I have an issue with erosion in the creek and stormwater runoff ditch behind my house. The slope is pretty much vertical, so while planting won't solve everything, I'm looking to use rip rap to help stabilize the area over time. I'm considering starting with about 5 to 6 tons of class 3 rip rap, delivered at my curb. My plan is to move the stones, which I understand can weigh between 300-600 lbs each, using a utility cart, lifting around 500 lbs at a time. Do you think this is a doable DIY project or am I setting myself up for too much work? I've handled similar-sized rocks in a nearby park, and they didn't seem as heavy as I expected, so I'm a bit confused about the weight.
3 Answers
Just a heads up, if you’re dealing with a natural watercourse, you might need a permit to alter the channel. Make sure you’re using a product that holds well together to prevent soil from washing away behind it. If it’s a smaller drainage channel, you could flatten the slope a bit and use smaller rip rap, which should be easier to deal with.
From my experience in New England, rip rap usually comes in around 6" to 8". The hard part about DIYing is that loading and placing them by hand can be a struggle. A hand truck works great for moving heavier stones, even a budget one with pneumatic tires can make the job easier. It’s definitely manageable without machinery, but it’s going to require some time and effort!
Absolutely, you can tackle this as a DIY project if you’re up for it! I’d suggest looking into renting a mini skid steer, like a Dingo. They’re super user-friendly and will save your back a ton. You’re looking at about $350 for a day or around $900 for a week. It could be worth the investment!