Why use landscaping rocks? There are many different types of garden statues that come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. These statues can add a special touch to your garden and make it more unique. There are many ways you can style your clothes. You can be creative and mix and match different pieces or you can keep it simple and classic. You can easily integrate a garden into your design, no matter how much space you have.
We’ll show you different types of landscaping rocks and stones you can use in your yard.
Since the beginning of time, people have been using rocks as decoration.
rocks have been used by humans throughout history for various purposes. Cavemen carved pictures into them, ancient Europeans made monuments out of them (such as Stonehenge), and today, we use landscaping rocks to make our yards look nice.
Rocks are a versatile and low-maintenance way to add texture and contrast to your yard.
Your design options are almost infinite when it comes to the different types of rocks. Trouble is, infinite = super overwhelming.
To help you save time, we want to share with you the trendiest ways to include rocks and stones into your landscaping design.
Choosing the Right Landscaping Rocks
Stones can add a unique touch to your outdoor space, making it stand out from the rest. With a little bit of creativity, you can use stones to create a beautiful and inviting landscape that will be the envy of your neighbors.
The stones can be used for different purposes like decorating a fountain, making a path, or covering a wall. The possibilities are endless!
Landscaping rocks are an important part of your yard or garden, so it is important to choose the right ones for you.
Before you run out and spend your money on the first pretty stones you come across, ask yourself this question:
What do I want my space to feel like?
This will help you decide which rock shape, color, and texture to choose. It will save you a lot of time, too.
Here are so other tips to keep in mind:
- Do you want to add warmth to your garden? Use river rocks or beach pebbles.
- Want to brighten up the shady portion of your yard? Try using white marbles.
- Terracotta stones work well in a tropical landscape, but may not blend well with a formal garden.
- Black lava rocks can complement a modern landscape.
Now let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of landscaping rocks that are used in gardens. It’s the perfect starting point for your search.
Gold Path Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite is granite rock that has decayed and been quarried and processed into ground cover, athletic field surfaces, pathways, and driving surfaces.
Decomposed granite can come in different particle sizes, from 3/8 inch pieces to very fine rock dust particles. This means that decomposed granite is available in a variety of colors that come from the natural coloring of the stone, rather than from coloring agents or dyes. Gold decomposed granite paths are becoming a popular choice for homeowners because they add depth and interest to the landscape. A lot of people want gold path decomposed granite because it has a really nice sand texture that looks natural.
This rock type is popular because it is relatively cheap and can be bought for $40-$50 per cubic yard. This rock is low-maintenance and durable, making it a good choice for homeowners and businesses who want a good-looking landscape with little upkeep.
Gray Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is a smooth, pea-sized stone that is formed due to natural weathering. It comes in vibrant pinks and blues, and is often seen intermingling with grays and earthy browns. These rocks are used for gardens or flower beds, which enhances the look of landscapes. Driveways, patios, and walkways are some of the places where pea gravel is often used because it has a smooth finish.
Pea gravel can easily move out of place if it’s not properly edged. It is suggested that you use concrete blocks or landscape trim for effective edging to prevent any movement. Edenapp recommends that you get help from a professional.
Gray pea gravel makes for an ideal drainage system as it is moisture and heat resistant.
The price of gray pea gravel is $25 to $69 per cubic yard, but it depends on how much you need and the space you’re filling. Gray pea gravel is easy to take care of. Although you would have to use a rake every now and then to even out the rocks, the real difficulty you would face would be during snow removal.
Rainforest River Rocks
These rocks are naturally created and tumbled for a smooth texture and round shape. They are typically found near water bodies such as rivers in rainforests. This type of rock is good for indoor accents and outdoor landscaping because it is available in many different sizes and is easy to handle. , in particular, cost $22 per ton. While the cost of these rocks may vary from $0.05 to $0.35 per pound, the Rainforest Mexican Beach Pebbles cost $22 per ton.
Pebbles are a type of small stone that can be used for various purposes such as ground cover in water features, mulch, and drainage. They are smooth, small, and come in different colors. The rocks on the Mexican beach acquire their smooth texture from the waves tumbling them over and over. The colors and consistency of rainforest Mexican beach pebbles make them a durable and functional product. The price of rainforest Mexican beach pebbles can vary depending on the online platform you use, but they are probably around $23.99
Flagstone Stepping Stones
Flagstone stepping stones can give your walkaway a charm that is unique and appealing. Let’s not forget that stepping stones also scream fun.
