8 Types of Landscaping Rocks: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses
You don’t need to find a diamond in the rough—sometimes a pebble will do
The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. In fact, sometimes it’s not grass at all. Different types of landscaping rocks can completely transform your yard. A boring dirt path could instantly become the kind of winding pebble road you’d find in a fairy tale. An unkempt outdoor area looks instantly immaculate the second a local hardscape contractor lays down some flagstone. You just have to choose the right type of stone.
There are eight popular types of landscaping rocks: flagstone, decomposed granite, river rock, lava rock, pea gravel, beach pebble, boulders, and marble chip. The best types of landscaping rocks depend on the project. Some are better for walkways, others are great for garden beds, and some are more decorative. If you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place while narrowing down your options, here are some rock landscaping ideas.
| Landscaping Rock | Typical Cost (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|
| Flagstone | $2–$6 |
| Decomposed granite | $0.50–$1 |
| River rock | $0.60–$0.90 |
| Lava rock | $3–$8 |
| Pea gravel | $0.05–$0.25 |
| Beach pebble | $1.25–$2.50 |
| Boulders | $150–$350 each |
| Marble chip | $0.80–$1.50 |
1. Flagstone
Flagstone is one of the best landscape rocks for high-traffic areas, and not just because of the price. This type of stone is slip-resistant, so it’s a winner for patios, pool areas, and main walkways. It also comes in a range of colors, including blue (bluestone), red (Colorado Red flagstone), and beige (sandstone). Flagstone does best in partial to full sun areas. In too much sun, it can weather and fade, attract moss, and become slippery in too much shade.
Though there are a few different types, the cost of flagstone is usually between $2 and $6 per square foot. Budget-friendly options, like Arizona flagstone, can actually be just as—or even more—affordable than pavers. Other types of flagstone, like quartzite, are a bit of a splurge.
| Pros of Flagstone | Cons of Flagstone |
|---|---|
| Great in high-traffic areas | Can weather and discolor in too much sun |
| Slip-resistant | Attracts moss |
| Comes in many colors |
Best used for: High-traffic areas, such as a busy walkway and areas that need slip-resistance, such as patios or pools
2. Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite is a type of granite landscaping rock that has degraded to form softer, finer particles. It’s a popular material for driveways, walkways, and even the odd fairground parking lot. Why? The price is the main draw.
A granite slab (like the kind you’d use in a kitchen counter remodel) can cost $100 per square foot, but the average cost of decomposed granite is only between $0.50 and $1 per square foot. In other words, it’s one of the most affordable types of landscape rock on the market.
| Pros of Decomposed Granite | Cons of Decomposed Granite |
|---|---|
| Very affordable | Not as durable because of fine particles |
| Popular material | More likely to scatter |
Best used for: Budget-friendly driveways or walkways
3. River Rock
When you’re driving around your neighborhood, you may notice that a lot of homes have white or grayish stones around their foundation. This is often river rock.
River rocks help prevent water damage and erosion by directing rainwater away from your foundation—but that’s not the only use. You can put river rocks in garden beds, and they require very little maintenance beyond weeding. For most homeowners, the cost of a river rock delivery is around $730, on average, and you can account for between $0.60 and $0.90 per square foot at a 1-inch depth.
| Pros of River Rock | Cons of River Rock |
|---|---|
| Helps prevent water damage and erosion | Pricey |
| Low maintenance in garden beds | Not suitable for foot traffic |
Best used for: Areas that get a lot of water; areas that are susceptible to erosion
4. Lava Rock
If you’re racking your brain choosing the right mulch for your yard, consider using lava rocks instead. Lava rocks are a popular mulch alternative because they’re porous (meaning they offer excellent drainage) and don’t require the same yearly maintenance. Though they won’t fertilize your garden like a compost-heavy mulch, they do help:
Insulate the soil
Retain moisture
Prevent weed growth (when paired with landscape fabric)
Lava rocks are a popular choice in desert landscapes, but they’re also great for homeowners who want to add a pop of color to their landscape. The most common type is a rich red. Be forewarned: lava rocks are lightweight so they have a tendency to blow away in extreme weather, and they’ll damage a mower blade if they end up on a lawn. They also have a tendency to sink into the soil, so always use landscape fabric as a barrier.
Another downside is the cost. Lava rock will run you between $3 and $8 per square foot.
| Pros of Lava Rock | Cons of Lava Rock |
|---|---|
| Offers excellent drainage | Won’t fertilize as well as mulch |
| Low maintenance | Can blow away easily |
| Soil insulator | Can damage lawn mowers |
| Retains moisture | |
| Prevents weed growth |
Best used for: Yards that need a lot of insulation or moisture; desert landscapes that can benefit from a pop of color
5. Pea Gravel
Looking for a drought-friendly lawn? Say hello to pea gravel, a tiny stone that’s naturally found near bodies of water. The name comes from its smooth, pea-like shape, which has to do with natural weathering. For its sheer versatility, pea gravel is an underrated landscaping rock. It comes in a wealth of colors, it’s easy to install, it’s simple to maintain, and you can even walk on it barefoot.
