Skip to main content

Rubber vs. Wood Mulch Cost Calculator

Rubber mulch costs more upfront but lasts for years. Wood mulch is cheap but fades and rots. Use this tool to see exactly when rubber mulch pays for itself.

Project Settings

100 sqft 500 sqft 2000 sqft

$
$

Wood Mulch

$162 upfront

10 Year Cost:

$891

Requires annual top-up

Rubber Mulch

Best Value
$1,884 upfront

10 Year Cost:

$1,884

Zero maintenance needed

Cumulative Cost Over 10 Years

$$$ $
Year 1
Wood: $162
Rubber: $1884
Yr 1
Year 2
Wood: $243
Rubber: $1884
Yr 2
Year 3
Wood: $324
Rubber: $1884
Yr 3
Year 4
Wood: $405
Rubber: $1884
Yr 4
Year 5
Wood: $486
Rubber: $1884
Yr 5
Year 6
Wood: $567
Rubber: $1884
Yr 6
Year 7
Wood: $648
Rubber: $1884
Yr 7
Year 8
Wood: $729
Rubber: $1884
Yr 8
Year 9
Wood: $810
Rubber: $1884
Yr 9
Year 10
Wood: $891
Rubber: $1884
Yr 10
Wood Cost
Rubber Cost

Analysis: Rubber Mulch pays for itself in Year 10+. Over 10 years, you will save $-993.

Want these savings?

Seasonal Garden Alerts

Join 1,000+ homeowners getting timely maintenance tips.