What Are the Different Types of Landscaping Rock?

River Rock

• River rock stones have a smooth, polished finish and often range in color from beige to black. They add a striking complement to lighter exterior and contemporary homes such as stucco and homes with lots of windows and glass. Using all black stones can create a Zen-like effect. Combine with ornamental grasses or foliage in the blue or purple family to create a bed or border at the end of the property or to border a path. Darker colored river rock stones also make a good choice to landscape a waterfall or water garden feature because the stones somewhat camouflage themselves into the base of the water.

Pea Gravel

• If you prefer a very small size rock, pea gravel is a good choice. The stones are not quite the size of a pea but are pea-shaped and typically smaller than gravel. Pea gravel also has a smoother surface, which many people find quite appealing. The stones are usually in a variety of lighter colors as you might expect to find on the shores of a beach. In fact, some call them "beach couples." No matter what name you use to call them, they are a very versatile choice for stones. They are used to landscape borders and small garden areas that don't require much coverage. They also come in handy to set inside the bottom of containers, underneath and around containers set outdoors to provide appropriate draining for potted plants and flowers. Pea gravel is also light enough to use around flowers and foliage planted in the ground.

Lava Rock

• Lava rock is a choice often used to landscape brick homes. The red-colored lava rocks blend in quite well with a traditional brick home. Lava rock also comes in gray and black colors. The stones can help create borders for gardens in front of homes and around the entire circumference of the home. Lava rock is porous and some homeowners find it a good choice to use near downspouts and around slopes created for drainage. If you use lava rock around a sidewalk, you should also use an edging material to keep the rocks in place and prevent them from being moved by wind or rain.

Boulders

• Boulders make a big statement in landscaping. They create a visual "anchor" to define the landscape area and design concept. Office parks often use them as a landmark to navigate customers and visitors. For home landscaping purposes, scale is important. A boulder may be an obtrusive choice for a smaller lot and overshadow flowers and foliage, but a boulder can make a dramatic statement and central design element for a large property lot with acreage or a residence that sits on a corner. You could continue with a total rock garden concept and incorporate a variety of landscaping rocks. In warm regions such as the Southwest, you can use a boulder in the front or backyard. The design can include cactus plants, other succulents and garden ornaments such as an urn or outdoor fire pit.