Landscaping is not just about plants, grass, and water, it’s also about how you integrate non-living materials to enhance beauty, control water flow, reduce maintenance, and build functionality into your yard. Rocks and stones are a critical part of landscape design, if chosen and installed well. Drawing on years of experience working with landscape architects, contractors, and garden professionals, this guide lays out the major types of landscaping rocks, how to choose them, how to use them smartly and introduces some additional rock options you might not know about.
Why Choosing the Right Rock Matters
Before diving into the rock types, here are key criteria you should consider, based on expertise and field experience:
Durability & Weather Resistance : Rocks that deteriorate under freeze-thaw cycles or constant moisture will break down or shift.Heat Absorption / Retention : Some rocks absorb and radiate heat, which can damage sensitive plant roots. Others reflect heat.Size, Shape & Texture : Impacts water flow, weed suppression, and aesthetic.Color & Visual Contrast : Choosing stones that complement your home, plants, soil, and lighting.Cost & Maintenance : Installation, edging, cleaning, settling over time, the cost of shipping if heavy.
Types of Landscaping Rocks & Their Uses
Below are common and specialized types of landscaping rocks, with suggested uses, cautions, and best practices. I also include less common types that can add special character or function to your outdoor space.
Rock Type Description & Properties Ideal Uses Things to Watch Out For Pea Gravel Small, rounded stones, usually ¼-½ inch across; natural colors (tan, white, brown) dominate; also colored mixes. Excellent as a mulch alternative; in between pavers; walkways; driveways; ground cover around stepping stones; areas with medium foot traffic. Low heat retention. Without edging, it tends to spread; not suitable where you want very stable walking surfaces (e.g. wheelbarrows, heavy furniture) because stones shift; weed growth unless landscape fabric used underneath. River Rock Smooth, rounded stones or cobbles; sizes can range from approx. ¼ inch to 6 inches or more; colors vary (light, dark, mixed). Great for dry creek beds; water features; drainage swales; decorative border accents; rustic patios; erosion control. These rocks can retain heat; heavy, so substrate preparation is important; can sink or settle unless properly installed; more labor/cost for transport and placement. Flagstone Flat slabs of natural stone (often sandstone, limestone, slate, or bluestone) of varying thickness; often irregular shapes. Patios, stepping stone paths, terraces, outdoor dining areas, pool decks. When laid on sand base or mortar, creates stable surfaces. Can combine with groundcovers (e.g. creeping thyme) or gravel between stones. Uneven surfaces can be tripping hazards if not leveled; some stone types (slate, for example) may flake; costs vary widely; may require sealing depending on stone type. Crushed Stone / Screenings Angular rather than rounded; crushed rock pieces often under ½-inch, sometimes finer (called screenings). Known materials include crushed limestone, granite, trap rock, etc. Excellent for driveways; base layers under pavers; walkways; filling low spots; providing good drainage; compacting to get stable surfaces. Sharp edges – uncomfortable underfoot without proper compaction or topping; may shift unless compacted and edged; dust can be an issue. Decomposed Granite Naturally weathered granite that has broken down into smaller granules and finer particles; typically reddish-brown, tan, or grey. Rustic paths; patios (rustic style); under benches; xeriscaping; use whether a permeable walking surface is desired; helps with drainage. It can compact too much and lose permeability; may wash away in heavy rains; needs occasional topping/refill; may have dust. Flagstone Variants (Bluestone, Slate, Quartzite, etc.) Different types of flagstone material: bluestone tends to be dense and oxide-rich (bluish tones); slate is split into layered sheets; quartzite is harder, can be more slippery when wet. Use where you want specific appearance or durability: bluestone as premium patios; slate for decorative uses; quartzite where durability and sheen are priorities. Some are slippery when wet (slate, quartzite); color may fade; pricing and availability vary by region; heavier stones cost more to handle/install. Boulders & Large Rocks Very large natural stones or sculpted stones; often several hundred pounds or more; variety of shapes & local stone types. Landscape focal points; retaining wall anchors; natural seating; naturalistic borders; elevation changes; rock gardens. Transport & delivery cost very high; safety in installation is crucial; may settle or shift over time; may block views or light if too large. Lava Rock / Volcanic Rock Porous, lightweight rock often red, black, or grey; many holes and textures. Great for mulching in drought-tolerant gardens; accent around succulents; fire pits; Japanese or Zen gardens; areas needing excellent drainage. Reflects heat differently – often cooler than dense stone. Fragile edges can chip; some pieces are very sharp; porous nature means it can dry out quickly (helpful in some settings, but a disadvantage in others); color may fade.
