Stones for Decorating

Before You Begin

• There are several things to consider before you begin buying decorative stones for landscaping. First, think about which color would look best next to the color of your house. Also, consider which rocks would work best for the area you will be covering. For instance, smoother, rounder rocks work better for walkways because they feel better underfoot. Some rocks can change the pH of your soil, while others are more porous and offer more drainage, both of which should be considered if the rocks will be used in a garden. Lastly, before you begin landscaping with your decorative stones, clear the area you will be filling of all debris and vegetation, mark off the area, measure the area and spray it with weed killer.

Types

• The types of rocks available will depend somewhat on your region. Brick chips, which are crushed up bricks in a red or brown color, can be used for mulching or as driveway stone. Crushed gravel is a gray color and is generally best for driveways and pathways. Red or black lava rock is a good option for gardens because it is porous and drains well. River rock is smooth, making it comfortable to walk on, but does not pack down well. White marble stones are beautiful for gardens because of the shimmer they give off, but they can change the soil's pH, so use with caution.

Liner

• Liners are a great way to ensure your decorative stones stay in place and do not push down into the soil. However, the best results are achieved by using the proper material. Black plastic has a tendency to block both air and water from reaching underlying soil, and is generally a poor choice. A better alternative to line the area with is landscape fabric, which will also prevent weed growth.

Laying the Stones

• The best way to estimate how much stone you will need to fill your chosen area is to multiply the length and the width to find the square footage, and then multiply the square foot amount by the depth of the stone you intend on using. For instance, if you are filling a 10-by-10-foot area, the square footage would be 100, and if you were going to use a stone with a depth of 1/2 inch, you will be filling 50 square feet.