Flagstone is a sedimentary rock that can be split into layers. This makes it a popular choice for landscaping projects. Since flagstone comes in a bunch of different shapes and designs, you’ve got a lot of options to choose from, like sandstone and quartzite, or paver stones and irregular, roundish stones. When it comes to customizing your flagstone stepping stones, you have a choice of size, color, and finish. The cost of flagstones can vary depending on the type, with some costing $15 to $20 per square foot.
Flagstone is a versatile material that can be used for walkways because it is durable and has a rough texture that makes it slip-resistant. To keep your flagstone looking its best, make sure to keep water off of it. Excess water can discolor the stone over time. Stone cleaner can be used to clean the stones, and bleach or white vinegar can be used to treat stains.
San Marcos Beach Cobble
The San Marcos beach cobble comes in many colors, such as light tans, gray, and white multi-colored stone. It is best suited for pathways, accents, streambeds, and gardens. The San Marcos beach cobble is a type of rock that is 2.5 to 10 inches in size and is usually made of granite or basalt. You should wash your rocks twice a year to keep them in good condition. Before washing, remove all the debris and dust from the rocks using a broom.
Southwest Boulder & Stone Decorative Rock
If you have a large lawn or garden, then boulders can help you fill in any empty space. If you want rocks to be the main focus of your landscape, then boulders are a great choice. Boulders not only help support large plants as they grow, but they also look unique and distinguished in extensive rock gardens. You can use large rocks to decorate your water features.
-Boulders larger than 16″ in diameter are available in two shapes: round and angular. -Round boulders have smooth edges and curves, while angular boulders have jagged, blasted edges and flat faces. Boulders come in more colors than most people realize, including pink, brown, gray, gold, tan, green, and many more.
The price for boulders can start at $43, but it can also be as high as $200. These rocks are a great choice for people who are looking for low-maintenance landscaping.
Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite is granite that has been reduced to small, fine pieces.
This product is perfect for creating your own pavement and is available in a variety of colors! Decomposed granite is a cheap way to add beauty to your home. You can easily get 20 pounds of it for under $30. It can be a great foundation on which to build your new rock garden.
Crushed Granite
When it comes to crushed granite, the name is everything. Loose rocks that are earthy-toned are good to have in your yard so that you don’t have to worry about them forming puddles.
substitute: People like to use crushed granite to edge their pathways because it looks natural and creates a nice blend between the path and the plants.
Although crushed granite is more expensive than some other options, it can last a very long time if it is stabilized properly and there is good drainage.
Lava Rocks
Lava rocks are rocks that are made out of lava that has cooled and crystallized. Lava rocks are a great choice for aquascaping because they are very affordable, lightweight and allow water to flow through them easily. Perfect for your garden in winter and summer!
They help to both retain and distribute water when it is raining. They’re awesome barriers against weeds and bugs, too!
Brick Chips
Brick chips are small pieces of broken up brick. The distinctive color of these landscaping rocks is what sets them apart from others and makes them more eye-catching.
Place landscaping fabric down prior to using stones to prevent sinking and weed growth.
Brick chips make a great mulch alternative because they don’t break down, don’t attract bugs, and help retain water for nearby plants.
Flagstones
You know those very nice walkways or paths made of stone? Those are generally made out of flagstone.
This type of rock is generally found near the coast and is smooth with a square or rectangular shape. You can lay a layer of sand and put the flagstone on top. If you want something permanent, it is best to lay the flagstone in concrete.
What factors should be considered before choosing rocks for landscaping?
Choosing the right rocks for your landscape, yard, or garden can be challenging but also tricky, given the different attributes, uses, cost ranges, varied textures, and the specific types. Edenapp has created a list of the best options available to make your selection process easy and stress-free.
- Weight – Weight can play a significant role while selecting rocks since it affects their placement. Lightweight rocks are ideal for filling small areas that require sculpting. They are also best suited for patios since they are portable and can be easily moved around. On the other hand, medium-weight rocks offer good coverage and are better for less re-sculpting projects. At the same time, heavyweight landscape rocks are great for covering large areas. However, one should also take into account that these heavyweight rocks are not usually used on elevated surfaces.
- Texture – The texture of a rock matters when the primary and central attraction of your landscape are rocks. Rocks come with varied textures, including smooth and rough or irregular. Smooth textured rocks are usually used for walkways, entryways, near water features, or in high-traffic areas. The smooth texture gives a comfortable feeling, but it also represents a uniform look. On the contrary, rough rocks offer a natural and rustic look that compliments the gardens.
- Size – The size of the rocks is directly proportional to the functions you desire from the rocks. The size is determined depending on how much coverage and detail you wish to add to your landscape. And the coverage depends on the function. Small rocks can do the job if you have a small garden, but if you have a large space to fill, then large rocks can do the magic..