Buyers’ Guide: Choosing the Right Gravel and Landscaping Rock
When choosing gravel or rock for your landscaping, it’s hard to know which option will do the job you want it to while looking the best for the longest amount of time. How can you tell which gravel or landscaping rock will work with your plants or with your kids and pets? Most importantly, how can you be sure your choice will fit within your budget? Working with a professional landscaping design company can take the guesswork out of decision-making when it comes to gravel and landscaping rock while staying within your budget. Get ready for your design consultation by studying the available options and bringing your ideas, questions, and concerns with you to share.
Choosing the Right Gravel or Landscaping Rock
Before you call in the pros, use this guide to learn some of the most common landscaping options available when it comes to stone so that you can make the most of your consultation visit. Keep in mind what your property’s needs are, what kinds of traffic (if any) will the gravel or landscaping rocks experience, what is aesthetically appealing to you, and, of course, what are your budgetary constraints. Professionals can work with you to sharpen your visions of how you want your landscaping to look and to explain which options are best suited to that design.
River Rocks
River rocks are smooth stones that you may recognize from their namesake, river shores and riverbeds. Aesthetically, they are visually appealing and are not painful to walk on as they are usually large and have a rounded finish. River rocks, because of their size, need a fabric ground covering underneath to prevent weeds from coming through. Be mindful of your budget here because river rock prices can quickly add up depending on the size and variation you choose.
Gravel
Generally, gravel refers to crushed pieces of stone or limestone. These crushed bits of stones can range in size from about a ¼” to 1″ on average. Gravel is irregular in shape, jagged to the touch, and comes in a uniform gray color. It is typically uncomfortable to walk on without some kind of foot covering, which is important to consider for potential foot traffic. Gravel does well for irrigation and requires little maintenance. In terms of budget, gravel is usually one of the more cost-effective items but requires several inches of depth to cover the ground fully.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is similar to standard gravel except for the shape and appearance of the individual stone pieces, which are rounded and lack the sharp edges that traditional gravel has. Like regular gravel, it makes a good weed barrier. Occasionally, pea gravel includes whites, blacks or other hues in the color profile, but mostly it comes in shades of gray. Pea gravel is small and also requires several inches to cover the ground for proper landscaping. However, this choice will not require shoes to walk on as it does not share the jagged characteristics of traditional gravel. Pea gravel costs run a little higher than traditional gravel, so keep this in mind when speaking with your consultant.
Lava Rocks
Lava rock is classified as basalt and is rich in a variety of minerals. It is irregularly shaped, cragged, and jagged, and is available in three different color profiles: red, black, and gray. Lava rock is lightweight and provides excellent drainage while remaining low maintenance and protecting the soil. This choice is not the best for landscaping with heavy foot traffic because the jagged rocks can be painful to the feet. Further, because it is so light and porous, if stepped on, it can sink into the ground. Lava rock is also expensive and can be costly to replace.
Brick Chips
Brick chips aren’t technically rocks or gravel. If made correctly, they do not have sharp edges or holes and should be round in appearance. Brick chips retain moisture and provide attractive ground covering while reportedly keeping insects at bay. For landscaping purposes, larger brick chip options are ideal, while small brick chips and finely crushed brick fines are used primarily on baseball and other sports fields. Because the best selection of large brick chips come from handmade bricks, the selection can be costly, though there are several different options and companies from which to choose.
Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite looks like deeper colored sawdust and looks similar to sand. This sandy, silty mix of small pebbles and rocks can get pressed into the soil and can stick to shoes, tracking elsewhere after repeated traffic. Because of this, it is recommended to pair it with a stabilizer. This option is typically cost-effective, but keep in mind that it requires additional materials.
Crushed Stone
A popular choice, crushed stone is similar to gravel but is larger in size and usually lighter in color. The stone can come in many different colors but is most often white, gray, or brown. A landscaping fabric can help with weeds and should be placed under the stone. Crushed stone is not pleasant to walk on barefoot and the pieces are often large enough to be uncomfortable to walk on even with shoes, so it is better used for layouts than paths. The larger stones make for effective ground coverings in larger, challenging areas. This is an economical choice when making landscaping plans on a budget.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Landscape Design Company
1. Saves Time
The idea of a DIY project may initially sound like an appealing option. However, without professional help, it’s easy to underestimate how much time and effort is required, which can result in delays or cause unnecessary stress (including multiple trips to your local hardware store). By hiring a professional landscaper, you will save time that could be spent on other important things in your life.
2. Saves Energy
Landscaping involves many hours of physical labor and careful planning to get high-quality results, especially when it involves rocks and gravel. You not only have to buy the materials but also do heavy lifting, digging, and planting, which could cause potential injuries if you don’t follow proper techniques. By hiring a landscaping design company, you’re eliminating the complex, physical work that you would’ve otherwise done.
3. Lowers Cost
Landscaping done by yourself can cost more than hiring a professional. The cost of materials, equipment rental fees, and other unexpected expenses (like accidentally buying the wrong type of rock or not enough rock) will drive up the price of your landscaping project in no time. A landscaping company can help you select the right type of rock, determine how much you need, purchase materials at wholesale prices, deliver them right to your property, and install them. From consultation to execution, every step is done for you. All that’s left for you to do is enjoy your new landscape.
Elevate Your Outdoor Space With Gravel or Rocks From Design One!
Choosing a ground covering for your property can be a challenge. Our landscaping design professionals at Design One can make the process simple and easy from start to finish, assessing your area, working with your vision, and executing your plans within your timeline and budget. Whether you choose brick chips, pea gravel or lava rock, the right gravel or rock can change the entire feel of a space. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
As a residential and commercial landscaping company in Michigan, we’re experienced in both property care and landscaping design. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Design One is great source of information when it comes to your Michigan lawn care needs! From preliminary design mapping, to irrigation and the types of plants you might want on your priority, we cover it all.
