12 Types of Landscaping Stone and Where To Use Them

At The Patio Company, our experts will help you utilize boulders, crushed rock, stones, and pebbles to truly create an outdoor space that feels “forever-home-worthy”. Been looking for inspiration for your backyard and wondering how to make your space look a little more grand and inviting? In this article, we will go over the different types of landscaping stones, the many types of landscape rocks available locally, and finally how you can use them to enhance your yard (no matter what style or look you’re trying to create).

A Few Types of Boulders We’re Totally Doting…

Boulders can range in size, color, and shapes and can be utilized in so many different ways it could become overwhelming! Typically added as accent features in a landscape design, boulders are a simple way to catch the eye. 

Below are just some of the types of boulders we typically use at The Patio Company for our projects, and what styles of home they are most suited to. 

Honey Quartz Boulders 

Honey Quartz, also known as Apache Sunset, is a standout choice for adding a depth of warmth  to your landscaping design. This boulder features a captivating blend of honey-orange and yellow tones set against a translucent purple-gray canvas, living up to its vibrant name. As a quartzitic mineral derived from sandstone, Honey Quartz is highly durable and perfect for weathering the elements. Its textured surface makes it ideal for retaining walls, water features, and accent pieces, bringing both beauty and resilience to any outdoor space.

Styles of homes that this is best suited to:

1. Mediterranean: The warm, earthy tones of Honey Quartz complement the stucco exteriors and terracotta roofs typical of Mediterranean homes, adding a touch of rustic elegance.
2. Modern: For modern homes, Honey Quartz can serve as a striking contrast against sleek lines and minimalist design, adding warmth and visual interest.
3. Tudor: The distinctive blend of colors in Honey Quartz pairs well with the steeply pitched roofs and decorative half-timbering of Tudor-style homes, adding a timeless touch.
4. Ranch: Honey Quartz can enhance the horizontal lines and open spaces of Ranch-style homes, providing a cohesive look with its natural, earthy tones.
5. Colonial: The classic and symmetrical design of Colonial homes is beautifully complemented by the elegant yet understated presence of Honey Quartz in landscaping elements.

Baja Cresta Boulders 

As a granitic mineral, Baja Cresta boulders are found underneath molten material like magma. When the magma has had time to evenly (and slowly) cool, granite like this Baja Cresta is formed and can be discovered by searching underneath. They are rich in red and purple highlights and combined with a mostly rusty-brown background, this boulder is one of the most gorgeous, colorful rocks that one can find. Perfect for adding  interest that blends with a more plain paver. Baja Cresta boulders are perfect for any garden seating, retaining walls, or accent pieces, or fire pits like the one pictured above! 

Styles of homes this is best suited to:

1. Spanish Revival: The vibrant hues and rustic charm of Baja Cresta boulders match well with the ornate details and colorful tiles of Spanish Revival homes, creating a cohesive and inviting landscape.
2. Colonial Revival: The distinctive color palette of Baja Cresta boulders can add a unique and striking element to the classic, symmetrical design of Colonial Revival homes, offering a tasteful contrast to their traditional aesthetics.
3. Modern / Scandi: For modern homes and even Scandinavian style homes, Baja Cresta boulders can complement the cleaner, cooler aesthetics with a touch of natural material that brings in an earthy vibe that still looks neutral and seamless with the rest of the space.

Black Lava Boulders

Black Lava boulders, with their deep charcoal and reddish-brown tones, bring a striking visual element to any landscape. Derived from molten lava, these boulders offer a dramatic, natural aesthetic that is particularly well-suited to modern and contemporary homes. The bold, dark hues create stark contrasts that enhance sleek, minimalist designs, making them ideal for properties that emphasize clean lines and a sophisticated, cutting-edge look. Black Lava boulders are perfect for creating standout features such as fire pit areas and accent pieces, and their unique texture and color can also evoke a tropical, resort-like ambiance in your backyard, transforming it into a luxurious retreat.

