Who doesn’t love landscapes? A lovely garden sings thousands of praises for you. Not just that, you enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings even in busy city life. Additionally, the value of your home increases. You can also relax and unwind in your outdoor space. However, decorating the garden elegantly is the name of the game. This is where landscaping rocks come into the picture. These additions uplift your outdoor area on the go. Just assess the different types of landscaping rocks to pick the best one for your situation.
What are landscaping rocks?
As the name indicates, these are rocks meant for designing your landscape. You can find different types of landscaping rocks on the market. So, you’ve access to various options when making your choice.
Why choose landscaping rocks?
When it comes to decorating your outdoor space, you’ve many options. Wood, grass, and plants are viable choices for landscaping. So, why should you use rocks instead of other options? Let’s assess the benefits of using rocks over other possibilities.
- Save time
Beautifying any yard involves plenty of time. You’ve to pay attention to minute details during the designing process. Rocks save time. Just check the different types of landscaping rocks. Go through their features and buy them in the required quantity. Next, Sprinkle them in your outdoor space. Without investing too much time, you could come up with a lovely garden you ever wished.
- Save money
Plants and grass are the favorite choices of most gardeners. However, they come with a hefty price tag. This point holds if you add unique plants to your yard. What if you have a slim budget? If so, you may be compelled to make a substandard choice. Landscaping rocks cuts down your cost. They’re available at budget prices. So, you can design a lovely landscape without breaking your bank account.
- Low maintenance
Designing a garden is one aspect, but keeping it in good condition is a totally different thing. Plants, grass, and wood additions warrant persistent maintenance. Today, most homeowners are out of time. So, why not try something innovative, something that invites low maintenance. Most types of landscaping rocks require little attention and upkeep on your part.
- Variety
Landscaping rocks are available in a wide variety. You can buy the one that matches your preferences and garden decor. You can even mix and match more than one type of rock as you wish. The choices and possibilities stand limitless.
Types of landscaping rocks
Now you know the perks of using rocks for landscaping. Let’s figure out the varieties to make the proper selection.
1. Pea Gravel
They have a smooth finish, which makes them appealing to the touch and appearance. Pea Gravel features higher durability. It can easily sustain foot traffic without losing its curb appeal and longevity.
Best of all, these rocks come at a smaller price tag. So, they make a favored choice of cash-strapped homeowners. Additionally, you can use these rocks for designing walkways, playgrounds, and patios.
2. River rocks
These are popular types of landscaping rocks with a smooth texture. River rocks encompass a fair degree of durability. Plus, they have an attractive appearance. So, they’re mostly used to fill up the spaces between stepping stones. You can also use them as a visually appealing rock drainage option.
Due to their smooth surface, they make a perfect choice as a backward water feature. These rocks come in sizes of 1-inch width to 3 inches. However, 1-inch width rocks make a better option as they don’t leave too much gap between them.
3. Flagstones
They’re sedimentary rocks broken into layers. So, they make an ideal landscaping choice in flatter areas such as a driveway or a pathway. You can also use flagstones to build rock retaining walls or as edging around a fire pit. Limestone and sandstone are two affordable flagstone choices.
However, you can go for quartzite and bluestone as well. The latter options feature a better curb appeal. You can use sand around these rocks for filling. The use of Pea Gravel is another option to surround flagstone stepping paths and stones.
4. Brick chips
Brick chips are unique types of landscape rocks made from screened and crushed bricks. They are excellent for baseball warning tracks, walkways, and planting beds.
These rocks help maintain soil temperature and retain moisture in the soil. Brick chips don’t rot, fade, or deteriorate. Plus, they don’t attract insects. This is why they make the best selection for use as ground cover in flower bedding.
5. Beach pebbles
Many types of landscaping rocks come in bigger sizes. However, not all gardeners are fans of big rocks. Some folks love the elegance of pebbles. If you go into this category, look no further than beach pebbles. They mimic river rocks but are smaller in size.
Plus, they allow a higher degree of flexibility. So, you can play with your imagination and come up with something unique for your outdoor space. Beach pebbles are best suited for beautifying garden beds or walkways.
6. Crushed stones (gravel)
Crushed stones mimic Pea gravel outwardly. However, they’ve angular edges compared to Pea gravel, which features round edges. Additionally, they’re man-made using machinery. The cutting of large rocks in quarries leads to crushed stones.
