When it comes to building a beautiful and lasting outdoor space, choosing the right landscaping gravel can make all the difference. At JBS Express, we help homeowners, contractors, and DIYers find the perfect decorative rock and gravel for their projects.
Whether you’re updating a stone patio, refreshing your garden beds, or improving your driveway, the right mix of rocks or gravel can completely change the look and feel of your yard. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the types of landscape rock and gravel, which work best for each use, and how to install them like a pro. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to bring more beauty and function into your landscape design — and why we are your best local partner for the job.
Why Choice Matters: Gravel vs. Rock vs. Decorative Stone
Before diving into all the options, it helps to understand why picking the right gravel in landscaping matters. Each type of decorative stone serves a unique purpose and has a different look.
1. Drainage and Stability
Some types of gravel are permeable, letting rainwater flow through easily to prevent puddles and erosion. Others are tighter-packed and more stable — ideal for driveways, paver bases, or stone patios.
2. Style and Texture
The colors and sizes of your gravel can define the mood of your outdoor space. Soft earth-toned colors like tan, gray, and brown give a warm, natural stone look. Meanwhile, darker tones such as Tejas Black or Midnight Gravel offer a sleek, modern appeal.
3. Maintenance and Durability
Decorative gravel resists weeds, lasts for years, and requires very little upkeep. Using rock ground cover instead of mulch is a budget-friendly move — it won’t decompose or need replacement every season.
By blending different rocks or gravel, you can create texture, define spaces, and improve drainage while achieving a cohesive, decorative landscaping style.
Popular Types of Landscaping Gravel & Decorative Rock
When you shop landscaping materials, you’ll see a huge selection of landscape options in all shapes, textures, and tones. Here’s a look at the most popular types and how to use them.
1. Pea Gravel
Small, smooth, round stones (about ⅜″ to ¾″).
- Ideal for pea gravel landscaping, walkways, and garden paths.
- Feels comfortable to walk on and provides excellent drainage.
- Works well with stepping stones or as a base layer under pavers.
2. River Rock / River Pebbles
Rounded, polished stones found in natural riverbeds.
- A popular choice for decorative features like dry creek beds or water gardens.
- Adds a natural look to borders and flower beds.
- Complements earth-toned colors and native Texas plants.
3. Decomposed Granite (DG)
A fine, crushed stone that compacts into a stable surface.
- Great for walkways, patios, and driveways.
- Can be mixed with nutrient-rich topsoil at edges for soft transitions into garden beds.
- Works beautifully as rock ground cover in home improvement and landscape projects.
4. Crushed Stone / Crushed Gravel
Angular and strong, perfect as driveway material or paver base.
- Locks in place when compacted, preventing shifting.
- Durable enough for heavy traffic — truly great for driveways.
- Available in a variety of sizes and colors for both base and top layers.
5. Limestone & Screenings
- Offers a clean, bright tone for decorative garden edges.
- Commonly used beneath paver patios and stone walkways.
- Adds stability and helps prevent sinking or shifting.
6. Bull Rock / Large Boulders
- Big, rounded stones — usually 2″ to 6″ or more.
- Adds dimension and personality to rock projects or retaining walls.
- A versatile landscaping choice for bold borders or drainage channels.
7. Mexican Beach Pebbles
- Smooth, rounded stones with a glossy finish.
- Perfect for modern designs, water features, or decorative pebbles around plants.
- Pairs well with lava rock or darker materials for high contrast.
8. Tejas Black Gravel
- Deep black color with a modern touch.
- Works perfectly around light-colored pavers or as accent stone in decorative landscaping.
- Adds contrast and depth to outdoor spaces.
9. Midnight Gravel
- Almost jet-black color for dramatic effect.
- Popular for modern or minimalist landscapes.
- Great for improvement projects where you want high visual contrast.
10. Native River Gravel (Brown or Brazos)
- Locally sourced natural stone, available in a variety of sizes and colors.
- Blends seamlessly into Texas landscapes, creating a warm and organic feel.
- Gravel is an excellent choice here — it’s affordable, attractive, and long-lasting.
Other Beautiful Decorative Options to Consider
If you want even more creative decorative features, try adding:
- Lava Rock – Lightweight, porous, and rich red color — great for decorative garden accents.
- Marble Chips – Bright white stones that make greenery pop; ideal for elegant landscapes.
- Mulch & Rock Mix – Combining mulch and gravel adds contrast while keeping roots cool.
- Stepping Stones – Pair with pea gravel or river rock for charming pathways.
These materials help create versatile landscaping that works for both modern and natural looks.
