What are the Cheapest Landscaping Rocks?

Landscaping rocks are an inexpensive way to add character and interest to your yard or garden, and they also serve as a natural filter for rain runoff. If you want to use landscaping rocks in your landscape, there are many different options to choose from. The type of rock you use will depend on what look you’re going for and how much money you want to spend. Often, homeowners come to us asking about the cheapest landscaping rocks available.

If you’re looking for a quick backyard makeover that won’t break the bank, you may wonder, “What are the cheapest landscaping rocks?” Luckily, several inexpensive options won’t sacrifice beauty.

Crushed concrete, resin pieces, or river stones are all great options for the budget-conscious homeowner. River stones are one of the cheapest landscaping rocks you can buy, and you can often find them for only a couple of dollars per pound. Many of them come polished, so they don’t need sanding, and they can be used in many different ways, such as lining walkways or filling flower beds. River stones are very versatile and can create many different looks.

While these landscaping rocks are cheap, they are not the most inexpensive options that you can find. In fact, the cheapest landscaping rock is pea gravel!

Below, we’ll explore everything you need to know about pea gravel, including how to best use it in landscaping.

What are the Cheapest Landscaping Rocks?

Landscaping rocks can naturally occur or come from recycled materials. Naturally occurring rocks, such as sandstone or granite, are relatively cheap. But they’re not good for lining ponds or covering large areas as they’re heavy and don’t offer any drainage.

The most inexpensive landscaping rocks are made from recycled materials, such as concrete or asphalt. While these will be the cheapest option, they won’t look as natural as other landscaping rocks. Concrete comes from a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. It’s commonly used for sidewalks, driveways, and patios.

Concrete is a great option for edging your garden or outlining your walkway. Concrete is also often used as a base for retaining walls. These walls help control water flow on sloped properties. Retaining walls are often built with concrete to support the soil on either side of the wall. Asphalt is a byproduct of the oil and gas industries. It’s also a common material for creating driveways and walkways. Like concrete, asphalt is made from recycled materials and is a good option for edging.

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.

So now we know that pea gravel is the cheapest landscaping rock, but exactly how much does it cost?

How much does Pea Gravel Cost?

Pea gravel is smoothed and rounded from river rock. It’s the perfect landscaping rock for edging and around ponds and is also a popular material for driveways, walkways, and playgrounds.

Pea gravel comes in several sizes, ranging from fine gravel, approximately ⅛” to ⅜” (about the size of a pea), up to coarse gravel, which can be up to three inches in diameter.

Fine gravel is best around ponds and walkways, while coarse gravel is best for covering large areas like driveways. You can expect to pay up to $50 per ton for smaller-sized gravels, if you use coarse gravel, the price will be slightly higher.

How to Use Pea Gravel in Landscaping

Pea gravel is very versatile, and you’ll love to use it in many different areas of your yard. You can use it to edge your garden beds, pathways, or around your water features. Pea gravel is also commonly put in children’s playgrounds because of its softness. To use this landscaping rock, you’ll need to first create a border or pathway.

For garden beds, dig a one-foot-deep trench and line it with landscape fabric. Place the fabric on the bottom of the trench so it lines both sides. Fill the trench with gravel, leaving about one inch between the top of the gravel and the soil. For pathways, dig a trench along the intended path. Line the trench with landscape fabric and fill it with gravel. Use a rake to push the gravel down and remove any large clumps.

Pea Gravel Pros and Cons

Pea gravel is a great option for edging and around ponds. It’s also a great choice for pathways and playgrounds. But of course, nothing is perfect, so let’s explore the pros and cons of this versatile landscaping rock.

Pros:

• Pea gravel is inexpensive- as we’ve mentioned, it’s the cheapest landscaping stone you can buy!
• It’s easy to find- Pea gravel is very common, so it’s readily available for purchase at most home improvement stores.
• Pea gravel is soft and relatively smooth- It won’t damage your shoes like other types of landscaping rocks, and it’s smooth enough to walk on with bare feet and use under playground equipment.
• It’s easy to clean and maintain- You can use a garden rake to clean the gravel or a leaf blower to remove leaves and other debris.

Cons:

• Pea gravel won’t last forever- It can wash away by heavy rains and will eventually deteriorate over time, so expect to top off your gravel supply every few years.
• It works best on even, level ground- Because pea gravel is soft, it won’t hold up well on uneven ground.
• It’s not great for gardening- it can be difficult to plant flowers or gardens in pea gravel.

 

What is the Difference Between Gravel and Pea Gravel?

Gravel and pea gravel are both types of landscaping rocks. Gravel is any rock that is larger than sand and smaller than boulders. Pea gravel is a specific type of gravel that is roughly 3/4 inches in diameter. Gravel is great for driveways, but it’s not good for edging. It’s not soft enough to easily walk on, and it’s not good for retaining water.

Pea gravel is softer and able to hold back water. Gravel is also much larger than pea gravel. It’s between two and six inches in diameter. Pea gravel is less than three inches in diameter.

Can You Use Pea Gravel in Driveways?

Yes! Pea gravel is common in driveways. It’s softer and less abrasive than other types of landscaping rocks. This type of landscaping rock offers less traction than other hard landscaping materials, such as asphalt, so it’s not recommended for areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as grocery store parking lots. Pea gravel is best for residential areas where drivers need to drive slowly.

Is Pea Gravel Cheaper than Asphalt Paving?

Pea gravel gives you a beautiful and functional driveway without the high price tag. Using asphalt for your driveway can cost you over $6,000. You’ll also have to pay extra for maintenance and repairs, as asphalt needs resealing every few years.

With gravel, you don’t need to replace or repair as often, and it’s much cheaper than asphalt paving. Using pea gravel for your driveway is a great way to save money without sacrificing the look of your property.

Buy Pea Gravel from Tampa Bay Ponds & Rocks

Tampa Bay Ponds & Rocks is a local landscaping company that offers a wide selection of landscaping rocks, including pea gravel.

Our company builds on a passion for nature, and they strive to deliver the best service and products. Our products are environmentally friendly and come in many different shapes, styles, and options to complement your home.

Tampa Bay Ponds & Rocks specializes in water features, ponds, and outdoor living spaces, so their experts can help you design an outdoor space perfect for your family.

Best of all, they deliver to the Tampa Bay area, so you can focus on your landscaping project without worrying about the logistics of how to get your materials home. Browse our selection of landscaping rocks to start designing your dream outdoor space today.

If you own a rental property, check out this article for expert advice on landscaping and other essential property upkeep tips.