The cost of pea gravel is usually between $10 and $50 per ton or between $0.05 and $0.25 per square foot, so you can fill a large space for an affordable price. Lay this landscaping rock over walkways, driveways, patios, garden beds, and—if you don’t feel like watering—your front lawn. You can even use it to fill space between paver stones.
| Pros of Pea Gravel | Cons of Pea Gravel |
|---|---|
| Versatile use | Doesn’t stay in place |
| Comes in many colors | Hard to clean |
| Easy installation | Can attract weed growth |
| Affordable |
Best used for: Patios, garden beds, eco-friendly lawns, and walkways
6. Beach Pebble
Beach pebbles are one of the most expensive types of landscaping rock, but for many homeowners, the aesthetic is worth it. These smooth, round stones just look crisp and put-together. And while they look luxe, they also have an organic feeling.
Most often, homeowners will use beach pebbles in garden beds. They’re particularly popular in tranquility gardens and zen gardens. You’ll likely spend between $30 to $50 a bag (for a smaller quantity) or $500 to $1,200 per pallet (which is around 30 to 60 bags). The overall price depends on the area you want to cover, but the typical price per square foot falls between $1.25 and $2.50.
| Pros of Beach Pebble | Cons of Beach Pebble |
|---|---|
| Luxurious look and feel | Pricey |
Best used for: Garden beds, Zen gardens, and tranquility gardens
7. Boulder
Boulders are one of the best rocks for landscaping because they’re used a little differently than smaller-sized rocks like gravel. Instead of a mulch or pavement alternative, they create natural-looking barriers that tidy up your landscaping and double as eye-catching garden accents. You can:
Line small boulders along a walkway or garden bed
Build a boulder wall (whether it’s a retaining wall or used to section off an area)
Use boulders as accents in a rock or a tranquility garden
Create a natural-looking water feature using boulders
Boulders are low-maintenance and high-impact, which is part of the reason they’re so popular. Just make sure to hire a local rock delivery specialist to set your stones. Boulders are heavy, so you want it done right. Expect to pay between $150 and $350 per boulder.
| Pros of Boulder | Cons of Boulder |
|---|---|
| Creates barriers | Pricey |
| Tidies up landscaping | Needs professional installation because of weight |
| Serves as garden accents | |
| Low maintenance |
Best used for: Retaining walls; accent pieces for walkways, garden beds, or water features
8. Marble Chip
Marble chips look similar to white gravel or river rocks but with a little shine. Marble reflects sunlight, so the chips tend to glisten and give a feeling that’s almost like water. This aesthetically pleasing landscape rock is common in both walkways and garden beds, but there are some things to look out for if you’re using it in place of mulch.
In full sun, the light reflection off marble chips can be quite intense. This can scorch delicate plants, so be mindful of what you place it under. Marble is also an alkaline stone, so it can mess with your soil’s pH level. It’s a great option if your soil is already too acidic, but it won't do acid-loving plants like azaleas or bleeding hearts any favors.
Marble chip usually costs between $0.80 and $1.50 per square foot, making it a mid-range option in terms of price.
| Pros of Marble Chip | Cons of Marble Chip |
|---|---|
| Aesthetically pleasing | Reflection can burn delicate plants |
| Great option if your soil is too acidic | Can damage acid-loving plants |
Best used for: Ponds, water features, and yards with acidic soil
Choosing the Right Landscaping Rocks for Your Project
Picking the right type of landscaping rocks can be challenging, especially since there’s no definitive answer as to which is best for your situation. There are a few things to keep in mind that can help narrow down your options.
Consider the Size of the Space
First, think about the size of the space you’re covering with rock. Small garden beds can look overcrowded with larger river rocks and might be better suited for smaller rocks like pea gravel. Similarly, large boulders will often look out of place in small landscaped areas but can serve to add variety in a larger space covered in a smaller medium, like marble chip.
Think About How You’ll Use the Space
Next, think about the function of the space. If you’re designing a walkway or driveway that will see foot traffic from kids or pets, going with a small stone like decomposed granite or pea gravel will make it easier to walk on, but they’re more likely to kick the smaller rocks off into the grass or surrounding flower beds as they walk, increasing maintenance needs and making it risky to mow your lawn.
If you’re using your rocks in place of mulch, smaller rocks will tend to resist weed growth better, but options like marble chips can throw off the pH of your soil and end up being a detriment to certain plants in your garden.
Keep an Eye on Maintenance Requirements
Always prepare for the ongoing maintenance necessary for the landscaping rock you choose. For example, pea gravel will scatter easily and may require you to rake stray pieces out of your lawn occasionally or implement strategies to keep the landscaping rocks in place.
Lava rock is lightweight and can blow out of your designated spaces in strong winds, which can increase maintenance. You should also consider power washing and sealing requirements for flagstone and weeding for all types of landscaping rocks.
Let the Look Guide You
Of course, landscaping is largely about improving your home’s curb appeal, so feel free to let the aesthetics guide you. If you love the look of a particular landscaping rock, don’t feel like you have to follow the “rules.” It’s your home, so go with your gut unless you’re redoing the landscaping to boost curb appeal and home value in preparation for a sale. If you don’t trust your intuition, you can always hire a gravel installation contractor to help you decide.
Cash Is King
Lastly, you might want to let the price per square foot be the determining factor. Landscaping rocks can last for decades with proper maintenance, so a larger investment in something you prefer is often a good one, especially if it adds value to your home. However, thinking about price can help you narrow down your options if you have a budget in mind.