Stonework • Paradise Landscapes

Common Types of Stone:

Common types of stone used in landscaping are granite, slate, limestone, and sandstone. Stone is a versatile material with its decorative value and functional purpose. Uses of stone include decorative groundcover, flowerbed edging, patios, steps, retaining walls, water features, focal points, and facilitate drainage. The artful use of hardscape materials will enhance plant material and increase property value. Stone will not only beautify your surroundings, but also create a low-maintenance plan. Go to our Design Process

Common hardscape materials and their uses:

•  Pea gravel – Consists of small, pea size rounded stones often used between stepping stones, pathways, and gardens. Pea gravel comes in sizes from 1/8 inch to 5/8 inch in natural colors including white, tan, brown, grey and translucent.
•  Beach pebbles – Beautiful decorative smooth and rounded stone, uniform in color; general sizes are ½ inch to 3 inches in natural colors of white, tan, red, blue, and black, providing an elegant and sophisticated appearance; Many uses include: focal points and accents, line borders of patios and flowerbeds, water features.
•  Decomposed granite – Composed of 3/8 inch or smaller granite aggregates; usually a reddish-tan color creating a natural and rustic appearance, often used as Xeriscape groundcover. Excellent permeable paving material for walkways, patios, and driveways.
•  River rock – A smooth round rock typically 1 inch and larger that comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Popular uses include decorative groundcover, direct drainage through a property, and dry creek beds.
•  Flagstone (aka patio stone) – A flat stone, typically 1 1/2 – 2 inches thick often used for stepping stones, walkways and patios; available in a variety of colors and sizes.
•  Limestone – a hard sedimentary rock, composed mainly of calcium carbonate or dolomite often used as a building material; usually white or light grey in color, but can have shades of yellow and orange. Limestone can be used for pavers, retaining walls, and boulders.
•  Moss rock boulders (small) - A type of sandstone, most often tan to chocolate brown in color that is prized for the different colors of moss and lichens growing on rocks. Flowerbed edging and retaining walls are common uses.
•  Sandstone – A clastic sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized grains of mineral, rock, or organic material. Its most common colors are tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, and white. Sandstone is often used for steps, retaining walls, and accent boulders.
•  White sawed chopped blocks 6” x 6” – Large limestone blocks used in building retaining walls.
•  Pavers – Brick or concrete pavers used for walkways, driveways, and patios. These come in various size, colors, textures, and can be installed in different patterns. Concrete retaining wall blocks are also available.
•  Boulders (large) – A large rock that can add height, texture, and create boundaries. Boulders are used in focal points, retaining walls, and water features.