What to consider before buying pea gravel?
What is pea gravel used for?
What are river rocks used for?
What kind of rocks are used for decorative landscaping?
What are the advantages of river rocks?
Is river rock more expensive than pea gravel?
Is pea gravel a decorative stone?
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Which is better pea gravel or river rock?
River Rock River rocks are smoother in texture and larger than pea gravel. Pull together their different hues to create pretty garden borders or dry creek beds. While looking pretty, they can also be used to direct drainage through a property.
What can I use instead of river rock?
Crushed Granite These small, earthy-toned rocks are good in your yard since they're loose and you won't have to worry about them creating puddles. Crushed granite looks so natural that people like to use it along the edges of their pathways to create a nice blend between the path and the plants.
Is River gravel the same as pea gravel?
River rock is like the big brother to pea gravel. It too is generally smooth but is larger in size. They also have more distinction in color overall. You can buy river rock in different colors: white, black, brown or a mixture.
What is the least expensive gravel?
Gravel Cost Per Yard. Bulk gravel costs $15 to $75 per yard on average. Crushed concrete, sand and gravel mix, and crushed shells are the cheapest stones at $15 per yard. Crusher run, pea gravel, steel slag, and river rock typically cost $50 per yard or more.
What is the cheapest rock to use for landscaping?
But what are the cheapest landscaping rocks? The cheapest landscaping rock available is pea gravel. This is a versatile landscaping rock that looks great for many types of landscaping, including driveways.
What is the cheapest type of landscaping?
Planting trees is one of the easiest, least expensive backyard landscaping ideas of all. All you need are a few digging tools, some mulch and the tree. Plus, you'll end up saving even more if you plant trees in the right places.
How long does pea gravel last?
Luckily, pea gravel doesn't decompose, but it does sink into the soil (which improves drainage if you have clay soil). So you may need to replenish the gravel every four years or so. Most landscape material companies will deliver 50-pound bags, and you can spread the gravel with a mud rake.
Will pea gravel wash away?
Water runoff may not seem like much to worry about, but even a little rainfall can wash away several square feet of pea gravel. To combat this, build your gravel pathways and driveways with a crest at the center. The gravel should slope down to the sides to promote water to run off easily.
What type of gravel is best for landscaping?
Landscaping with Gravel – Best Gravel for LandscapingDecomposed granite. ... Pea gravel. ... River Rock. ... Lava Rock. ... Crushed gravel. ... Washed gravel. ... White Gravel. ... Shore Gravel. Shore gravel stones are naturally rounded, beige, smooth stones available in 3/8 and ¾ inches.More items...•
Is pea gravel hard to maintain?
While pea gravel is typically lower maintenance than other patio surfaces, it's not maintenance free. Keep a leaf blower on hand to keep debris off the surface, and occasionally rake the stones level. In the wintertime, snow removal can be a hassle.
How much is a bag of pea gravel?
Pea gravel is a great option for walkways, patios, driveways, playgrounds, and other residential landscape features. It's easy to install and much cheaper than most other hardscape materials. You can expect to pay $25 to $53 per ton, $25 to $67 per cubic yard, or $4 to $7 per bag for plain pea gravel.
How much will a ton of pea gravel cover?
approximately 100 square feetA ton of gravel will cover approximately 100 square feet, 2 inches deep.
What can I use instead of landscape fabric?
Best Landscaping Fabric AlternativesWood chips.Bark mulches.Pine needles.Shredded leaves.Grass clippings.Compost.Newspaper.Cardboard.More items...•
What is cheaper mulch or river rock?
While it does have its benefits, river rock is expensive. The material also needs a weed barrier underneath it and is difficult to plant in. The river rock also gets hot and reflects sunlight. The most expensive of the three, river rock costs about 2.88 times more than mulch.
Which is better river rock or mulch?
Rocks are better at weed-prevention than mulch and are also lower maintenance. Stones can also add to the aesthetics of a property. However, rock cover is not good for gardens that receive a lot of sun because they retain more heat than mulch. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference.
What can I use instead of mulch or rock?
8 Great Mulch Alternatives to Consider Rock or pebble ground cover. Rubber mulch. Grass clippings dried out. Pine needles dried out.
How much does pea gravel cost?
Pea gravel ranges in price from $35 per cubic yard to well over $50 per cubic yard. The main disadvantage of pea gravel is its tendency to travel.
How big are river rocks?
River Rocks. River rocks come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1 inch up to several inches across. These smooth rocks create a rustic, natural feel and are often used to edge flower beds or create drainage areas within beds. Costs vary considerably, but river rocks are typically sold by the pound or the ton.
What are the most common types of landscaping rocks?
Below, we’ve included information on the most common types of landscaping rocks: pea gravel, gravel, crushed stone, river rocks and decomposed granite.
What materials are used for driveways?
By Julie Christensen There are four materials commonly used for driveways – gravel, asphalt, concrete and pavers. Which one you choose will be based on your budget, your climate and conditions and the length of your driveway. Gravel driveways are hands-down the most affordable option upfront. Asphalt driveways place second…
Does pea gravel damage plants?
Finally, like all rock mulches, pea gravel compacts the soil and holds heat, which can damage plants. In most cases, wood chip or other organic mulches work better with plantings.
