How to Use Decorative Stones for Landscaping: Design Tips & Ideas
If you’re looking for a sustainable way to make your outdoor spaces more stylish and practical, consider decorative stones. With so many options and applications, they’re a versatile choice for any property. We’ll guide you through your alternatives to help you make the right choices for your next landscaping project.
Types of Decorative Stones for Landscaping
You’ll find outdoor decorative stones in different sizes, colors, and textures to suit any taste and budget. The most common types include:
- Silica pebbles: Smooth, rounded stones in pale earth tones with a modern look
- Egg rocks: Smooth, rounded stones in varied regional colors with a rustic, earthy appearance
- Lava rocks: Volcanic heat-retaining black or red rocks with modern, rugged looks
- Decomposed granite: Small black or gray stone that compacts well to create a coarsely-textured, slip-resistant surface
- Pea pebbles: Smooth, rounded stones measuring around 3/8 inch that suit various above-ground applications
- Stone bark: Earth-toned stones that mimic the natural, rustic appearance of tree bark
- Cobble stones: Medium to large rounded stones with a smooth finish and natural, earthy color
Creative Design Applications for Outdoor Decorative Stones
Decorative stones suit many outdoor applications, including:
- Ground cover: Use small stones for borders, pathways, and general ground coverage.
- Water features: Make water features like fountains and ponds look more natural and keep pumps and cords hidden with egg rocks.
- Striking gardens: A layer of decorative stones around hardy plants and trees can be a practical and eye-catching addition.
- Architectural accents: Add texture and divide landscaping areas with a variety of stones.
- Low-maintenance decorative stones features: Zen gardens, dry creek beds, and mosaics all make great rock-based focal points.
Functional Benefits You’ll Love
There are several practical benefits to decorating with stones, including:
Weed suppression
Stones used for ground cover can also discourage weed growth, but you don’t need to replace them every year like mulch.
Plant care
Stone helps soil retain moisture and maintain a more constant temperature, which is better for your plants.
Enhanced drainage
Pea pebbles are ideal for drainage systems like French drains, soakaways, permeable paving systems, and rain gardens.
Reduced erosion
Large stones on sloped ground can hold soil in place.
Low maintenance
Stones only need an occasional sweep, so they’re much easier to maintain than grass.
Long-lasting
Quality decorative stones look good and never need replacing.
Choosing the Right Stone Size and Type for Your Project
Different stones suit different applications. Small stones measuring 3/8 inch or less are the most stable to walk on, so they are best for pathways and driveways. Small stones also suit detailed work like mosaics better than larger stones. Larger stones measuring 2.5 inches or more can make dramatic style statements. Since they’re a bit heavier, they’re also perfect for controlling erosion. For your general landscaping needs, a medium stone measuring 1.5 to 2.5 inches is ideal.
Let your aesthetic guide your choice of stone. Think about whether you want a rustic look or something more modern and polished. Earth tones appear much more natural than monochromatic hues, which can be really striking and contemporary.
Decorative Stones Installation Tips and Best Practices
It’s easy for home landscapers to create amazing outdoor spaces with decorative stones. Just following our handy tips for a professional result.
Site Preparation
Taking the time to prepare your site helps your project look good and last. Clear away any weeds, grass, or debris before laying your stones down. Rake the soil to make the ground as level as possible to ensure your stones stay in place. A tamper can compact the soil and minimize the risk of erosion.
Laying down a landscaping membrane and a thin layer of sand will prevent weeds from growing through your stones and keep them in place. If you’re preparing a large site, overlap your landscaping membrane pieces by 6 to 12 inches to make sure you have thorough coverage. Landscape staples or pins can hold the pieces together.
Stone Calculations
After preparing your site, you can start laying down your stones. Make sure you have enough for your space. The standard formula for calculating this is: Total rocks needed (cubic yards) = (Length x Width x Depth) / 27. Make sure your measurements are in feet.
The best depth depends on your project and the type of rock you’re using. In most cases, a depth of between 2 to 4 inches will provide even coverage at a reasonable price. However, you may want a thicker layer for areas that receive heavy foot traffic, like paths and driveways, or places that are prone to weeds. On the flip side, you may get away with lighter coverage in areas where you’re using stones simply for decoration.
Stone Installation
Start laying down your stones from the furthest point and gradually move towards an exit point. Work in small sections, using a rake to spread them evenly as you go for good drainage. If you’re using small, compactable rocks, a tamper or plate compacter can help them settle into place.
Adding edging can help keep your stones in place and define your outdoor spaces. Smaller stones like gravel and stone chips make great edging, but you could also use many other materials like glass bottles, wood shingles, logs, and bricks.
Transform Your Landscape With Premium Decorative Stones
For a stylish addition to your outdoor spaces that’s made to thrive in the elements and add functionality, premium decorative stones are the ideal choice. With so many colors and textures available, finding decorative stones that suit your aesthetic is easy. Make sure you choose premium stone products that will enhance your outdoor spaces for years to come.
For the best stone products, contact us at Stone Depot. Our specialists can answer all your questions and share personalized recommendations to suit your style, budget, and specific landscaping needs. You’re also always welcome to visit us and browse the decorative stones for sale at our South Lyon showroom. At Stone Depot, you’ll always find the decorative stones you need to give your outdoor areas a lift.