Styles of homes this is best suited to:

1. Contemporary / Monochromatic: The darker, moodier tones of this boulder lend a sense of opulence and sophistication to outdoor spaces that are aiming for a monochromatic, minimalist or modern appeal.
2. Resort-style & Modern Coastal: Black Lava boulders suit modern coastal homes by providing a striking contrast to the light, airy aesthetic typically found in coastal designs, adding depth and a dramatic, natural element to the landscape.

White Ice Boulders 

If you’re looking for a light, elegant, and subtle boulder to add to your landscaping design, the stunning White Ice boulder should definitely be on your inspo board. This versatile boulder can be cut into almost any shape that you require for your projects—like a front door step (as pictured above). The frozen crystals in this type of landscaping stone reflect the sunshine, creating a subtle but glamorous shimmer. The White Ice boulder is additionally the perfect pairing for a water feature or accent feature. 

Styles of homes this is best suited to:

1. Art Deco: The unique, crystalline look of White Ice boulders can complement the bold geometric shapes and luxurious materials found in Art Deco homes, adding an elegant outdoor feature.
2. Industrial: The stark, neutral appearance of White Ice boulders contrasts beautifully with the raw, unfinished materials common in industrial home designs, adding a touch of natural beauty.
3. Coastal: The light, reflective nature of White Ice boulders fits seamlessly with coastal home designs, enhancing the airy, breezy feel typical of seaside residences.
4. Scandinavian: The natural, clean aesthetic of White Ice boulders complements the light, functional design of Scandinavian homes, adding to their serene and uncluttered look.
5. Zen: In Zen or Japanese-inspired homes, White Ice boulders can be used to create tranquil garden spaces and water features, contributing to the overall sense of peace and harmony.

No matter what kind of boulder fits your brief and vision, our expert stone masonry services can help you install boulders beautifully into your yard. We also handle any plumbing requirements for creating stunning focal points, such as home waterfalls, rock fountains, or any other central water feature you envision.

Types of River Rocks for Landscaping That Should Be on Your Wishlist

River rocks and pebbles are characterized by their smoothness, shaped by erosive river currents. While they are not ideal for garden beds due to their tendency to create irregular dents in the soil, they are perfect for almost everything else! Smooth underfoot, they are excellent for walkways, dog runs, driveways, garden edges and borders, and accent areas. Here are four different types of river rocks for landscaping and suggested ways to use them:

Arizona River Rock 

This type of river rock is derived from granite minerals and comes in various sizes to fit your project’s needs. Arizona River Rock combines gray, tan, and mauve hues with highlights of dusty rose, jade green, and deep russet to create a unique, earthy blend. As exemplified in the patio pictured above, these types of landscaping rocks are good for drainage, ground cover, and for pathways and walkways. They also help fill up empty spaces to prevent weeds from sprouting—which is super helpful if you prioritize low maintenance! 

Polished Black Pebble 

Polished Black pebbles are smooth, sleek, and stunning, adding an elegant touch to any garden. When placed in or around a water feature, they catch the sunlight, creating a beautiful shimmer that enhances the beauty of your outdoor space. Alternatively, use them around a fire pit, as shown above, to create a striking contrast and highlight your landscape design.

These versatile pebbles also look gorgeous along walkways, pathways, or scattered throughout your garden. Their glossy finish is low-maintenance, making them an eye-catching addition to any front or backyard landscape design. With Polished Black pebbles, you can effortlessly elevate the aesthetic appeal of your garden.

Black Mauna Loa Pebble 

As pyroclastic rocks, black Mauna Loa pebbles are composed of volcanic minerals from Hawaiian volcanoes and, as a river rock, have been gently rounded and softened by the flow of water. These pebbles are one of those types of river rock that are subtle with their beauty and similar to the White Ice Boulders we mentioned earlier. Their monochromatic simplicity shines through with elegance to provide a lovely contrast—perfect for a modern fire pit.