These byproducts that assemble in the form of crushed stones make a great choice for landscaping. The stones are visually appealing and durable. Since they’re the byproducts of quarries, they come at an affordable price tag to suit the budget of any gardener.
7. Lava rocks
Also known as volcanic rocks, lava rocks are available in rich colors. They don’t decompose. So, they make an ideal choice in any yard. Also, they’re porous. You can use them in drainage areas too. The biggest perk of volcanic rocks is they prevent weed growth.
Lava rocks are usually red and tender a better curb appeal to your landscape than many other options. Also, they don’t require any replacement. One filled, you can enjoy their services for yours.
8. Retaining wall rocks
They’re just the opposite of pebbles stones. Retaining wall rocks are among the biggest types of landscaping rocks. Unlike beach pebbles and river rocks, they aren’t used for driveways or walkways.
On the contrary, they make a great choice in landscaping for marking the edges or boundaries. They come in a myriad of styles and colors. You can choose the one that goes well with your garden decor and budget.
9. Marble rocks
Some homeowners prefer luxury at any cost. If you belong to this group, consider investing in marble rocks. They render a unique look to your outdoor space. Due to their opulent nature, these rocks give the illusion of lighting on your exterior.
High-quality marble rocks carry higher durability. However, they warrant better upkeep on your part to retain their longevity. Also, they come at a higher cost. Despite these cons, marble rocks outshine other options due to their elegance, glitter, and beauty.
10. Boulders
Not many people use boulders in their outdoor space. So, they make a suitable choice for those seeking uniqueness in their exterior areas. Also, they stand as a great alternative to marble rocks. Boulders add elegance and texture to your garden.
They’re visually appealing and attract anyone that passes by your landscape. Boulders last for a long time and warrant minimum upkeep on your part. Above all, they come at an affordable price tag. However, you must hire sourcing services, delivery and place them in your outdoor space.
11. Gabion fences and stone walls
Do you want to use rocks for various purposes in your landscape? Are you interested in attaining an exclusive garden? If so, consider investing in Gabion rock walls and fences. They make an excellent choice for fencing and walls.
You can use them for pathways and driveways too. In addition to flexibility, they feature high durability and warrant minimal maintenance. So, even budget gardeners find them appealing for their outdoor space.
12. Polished pebbles
Some homeowners prefer smooth and round rocks for their gardens. If you’re one such person, consider polished pebbles. They’re smooth, natural decorative pebbles that render the much-sought beauty to your exterior. These pebbles are polished for an unmatched luster and shine.
You can find them in various sizes, from one and a half inches to two inches. They’re one of the best types of landscaping rocks for adding a unique and clean aesthetics to planter boxes or landscape areas.
13. Cobblestones
These are round and medium natural stones. Their size ranges between 3 inches and 12 inches. Cobblestones make an attractive option to ensure natural stone accents in your yard.
You can also use them to accentuate ponds, dry stream beds, or waterfalls. However, they come at a higher price. Still, the beauty and longevity you enjoy recoup the cost on all points. Comparison shopping can ease your budget further.
14. Rubble stones
Just like cobblestones, rubble stone rocks are a collection of medium-sized stones. They come in various angles, and their sizes range between 4 inches and 12 inches. These rocks allow a fair degree of flexibility.
They make a great choice as natural stone accents in your landscape. Not just that, you can use them for building natural stone walls as well as for filling fire pits or aquariums. Rubble stones are durable, but they warrant better upkeep on your end.
15. Decomposed granite
Do you prefer a rustic look? If so, consider adding decomposed granite to your landscape. They’re sandy and available in red color. Also, they don’t look gaudy in any outdoor space. So, anyone with a minimalistic sense of style prefers them.
Since they come as sand, you don’t have to invest too much time in maintenance. Above all, they come at a lower price tag. You can use them around garden trails, trees, and as a ground cover.
Bottom line
Landscaping rocks can do wonders for your outdoor space. They’re elegant, affordable, and save time. Also, they come in a wide variety and warrant low maintenance. For these reasons, many homeowners choose landscaping rocks for their outdoor space. Just go through these 15 types of landscaping rocks in view of year garden decor and preferences. With multiple options by your side, there’s no reason why you can’t pick the best choice for your yard.