Project Decision Helper
Which Rock Should I Use?
Answer 4 quick questions to find the perfect aggregate, recommended install depth, subgrade base, and geotextile fabric for your job.
Step 1 of 4
What type of project are you building?
Select the primary functional purpose of your rock coverage area:
Master Landscape Aggregate Selection Matrix
Compare the engineering properties, barefoot comfort, shear stability, and best uses across all primary landscape rocks.
| Aggregate Material | Nominal Sizing | Underfoot Stability | Drainage Flow | Vehicular Driveways | Barefoot Walkways | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #57 Crushed Stone | 1" to #4 Sieve (Granite/Limestone) | High (Angular) | Excellent | Recommended | Too Sharp | Driveway wearing course, French drains, concrete aggregate |
| Crusher Run / 21-A Base | 3/4" down to mineral dust | Maximum (Compacted) | Low (Dense) | Mandatory Base | Firm, Dusty | Driveway subbase, paver bedding base, road building |
| Pea Gravel (3/8") | 1/4" to 3/8" Smooth River Pebble | Low (Shifts) | Excellent | Never (Ruts) | Comfortable | Patios, dog runs, stepping stone borders, casual garden paths |
| Decomposed Granite (DG) | 3/8" down to silt fines | High (Compacted) | Moderate | Light Parking Only | Excellent | Wheelchair accessible paths, bocce courts, rustic patios |
| 1" to 3" River Rock | 1" to 3" Smooth Rounded Stone | Very Low (Ankle Rolling) | Maximum | Never | Difficult | Dry creek beds, downspout splash basins, garden borders |
| Mexican Beach Pebbles | 1" to 2" Flat Polished Basalt | Moderate (Flat) | High | Too Costly | Smooth | Modern architectural planters, Japanese gardens, water fountains |
| Lava Rock (Scoria) | 3/4" to 1-1/2" Porous Volcanic | Fair (Lightweight) | Exceptional | Crushes | Abrasive | Fire pit perimeters, weed-suppressing garden beds, xeriscaping |
| Marble Chips | 1/2" to 1" Angular White Calcite | Moderate | High | Dusty/Stains | Sharp | High-contrast formal shrub beds, monument borders |
| Riprap (Class 1 & 2) | 4" to 12" Angular Broken Rock | Heavy Interlock | Maximum | Impassable | Dangerous | Culvert outlets, steep slope revetments, shoreline stabilization |