundance of boulders scattered throughout? Some landscaping suppliers may offer bundle discounts, but either way the more you buy, the more you’ll pay out of pocket. Obviously, with the bigger and heavier boulders, delivery and professional installation would be necessary.

Most companies will include installation in the initial cost of the boulders, but customers should always double check to make sure that is the case. Delivery can be costly, especially when considering how far these boulders need to travel from the supplier to your home. Even with the extra costs associated with delivery, this is still the best way to go. Do not underestimate the weight of these boulders if you’re attempting to deliver and install them yourself.

Average Prices

Minimum price per ton: $100.
Maximum price per ton: $600.
Lowest possible installation fee: $40.
Maximum price for boulder installation: $300.

Landscape Boulder Types

There are four types of boulder packages offered at A&A Materials Inc. They include surface select, onyx, kino blue and assorted boulders. Any of the four will provide the perfect scenery for your desert-inspired landscaping detail. Kino blue boulders are some of the most unique rocks in the entire country. Their distinct look stems from the high mineral content in this rock. The radiant blue color will spruce up any front or backyard. The onyx boulders look like a piece of tiramisu cake. Translucent markings help these boulders stand out from the rest. If you’re going for the most natural look possible, especially in Arizona, then the surface select boulders will do the job. These boulders have been worn and shaped by the desert sun over time. Surface select boulders bring the most natural of environments straight to your backyard.

These landscape boulders can be utilized in a variety of ways. The most common use is for the boulders to surround a walkway or body of water. Acting as natural stepping stones can be popular, as well. How about some extra seating? This may be the perfect way to use your boulders around the campfire or water. Or, constructing the boulders into a simple wall can also be pleasing to the eye. Perhaps all these choices sound appealing to you as a homeowner. Whatever your plan may be, checking out these options at your local supplier is the best way to start your ambitious projects.

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers native compost for your landscaping needs. Call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

boulders, Landscape

boulders, installation, landscape, landscaping