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Pea Gravel Vs River Rock For Landscaping

Did you know that pea gravel and river rock are popular for homeowners due to their natural look and durability?

This article will break down the key differences between these two types of stone, helping you decide which best fits your outdoor space.

Discover your perfect garden solution!

Pea Gravel Vs River Rock Comparison Split

Comparing Pea Gravel and River Rocks

Let’s delve into how each stone satisfies different landscaping needs, from aesthetic appeal to practicality in gardens.

When considering the landscaping options for your home, understanding the size and appearance of pea gravel and river rock is crucial. Let’s break down these aspects in the following table.

Material Size Appearance
Pea Gravel Small, usually 1/4" to 1/2" Smooth, rounded edges, comes in various colors
River Rock Larger, can range from 3/4" to 2" More natural and varied shapes, typically in neutral colors
Pea gravel offers a uniform look that is perfect for pathways and patios. River rocks, with their larger size, lend a more rugged aesthetic to garden beds and water features.
Pea Gravel With Flowers Overhead Angle

Pea gravel offers an affordable landscaping option . Its small, rounded stones work perfectly as mulch alternatives in garden beds or potted plants, helping to retain moisture and deter weeds.

Pea gravel also provides excellent drainage solutions when used in the base of a flowerbed or around your home’s foundation. Landscaping with gravel like this also means less maintenance than traditional grassy lawns because it doesn’t require mowing or watering.

River rock adds a natural stone element to landscape design, coming in a variety of sizes and colors that can enhance outdoor décor. These larger stones are ideal patio stones or walkway materials due to their durability and resistance to weather conditions.

They give yards a polished look while creating functional spaces for entertaining guests. For those looking at yard renovations, river rocks serve as decorative aggregates and robust barriers against soil erosion in your garden’s most vulnerable spots.

Each type of stone brings its unique benefits, so considering what projects they’re good for is crucial before making your pick.

Across Ohio, homeowners can easily access various landscaping rocks, including pea gravel and river rock. Many garden centers, home improvement stores, and landscaping supply companies regularly stock these popular items.

In urban areas like Columbus, Cincinnati, or Cleveland, as well as smaller towns throughout the state, you’re likely to find suppliers who offer bulk quantities for larger projects or bagged options for smaller enhancements around your home.

Here at Farrell’s Lawn and Garden Center, we work with many companies that sell pea gravel and river rock. And here’s a tip: we can get them at better prices because we buy a lot more!

How to Choose Between Pea Gravel and River Rocks in Landscaping

When deciding between pea gravel and river rocks for your Ohio landscaping, consider both the aesthetic outcome you desire and the functional needs of your project. Your choice will largely hinge on the specific characteristics of each stone type, which can dramatically impact your outdoor space’s overall look and performance.

What projects they're good for

Pea gravel and river rock offer versatile options for landscaping projects. Each type of stone brings unique benefits to your outdoor décor.

Examples of best-use cases

Now that we’ve explored which projects suit pea gravel and river rock let’s delve into real-life examples to guide your choice. Each stone brings its character to different landscaping elements.

Tips for purchasing and maintaining

Understanding the best use cases for pea gravel and river rock sets the stage for the next crucial step: smart purchasing and diligent maintenance. Homeowners should know where to source their landscaping rocks and how to keep them looking great over time.

Cost Of Pea Gravel And River Rock

When deciding between pea gravel and river rocks for your landscaping, consider both the aesthetic outcome you desire and the functional needs of your project. Your choice will largely hinge on the specific characteristics of each stone type, which can dramatically impact your outdoor space’s overall look and performance.

Pea Gravel Project

Project Project Size Cubic Yards Pea Gravel Cost
Walkway 2 inches depth, 4 x 35 feet 1 $46
Driveway 6 inches depth, 24 x 20 feet 9 $414
Playground 4 inches depth, 25 x 15 feet 5 $230
Patio 6 inches depth, 10 x 10 feet 2 $92
Landscape bed 3 inches depth, 4 x 8 feet 0.5 $23

River Rocks Pricing

Tons/cubic yards of river rocks Average cost range per ton Average cost range per cubic yard
1 $60 – $170 $45 – $140
2 $120 – $340 $90 – $280
3 $180 – $510 $135 – $420
4 $240 – $680 $180 – $560

Note: These are mere estimates, and the real cost might be higher or lower depending on the season, demand, and supplier. We’ll let you know exactly what the cost of the pea gravel or river rock is once you request a quote.

Conclusion

Whether you’re revamping your backyard or crafting a peaceful garden path, pea gravel and river rock offer distinct touches to your landscaping. Choose pea gravel for a uniform look and gentle texture underfoot, ideal for patios and play areas.

Opt for the varied sizes of river rocks to create striking natural borders or enhance drainage solutions. Match your project’s style with the right stone, ensuring a landscape that stands out in beauty and function.

If you want to start a landscaping project and are thinking about using pea gravel or river rock, we can help! Here at Farrell’s Lawn and Garden Center, we’ve been helping homeowners in OH for decades and are more than happy to help you!