How We Used River Rock to Control Erosion Around Our Garage

One of the less glamorous parts of maintaining a property is dealing with erosion. At our 10-acre getaway in Central Michigan, the sandy ground around our garage had a habit of washing away during heavy rainstorms. After dealing with it more than once, we decided it was time to find a practical solution that would also make the area look better.

Our solution was washed river rock. It gave us a way to cover the exposed sand, improve the appearance around the garage, and help manage the runoff.

Here's how we tackled the project and what it cost us.

Step 1: Sourcing the River Rock

14 yards of washed river rock

We purchased 14 cubic yards of washed river rock in bulk from a local landscape company. The total cost for the rock was $600.

Buying in bulk gave us enough material to cover the area around the garage and use some along both sides of the concrete slab in front of it.

It was a substantial delivery, but we wanted to address the sandy ground in one project rather than keep dealing with the same problem after every heavy rain.

Step 2: Preparing the Ground

Fabric and 3 inch barrier

Before spreading the rock, we laid down road fabric over the prepared ground. The fabric helps separate the rock from the sandy soil and can help reduce weed growth.

We also used landscape ties to help secure the fabric and prepare the edges of the area. Getting the groundwork done first made it easier to spread the rock and keep everything where we wanted it.

Step 3: Installing the Landscape Border

We installed a 3-inch landscape border to help contain the river rock.

Without an edge to hold it in place, loose rock can gradually move downhill or spread into the surrounding lawn. The border gave the area a more finished appearance while helping keep the rock within the space we wanted to cover.

It's one of those small details that can make a difference in the finished project.

Step 4: Moving and Spreading the Rock

Picking rocks up with the tractor bucket

Dumping rocks onto the fabric

With the preparation complete, it was time to move the rock into place.

Our tractor made the job much more manageable. Moving 14 cubic yards of rock by hand would have been a lot of work, so being able to use the tractor bucket helped us get the material where it needed to go.

We spread the rock around the garage foundation to cover the exposed sand and help limit soil movement during rain. We also used the extra material along both sides of the concrete slab in front of the garage.

That gave the entrance area a cleaner, more finished look instead of leaving the edges surrounded by bare sand.

What Did the River Rock Project Cost?

Rocks on road fabric

The washed river rock alone cost us $600 for 14 cubic yards. With the additional materials and supplies, the entire project came in at less than $1,000.

Here's the basic breakdown from our project:

• Washed river rock: $600

• Road fabric, landscape ties, border, and other supplies: included in the remaining project budget

• Total project cost: less than $1,000

We didn't have to hire someone to complete the installation, and using our tractor helped us handle the heavy work ourselves.

Prices will vary depending on your location, the amount of rock needed, and the materials you choose, but this gives you an idea of what our project cost.

The Finished Garage Area

Garage with river rocks added

We were happy with how the area turned out. The river rock gave the garage a tidier appearance and covered the sandy ground that had been causing us problems.

The project was a practical improvement for our Michigan property, where heavy rain and sandy soil can make maintenance a recurring job.

One thing worth remembering is that river rock and landscape fabric aren't a complete fix for every erosion problem. If water is moving quickly downhill, the slope and drainage may also need attention. For our project, covering the area with rock was a useful part of improving the space around the garage.

Was It Worth It?

For us, this was a worthwhile property improvement. We used simple materials, put in the work ourselves, and finished the garage area for less than $1,000.

Maintaining our up-north getaway is an ongoing process, especially since we only spend a portion of the year there. We try to focus on projects that make the property easier to care for and more enjoyable when we're visiting.

Have you dealt with sand erosion or runoff around your garage or driveway? What worked for you? Share your experience in the comments. We'd love to hear what other property owners have tried!