Which Type Is Best for Common Landscape Uses?
| Use Case | Best Type(s) | Why It Works |
| Driveway / Heavy Traffic | Crushed Stone, Limestone, Roadbase | Angular pieces interlock, offering strong support. |
| Walkways / Paths | Pea Gravel, Decomposed Granite, River Rock | Smooth to walk on, easy to level, drains well. |
| Garden Beds / Ground Cover | Decorative Gravel, Mexican Beach Pebbles, Tejas Black | Beautiful, low-maintenance, and controls weeds. |
| Accent Features / Dry Creek Beds | River Rock, Bull Rock, Lava Rock | Adds texture and movement for a stunning landscape. |
| Patio Base / Paver Support | Limestone, Screenings, Crushed Stone | Provides stability under material for patios and stone patio builds. |
How to Lay Landscaping Gravel (Step-by-Step)
Want to bring gravel into your landscape? Follow these easy steps for a lasting, polished finish:
- Plan and mark the area you’ll cover.
- Excavate 2–4 inches deep (more for driveways).
- Lay a weed barrier to reduce future maintenance.
- Add a base layer of roadbase or crushed stone and compact it.
- Top it off with 1–3 inches of your chosen decorative gravel.
- Edge it with pavers, rocks, or timber to keep everything in place.
- Rake and smooth for even coverage — and enjoy your new rock ground cover!
This method works for patios, pathways, garden beds, and driveways.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Gravel
When picking from a vast selection of landscape options, consider:
- Size and texture: Smaller stones feel smoother underfoot; larger ones stand out more.
- Color palette: Choose earth-toned colors for a natural vibe or darker tones for contrast.
- Durability: Hard stones like granite and limestone last longer in high-traffic areas.
- Drainage: For wet zones, use porous stones like river rock or pea gravel.
- Budget: Gravel may be more budget-friendly than other materials, especially local native stone.
- Maintenance: A weed barrier keeps upkeep minimal, and decorative rocks rarely need replacing.
Why JBS Express Is Your Best Local Choice in Texas
At JBS Express, we provide everything you need for your next home improvement or landscape project.
✅ Huge variety of sizes and colors — from Tejas Black to Native River Gravel
✅ Reliable delivery across McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Allen, Richardson, Fort Worth, Denton, and Irving
✅ Expert advice for choosing decorative gravel, landscaping stones, or natural stone
✅ Bulk orders welcome for contractors and landscapers
✅ Affordable pricing and local sourcing — making us your excellent choice for all gravel products
We’re not just a supplier — we’re your partner in creating a stunning, low-maintenance, and long-lasting landscape.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best landscaping gravel means finding the right balance of beauty, durability, and function. From pea gravel landscaping and Mexican beach pebbles to lava rock and crushed stone, every type offers something special for your decorative landscaping projects.
If you’re in McKinney, JBS Express is your trusted local expert. We supply, deliver, and guide you through every step of selecting the best landscaping stones, decorative gravel, and natural rock for your yard.
FAQs: Answers to Common Questions
What type of gravel is best for landscaping?
It depends on your project. Pea gravel and decomposed granite work well for paths, while crushed stone or roadbase are better for driveways.
What is the cheapest gravel for landscaping?
Crushed stone, limestone screenings, or native river rock are often the most affordable options. They’re durable, easy to find, and ideal for rock projects.
How to lay landscaping gravel?
Dig the area, add a weed barrier, compact a base layer, spread the gravel, and edge it to keep it neat.
How to do gravel landscaping?
Plan your selection of landscape materials, choose a mix of rocks or gravel, prepare your soil, lay layers, and finish with edging.
Where to buy landscaping gravel?
Shop locally! JBS Express offers top-quality gravel products, decorative rock, and natural stone with delivery across Texas.
Can I mix decorative rock and gravel?
Yes! Blending decorative pebbles and gravel of different sizes and colors adds character and visual flow to garden beds and walkways.
Is gravel good for drainage?
Absolutely. Gravel is an excellent choice since it allows water to flow freely through soil, preventing flooding and erosion.
Ready to upgrade your outdoor space? Let’s make your next home improvement project a success — with the perfect landscaping gravel and decorative rock to bring your vision to life. Contact JBS Express today to shop landscaping materials, get expert help, or request a free quote.
Also Read:
Why Use Them? The 5 Top Benefits of Landscaping Stones
Sustainable Landscaping Rocks: How to Build the Best Eco-Friendly Landscape
Types of Landscaping Stone: What Are the Best for a Yard?