When creating a stunning garden, choosing the right ground cover is just as crucial as picking plants. And that’s where decorative stones come in. From crisp white pebbles to bold volcanic rock, the types of decorative stone you choose can completely transform the look and feel of your outdoor space.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 popular types of decorative stone that not only enhance your garden’s style but also help with drainage, weed control, and long-term maintenance. Whether you’re curious about the different types of pebbles or wondering which kinds of pebbles for landscaping will suit your project best, this breakdown of essential decorative stone types will help you make the right choice.
Explore the 9 Types of Decorative Stone for Every Garden Style
Decorative stones are the foundation of a visually cohesive garden. They add structure, guide the eye, and create contrast that plants alone can’t achieve. Whether you’re aiming for minimalist elegance, rustic charm, or dramatic modern edges, the right stone acts like a design accent—subtle but powerful.
1. White Marble Pebbles – A Clean, Modern Option
Want to make your garden pop with elegance? White marble pebbles are your answer. Their smooth, luminous surface reflects sunlight, creating a crisp contrast against green plants or darker mulch. Often used in commercial landscaping projects, they lend a refined, upscale look to modern outdoor designs. Beyond looks, they’re also durable and long-lasting, making them a wise investment. These pebbles work exceptionally well in urban gardens and patios where a minimalist style is preferred. If you’re considering types of pebbles for landscaping, white marble adds a high-end finish without overwhelming the natural surroundings.
2. Slate Chips & Chippings – Textured Layers That Bring Depth and Color
Slate chippings are a fantastic option if you want to introduce texture and bold color to your outdoor design. Slate adds visual interest and modern flair in tones like plum, grey, green, and even blue. These angular stones work well for paths, borders, and focal landscape features. Because they’re flatter and stackable, slate chips stay in place better than round stones, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. When selecting from the types of decorative stone, slate is perfect for homeowners who want color variety, style, and performance all in one solution.
3. River Rocks – Smooth Stones That Add a Natural Flow
River rocks are a classic choice when you’re looking to give your outdoor space a peaceful, natural feel. These smooth, rounded stones are shaped by years of water erosion, which makes them ideal for dry creek beds, river beds, or pathways. Available in a variety of colors—from soft greys to earthy browns—they blend effortlessly with any plant or feature. Their size and shape help with excess water runoff, making them both beautiful and practical. For homeowners seeking types of decorative stone that are low-maintenance and organic in appearance, river rocks are a go-to.
4. Lava Rock – A Bold, Lightweight Option
For gardens focused on low-water use or unique visual appeal, lava rock is among the most interesting. These porous, lightweight stones come in dramatic colors like deep red and jet black, perfect for desert-style gardens or modern xeriscapes. Their porous nature helps retain heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for types of plants that prefer drier soil. Thanks to its durability, Lava rock is also popular in dog runs and fire pit areas. If you want a more natural look with added texture, lava rock is a standout pick.
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5. Pea Gravel – A Flexible, Budget-Friendly Choice
Pea gravel may be small, but it packs a punch regarding versatility. These tiny, rounded stones are available in various landscaping shades, including tan, brown, white, and grey. They're gentle underfoot, making them a more affordable option for walkways, play areas, or pet zones like dog runs. If you’re replacing wood mulch, pea gravel lasts longer and helps suppress weeds naturally. Sold by the square foot, it’s easy to control costs while covering large areas. It’s one of the best types of decorative stone for flexible garden use.
5. Bluestone – Durable and Elegant Stone
Bluestone is a premium material favored for its strength, durability, and rich coloring. With hues ranging from deep blue to purplish-grey, bluestone lends sophistication to patios, stepping stone paths, and landscape features. It resists weathering and provides excellent traction when wet, making it a wise choice in regions with heavy rainfall or where excess water is a concern. Depending on your desired look, this stone can be laid with or without mortar. For homeowners or designers searching for decorative stone types that are both attractive and long-lasting, bluestone checks all the boxes.
6. Decomposed Granite – A Natural, Rustic Choice
Decomposed granite (DG) is made from weathered stone that breaks into fine gravel and sand. It compacts to create a firm, stable surface, often used for garden paths, driveways, and even seating areas. DG comes in earthy tones like gold, red, and brown, blending effortlessly into natural landscapes. Unlike other decorative stone types, it offers a softer, more walkable surface—ideal for informal or cottage-style gardens. If you're looking for types of decorative stone that combine functionality with a rustic, more natural look, decomposed granite is a top contender.
7. Crushed Stone – A Practical, Multi-Use Material
Crushed stone is perhaps the most functional among all types of decorative stone. It's made by mechanically breaking down larger rocks, resulting in angular fragments of varying sizes. It’s widely used in drainage systems, base layers for patios, and structural garden builds. Depending on your region, it may come in granite, limestone, or other local types of rocks. Crushed stone isn’t always the prettiest option, but when covered with other stones or used under landscape features, it offers unbeatable support and stability, making it the backbone of commercial landscaping projects and home builds alike.