Is gravel good for a patio?
Today’s homeowners are embracing outdoor living and building large patios and garden areas as an extension of their home’s space. Gravel makes an ideal choice for a patio. It has a soft, organic appearance and…
Is crushed stone the same as decomposed granite?
Crushed stone is similar to decomposed granite, but the rocks aren’t crushed quite as finely. Crushed stone comes in a variety of colors and usually costs more than decomposed granite. It has a crisper look than decomposed granite and works well in contemporary landscapes.
Which is better, river rock or pea gravel?
River rock gravel tends to be larger than pea gravel, so it performs better as a mid-layer, though it’s too small to be used as a bottom layer.
What is pea gravel?
Pea gravel is generally about ⅜-inch in size and is often called pea shingle. It’s a very attractive gravel that comes in a variety of colors, including brown, blue, red, and grey.
What is crushed stone #411?
Crushed stone #411 is another very popular crushed stone option that’s quite similar to crushed stone #57. In fact, it’s made up of crushed stone #57 mixed with coarse rock dust and small stones known as fines. The smaller stones and dust fill in the cracks left by the larger stones, causing them to all compact together and form a tight surface. It’s great as a top layer of driveways and other areas that require drainage, though the inclusion of smaller stones and rock dust means it’s not an ideal choice for other layers. Luckily, it does tend to be a cheaper option for the top layer than some of the more decorative river rocks and pea gravel.
What is base gravel 3?
Base gravel #3 is a perfect gravel for filling your base level. The stones in base gravel #3 can be two inches across and even a bit larger, making it perfect for that bottom layer where drainage is of the utmost importance. The smallest rocks in this gravel will be about an inch wide, so there’s nothing to compact and get clogged up, ensuring that you’ll have great drainage.
What is a clean stone?
Washed clean stone is essentially crushed stone that has been washed to get rid of any small chips and rock dust. This prevents it from compacting and ensures that it will always have great drainage. Because of this, it’s an ideal choice for bottom and mid-layers, though it does tend to be a bit pricier than non-washed crushed stone gravels.
What is Jersey shore gravel?
Jersey shore gravel is similar to pea gravel, though not available in as many colors. These stones are rather small, and they’re all shades of tan, white, brown, and gold; essentially, the color of beach sand. Jersey shore gravel features smooth rocks that don’t stay in place well. They’re great for use as a top layer, but don’t perform well as a bottom or mid-layer gravel.
Where does river rock come from?
Just as the name suggests, the gravel used in river rock comes from the beds of rivers and streams. These stones are round and semi-polished from years of running water. They have a smooth texture, which means they tend not to stay put once you lay them down. However, they’re very attractive stones that are a great choice as a top layer. Just make sure to edge the river rock with another type of stone to keep it all in place.
1. Crushed Granite Landscape Rocks
Ranging from $50 to $60 per yard, crushed granite is commonly used for installing walkways. It gives the pathway a more modern, sleek look. This product is in high demand, but there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of the material.
2. Pea Gravel Landscape Rocks
Coming in at $2 to $3 per bag, pea gravel is naturally found near bodies of water, such as streams. So, it’s the perfect, cheap landscape rock to beautify water features, like backyard ponds and fountains.
3. River Rocks for Landscaping
What is river rock? It’s a washed gravel that’s a very popular choice for landscaping on a budget. Coming in at $0.05 to $0.35 per pound, this hardscape is known for its versatility and its rounded, smooth texture.
What to consider before buying pea gravel?
Things to Consider Before Buying Pea Gravel. As pea gravel is relatively lightweight, the stones have a tendency to be scattered when subject to heavy foot traffic. As a result, paths, walkways, patios, and other surfaces should be raked regularly to maintain an even surface.
What is pea gravel used for?
The Most Popular Uses of Pea Gravel. One of the more common uses for pea gravel is in the installation of front walkways and garden paths. You might also choose to use pea gravel as a surfacing material for a stunning and unique loose stone driveway or patio.
What are river rocks used for?
The Most Popular Uses of River Rocks. River rocks are extremely popular due to the beauty it can bring to a landscape. It can create a very naturalistic look to areas around swimming pools and water features, making them popular as an edging material or as a replacement for sand on beaches. Small sized river rocks (larger than pea gravel) ...
What kind of rocks are used for decorative landscaping?
If you’re considering making changes to your landscape with decorative rocks you’ve likely considered using pea gravel or river rocks. Both pea gravel and river rocks are extremely popular materials for serving decorative and functional purposes throughout home and commercial properties. We’ve found that many people are confused about ...
What are the advantages of river rocks?
Benefits of River Rocks. One of the key advantages to river rocks is that they are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 3/8″ all the way up to 5″+. This allows you to play around with the various stones to meet a variety of needs throughout the landscape. When building a front walkway, for example, you can maintain a sense ...
Is river rock more expensive than pea gravel?
The main thing to keep in mind when landscaping with river rock is that it can be more expensive than pea gravel. In cases where your landscaping project entails a very large coverage area, river rocks may not be the most practical solution.
Is pea gravel a decorative stone?
Pea gravel is widely available throughout the northeast, which makes it one of the most affordable of all decorative stones. In addition to looking great and being budget-friendly, pea gravel is highly versatile and functional.
