Different Types Of Landscaping Stones
Different Types Of Landscaping Stones: How To Pick The Right One For Your Project.
Landscaping stones are an excellent way to improve and enhance not just the style of your backyard, but its functionality and comfort as well. It’s an essential part when designing and planning your landscape.
You can use different kinds of stones in a wide variety of techniques in your landscaping. They are beautiful, durable, and versatile as well. In fact, you can use them for your garden pathways, patio surfaces, stepping stones, garden steps, entry porches, and walkways.
They’re also a great choice as garden accents, water features, planter walls, swimming pool decks, gazebos, and even as decorative accents. Still, not all will be suitable for the project you have in mind. The type you’ll choose will depend on your area and the purpose it will serve.
But with so many available options on the market, how will you know which landscaping stone to choose? Several factors will determine your decision, such as:
- Coordination with your surroundings and plants
- Color and texture
- Landscape theme
- Stone layout pattern
- Size, and shape
So, if you want to update your outdoor space with texture and variety, you’ll want to consider these 7 different types of landscaping stones:
- Decomposed Granite
- Pea Gravel
- River Rock
- Crushed Granite Gravel
- Lava Rock
- Flagstone
6a.Limestone
6b. Sandstone - Boulder
1. Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite has that rustic appeal thanks to its sandy texture and reddish-tan shade which mimics the color of the granite where it originates. This type can provide the surface of your deck and patio, yard, or garden trails with a soft and rustic charm. You can also use it asa ground cover, around the trees in your yard, or as topdressing around dried up plants.
2. Pea Gravel
As the name suggests, these rocks are pea-sized. They are rounded and small and come in different sizes from half an inch to an eighth of an inch. They are available in a wide array of colors, including brown, tan, and white. You can use pea pebbles for covering your driveways, in between the crevices of your pathway, and garden beds instead of mulch.
3. River Rock
Black Pebbles 2 STONEarch
These landscaping stones, also called pebbles, are usually smoother and bigger than pea gravel – almost the size of your palm. Their costs may vary, as well as their shades and sizes. They are ideal for creating a structure like a fountain or retaining wall. You can combine different river rock sizes or use the same ones depending on what kind of look you’re trying to accomplish. You can also use them for creating direct drainage within your property or creek beds that are dry.
4. Crushed Granite Gravel
Crushed granite gravel are similar to decomposed granites but with larger particles and thicker texture. They’re also not as smooth as pea gravel making them an excellent choice for your garden and pathway or as a transition between your walkway and patio plants. It has a natural look that can give your space a contemporary but refined look.
5. Lava Rock
These rocks are low in density and came from volcanoes that are no longer active. They possess a unique, bold appearance, and typically comes in black or red color. They may be a bit more expensive than some of the landscaping stones on this list, but they can provide your landscape with a lovely and one-of-a-kind accent. You can also use these lightweight rocks with whatever landscaping design you have in mind. The best thing about lava rocks is that they have the ability to absorb heat throughout the day and then release it as night time falls.
6. Flagstone
Flagstones are one of the most common types of landscaping stones you’ll see in gardens. This type includes a variety of stones such as sandstone and limestone. You can use them in a wide range of landscaping designs. They normally have an irregular outline but versatile enough to use as both decorative accents and for functional purposes. They can be cut flat or in whatever diameter you want to suit your project. They are often used for patios, stepping stones, stair treads, and walkways.
6a. Limestone
Limestone, a type of Flagstone has an earthy character that can give your walkway or patio with some softness and subtle vibe. The most popular type of Limestone is Bluestone, which is mostly used in hardscaping outdoor areas. It can range from corals to shells, and other sedimentary rocks. It may have a limited color selection, but when sanded and smoothened, it will provide you with a rustic and unique appearance.
6b. Sandstone
Sandstone, a type of Flagstone have a coarse texture and loose grain features and looked a lot like compressed sand. They are usually available in shades of Brown and Tan, but they also come in a range of beautiful colors such as black, Gray, white, and red. They are great at adding a natural vibe and texture to your landscaped areas for an even more pleasing look.
7. Boulder
STONEarch Brown Sandstone Steps
These massive landscaping stones come in all shapes and sizes, which you can buy by tons. Its color and appearance will depend mostly on the kind of stone you’ll get. They are perfect for creating an impactful statement in your landscape. You can also use smaller ones as borders, water features, and accent pieces.