Porcelain Pebble 

Porcelain pebble is marble that is as bright of a white as pebbles can get! Gently tumbled to soften any sharp edges out, the Porcelain pebble is great for pathways and walkways. Suitable for those with children and pets as they won’t attract as much heat as black-based river rocks, you can be sure that when summer comes and you’re barefoot, you won’t feel like you’re stepping on hot coals.. Elegant and accessible, this type of pebble is certainly a popular choice.

Types of Gravel for Landscaping

Crushed rock and gravel are fantastic for so many reasons! They help with drainage, so you won’t have to worry about water pooling or erosion messing up your yard. Plus, they’re super durable, perfect for pathways, driveways, and garden beds that need to withstand the elements. Best of all, they’re low-maintenance—just lay them down and enjoy the natural, rustic charm they bring to your outdoor spaces.

Black Slate Chips 

Slate chips are flat, durable and long-lasting, making them great for a variety of landscaping projects. The softened edges and surface area allow for vital weed-preventing ground cover. Black slate is also often used as a plant topper, which allows natural rainwater to slowly drain through the chips whilst looking elegant and flashy. 

Sunset Gold Gravel 

This granitic mineral is reminiscent of a Southern Californian sunset, with russet and yellowy-orange hues. Soft under the feet, Sunset Gold Crushed Rock is great for walkways and driveways, like the driveway from our project in Manchester-by-the-sea, and is also great for backyard dog runs as the rounded edges won’t hurt the little paws of your sweet fur-friends.!

Pea Gravel 

Pea gravel is one of the least expensive crushed rocks you could buy, which also makes it one of the most popular types of gravel for landscaping. This type of gravel is small, round, and roughly the shape of a pea! 

Due to their small diameter, Pea Gravel can get in small cracks of your garden to prevent weed growth—which is ideal for large driveways where you really don’t want weeds to grow! 

If there’s one thing to remember here: Pea gravel is super versatile, especially when it comes to using it as mulch for your garden and flower beds. Unlike wood mulch, it doesn’t break down quickly, so you won’t need to replace it every spring. This makes stone mulch a more affordable option in the long run. Low-maintenance and budget-friendly? It’s no surprise that pea gravel is the most popular choice!

White Ice Crushed Rock 

Similar to the White Ice boulders we talked about earlier, the crushed rock version is easy to pair with and is one of those types of rocks for landscaping that will shimmer in all weather types. Perfect for not only garden pathways or decoration, White Ice crushed rock is helpful for practical erosion control and drainage of stormwater. Pretty and useful? Another win-win! 

How to Use Different Types of Stone for Landscaping. AKA Which Stone is Best for Your Yard.

If you’re looking for accent features, boulders are the way to go. These big, eye-catching rocks are designed to be seen from a distance. Perhaps place a boulder at either entrance of your driveway to make a grand first-impression to your guests; or use plumbing to add a water feature to your boulders; or use boulders to create a terraced-look—boulders are meant to be seen and the options on how to do so are truly endless!

Hot tip #1: if you want a more natural look, half bury your boulders in the ground to make it seem as if it’s protruding from the earth’s surface itself! 

If you’re looking for low-maintenance, check out crushed rock. This option is a budget-friendly, easy-to-maintain replacement of mulch, and helps prevent erosion by helping the drainage of stormwater. 

Hot tip #2: Dogs tend to rip up beautiful manicured lawns; therefore, by placing a patch of crushed rock down for your dogs to frolic around in, you may give yourself the opportunity to minimize the mess your dogs make and save your manicured lawns from being ruined. 

If you’re looking for a versatility, then river rocks and pebbles are the stones for you. The smooth river rocks make for a pleasant experience if you are ever barefoot in your backyard–no sharp, sudden pains here! 

Hot tip #3: Whilst being sensory and family-friendly, river rocks are also fabulous for diverting unwanted pools of water. By designing your landscaping with a dry creek bed made with crushed rock, you are able to stop water from collecting in one singular place. By keeping any excess water flowing, you are preventing any small floods from gathering in your yard. 

 So, what do you think? Did you learn about some different types of rock for landscaping? If you need help deciding which method is perfect for you, don’t hesitate to Contact Us and our team can get right onto it!