8. Cobblestones – Old-World Charm for Pathways
Cobblestones bring a timeless appeal to any garden or walkway. These large stones are typically rounded and heavy, giving off a rustic, European vibe. Often seen in heritage homes or classic estate landscapes, cobblestones are perfect for paths, patios, and even low garden walls. While they may require more effort to install—often set in mortar for durability—the result is incredibly long-lasting. If you're exploring different ways to create visual separation between types of plants or add elegance to your landscape features, cobblestones are both functional and beautiful.
9. Fieldstone – Naturally Weathered Stones
Fieldstones are irregularly shaped rocks typically collected from fields or hillsides, making them one of the most raw and organic-looking types of decorative stone. Their weathered, unpolished surfaces bring natural charm to garden walls, fire pit surrounds, and dry creek beds. Because they’re larger and heavier, fieldstones are ideal for statement pieces or supporting structures. You’ll often see them used in countryside or woodland-style gardens. For homeowners looking to build out natural landscape features that blend seamlessly with the earth, fieldstone offers texture, authenticity, and timeless appeal.
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5 Selection Tips for the Best Decorative Stones
Choosing the right types of decorative stone can feel overwhelming, especially when so many textures, colors, and shapes are available. But with a few smart tips, you can narrow it down based on your space, purpose, and style. Here’s how to pick great stones and work hard for your landscape.
1. Match the Stone to the Function, Not Just the Aesthetic
Don’t be fooled by looks alone. Think about how the stone will function in your space. Need to control excess water around the garden? River rocks or crushed stone offer great drainage. Want a clean, low-maintenance surface for walkways? Go for pea gravel or decomposed granite. For high-impact landscape features, opt for larger options like fieldstone or bluestone, which bring both structure and charm. Every stone has its strengths—let those guide your choice.
2. Know Your Stone Size: Small Pea Gravel or Large Stones?
Size does matter when it comes to stones. Small, smooth stones like pea gravel are ideal for pathways, dog runs, and seating areas—they’re comfortable underfoot. Larger stones, like cobblestones or slate chips, are better suited for edging, focal points, or anchoring regions with different types of plants. Also, consider your maintenance tolerance. Smaller stones can shift and require re-leveling, while larger ones stay put longer.
3. Choose a Color That Complements Your Landscape
Decorative stone types come in various colors, from soft neutrals to bold blacks and marbles. Think about how these shades will interact with your home’s exterior, garden beds, and surrounding greenery. White marble pebbles add brightness, while lava rock or slate chippings offer drama and contrast. Avoid clashing tones—your stone should enhance the space, not fight with it. When in doubt, take your landscape photos to your stone yard and ask their knowledgeable staff for advice.
4. Drainage Is Key: Don’t Let Water Pool Where It Shouldn’t
One of the most important (but often overlooked) tips? Think about drainage. Some rocks, like crushed stone and river pebbles, allow water to flow easily, making them perfect for dry creek beds or rain-prone areas. Others, like white marble or lava rock, may retain moisture, which is excellent for certain plants but not ideal near foundations. Match your stone to your moisture conditions to prevent headaches later.
5. Don’t Forget Installation and Maintenance Costs
Finally, think beyond the purchase price. Some decorative stone types need edging, levelling, or even mortar to stay in place, especially if they’re part of a patio or structured landscape feature. Others are easier to lay down and require minimal upkeep. If you’re working with a limited budget or DIY-ing the project, choose easy-to-install options like pea gravel or decomposed granite. And remember: a more affordable option upfront might cost more in maintenance later.
Need to learn more in detail? Here is our blog on how to buy beach pebbles correctly!
Want Decorative Stones That Actually Match the Photos?
When it comes to garden design, the types of decorative stone you choose can make or break the look. But here’s the problem: most local suppliers offer limited options, inconsistent quality, and unclear pricing. What you ordered online rarely looks like what shows up.
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Conclusion
A well-designed garden with the right decorative stones can turn any outdoor space into a stunning retreat. Whether it’s crushed stone pathways, river rock borders, or boulders used as water features, each stone brings texture, color, and purpose. By choosing stones that suit your climate, layout, and style, you create a beautiful and functional space.
The key is balance—blending natural stone with your home’s architecture and existing landscape. With thoughtful planning and the right materials, your garden will become a lasting expression of your taste and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much stone do I need for my garden space?
The quantity of stone needed depends on the covered area and the desired depth. A helpful tip for calculating is that one ton of most stones covers about 100 square feet at 2 inches deep.
Which type of stone is most durable?
Granite-based stones are highly durable, often resisting weathering and maintaining their color for years. Meanwhile, lava rocks are also highly durable, with a unique porous structure that can withstand harsh conditions.
Can decorative stones affect soil pH?
Yes, certain types of stones, like limestone or marble chips, can increase the soil's alkalinity over time, potentially affecting soil pH and influencing certain plant species' growth rates.
What is decorative stone called?
Decorative stone is often referred to by several terms, including garden stone, landscaping stone, or even by the specific type, such as pea gravel, river rock, or crushed stone.
What kind of stone is best for landscaping?
The 'best' stone will depend on numerous factors including your landscape design, the specific application (e.g., walkway vs. garden bed), local climate, and personal aesthetic preferences. From river rocks to black lava rocks, each type offers unique visual and functional aspects to consider.