| Slate Chips / Slate Nuggets | Flat or irregular chips of slate; colors from blue-grey, greenish, black; smaller “nugget” sizes add texture. | Around planters or trees; decorative beds; accent paths; edging. Slate chips often used where sharp, decorative contrast is desired. | Edges can be sharp; may splinter; may break down under frost; dark colors absorb heat (can stress plants). |
| Marble Chips / Marble Rock | Polished or crushed marble; bright white or light colored; calcium-based. | Accent beds; formal gardens; Mediterranean-style landscapes; to brighten shady corners; reflect light; water garden edging. | Marble can raise soil pH; may stain or discolor; slippery when wet; high cost; luminous but prone to showing dirt.
| Basalt / Granite Cobbles | Dense, durable, often dark colored; basalt is volcanic, granite crystalline. | Long-lasting hardscapes; border stones; rip-rap for bank stabilization; accent walls; steps. | Dense rocks are heavy and expensive to move; darker color absorbs heat; need solid base to prevent shifting.
| Pea Rock (fine gravel) | Smaller than pea gravel; fine uniform grains; often more angular. | Under stepping stones; filler between pavers; drainage areas; top dressing in drought-tolerant plantings. | Can compact solid and lose permeability; may wash off slopes; dusty underfoot.
| Shell Gravel / Crushed Shell | Ground up shells (oyster, clam, etc.); bright, reflective, irregular pieces. | Coastal landscaping; beach-theme gardens; walking paths in seaside properties; mulching in alkaline soil gardens. | Might attract pests; can decompose; not available everywhere; can be sharp underfoot; may need replenishing.
How to Pick the Right Rock for Your Landscape
Assess climate and local conditions
If winters are cold with freeze/thaw, avoid stones prone to fracturing.
For hot, sunny areas: lighter colors reflect heat; darker stones absorb it.
In wet or humid zones: porous stones might degrade; drainage must be considered.
Consider soil, slope & drainage
Rocks should help water disperse or drain, not pool.
Steep slopes need heavier or interlocking stones to resist sliding.
Using geotextile or landscape fabric helps prevent weeds and soil migration (but must be breathable and allow water movement).
Establish the function
Aesthetic focus : for accents, contrast, or focal points (boulders, marble, decorative chips).Practical walkways/drives : needs stability and durability (crushed stone, flagstone on base).Water control / erosion : river rock, rip-rap, or gabion baskets.
Mind maintenance & cost over time
Consider shipping cost (weight), installation labor (especially big stones).
Maintenance: cleaning, weed suppression, occasional resetting.
Replacement or replenishment over years.
Additional Types & Uncommon Uses
To increase expertise, here are more specialized landscaping rock types and creative uses:
Gabion stone : Rough-sized stones held in wire mesh cages (gabions). Used for retaining walls, erosion control, decorative seating. Offers structural strength and aesthetic texture.Tumbled stone / decorative pebble mixes : Stones that have been polished/rounded by tumbling. Used for decorative surfaces, ponds, accent borders.Crushed brick / recycled concrete aggregate : Reusing demolition materials. Useful in base layers (lower in cost), or for rustic or industrial style gardens. Need to ensure cleanliness and avoid harmful residues.Sandstone slab paving : Larger, uniform slabs often quarried in thicker cuts; used for patios, feature walls. Sandstone has unique color variances and textures.Slag rock / slag chips : By-product of metal smelting; often richly colored and textured; used in specialty gardens or accent zones; light in weight sometimes. But need to ensure clean and safe (no toxic residues).
Best Practices: Installation & Upkeep
Use proper edging , like steel, plastic, stone, or landscape timber, to keep loose rock materials contained.
Prepare the base—remove topsoil, level, compact subgrade, and consider a base of crushed stone or sand under flagstones or slabs.
For drainage, slope surfaces away from foundations. If using rocks in beds, always provide for water passage.
Weed control: landscape fabric, periodic manual removal, or a weed barrier layer helps.
Clean periodically: blowers, hoses; rinse stones to avoid moss, algae, or dirt buildup.
Choosing the right landscaping rock is a balance of aesthetics, function, cost, and longevity . When selected and installed carefully, rocks can reduce maintenance, improve drainage, prevent erosion, and add strong visual interest to your outdoor space. Whether you go with pea gravel, river rock, crushed stone, marble chips, basalt cobbles, or even recycled materials, make sure it matches your local climate, soil, and the style you want to achieve.
Gateway Home & Garden Center is conveniently located at the intersection of Route 29 and Vint Hill Road in Warrenton, VA. Our Garden Center was opened in 2005 to serve the people of Gainesville, Nokesville and Warrenton and has all of the products you need to complete your outdoor projects, from regular landscaping maintenance, to hardscapes and more complex landscaping needs.
