River Rock vs Gravel: Which Is Best for Your Landscaping Project?
Choosing between river rock and gravel for your landscaping project can significantly impact both aesthetics and functionality. While both materials serve important purposes in outdoor design, understanding their unique characteristics, costs, and best applications will help you make the right choice for your specific needs.
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What is River Rock?
River rock consists of smooth, rounded stones naturally shaped by water erosion over thousands of years. These stones typically range from 1 to 3 inches in diameter and come in various natural colors including white, gray, brown, and mixed earth tones. The smooth, polished appearance makes river rock a popular choice for decorative landscaping applications.
What is Gravel?
Gravel, specifically crushed gravel or crushed stone, consists of angular, mechanically crushed rock fragments. These pieces typically range from 1/4 to 3/4 inch in size and have sharp, irregular edges. The angular shape allows gravel to compact tightly, making it ideal for driveways, bases, and structural applications. Learn more about calculating gravel needs in our crushed stone calculation guide.
Key Differences Comparison
| Feature | River Rock | Crushed Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Smooth, rounded | Angular, irregular |
| Size Range | 1-3 inches | 1/4-3/4 inch |
| Cost per Cubic Yard | $50-$75 | $30-$50 |
| Compaction | Poor - shifts easily | Excellent - locks together |
| Drainage | Excellent | Good |
| Best For | Decorative, drainage, water features | Driveways, bases, pathways |
Best Uses for River Rock
1. Decorative Landscaping
River rock excels in decorative applications where aesthetics are paramount. Use it around trees, in garden beds, or as borders to create visual interest. The smooth, polished appearance adds a natural, upscale look to any landscape design. Apply 2-4 inches depth for decorative coverage.
2. Drainage Systems and French Drains
The larger size and rounded shape of river rock make it ideal for drainage applications. Water flows easily through the spaces between stones, and the smooth surface resists clogging. Use 1-3 inch river rock for French drains and drainage trenches. Calculate your drainage needs with our drainage stone calculator.
3. Water Features and Pond Edges
River rock's natural appearance makes it perfect for water features, pond edges, and dry creek beds. The smooth stones complement water elements beautifully and stay in place better than smaller materials. The rounded surface also prevents algae buildup and is easy to clean.
4. Erosion Control
The weight and size of river rock make it effective for erosion control on slopes and hillsides. It stays in place during heavy rain and provides long-lasting protection for vulnerable areas without the harsh appearance of crushed stone.
Best Uses for Crushed Gravel
1. Driveways and Parking Areas
Crushed gravel is the superior choice for driveways due to its angular shape that locks together when compacted. This creates a stable, durable surface that can support vehicle weight without shifting. Use 4-6 inches depth for residential driveways. Calculate your driveway needs with our driveway calculator.
2. Base Material for Patios and Pavers
Crushed gravel provides an excellent compactable base for patios, pavers, and other hardscaping projects. The angular stones lock together to create a stable foundation that prevents settling and shifting. Use 4-6 inches of compacted gravel as a base layer.
3. Walkways and Garden Paths
Crushed gravel creates functional, affordable walkways that drain well and provide good traction. The smaller size makes it more comfortable to walk on than larger river rock, and it stays in place better. Use 2-3 inches depth for pathways.
4. Shed and Building Foundations
The compacting ability of crushed gravel makes it ideal for shed pads and building foundations. It provides excellent drainage while creating a stable, level base that won't shift over time. Use 4-6 inches of compacted gravel for foundation applications.
Cost Comparison and Budgeting
Understanding the cost differences helps you budget effectively for your project:
Material Costs
- River Rock: $50-$75 per cubic yard (higher cost, decorative appeal)
- Crushed Gravel: $30-$50 per cubic yard (more affordable, functional)
- Delivery: $50-$150 depending on distance and order size
- Installation: $40-$60 per hour for professional installation
For a 200 square foot driveway at 4 inches depth, you'll need approximately 2.47 cubic yards:
- River Rock: $124-$185 plus delivery (not recommended for driveways)
- Crushed Gravel: $74-$124 plus delivery (ideal for driveways)
For accurate ordering and to avoid costly mistakes, read our guide on how to order gravel and avoid overage.
Pros and Cons Comparison
River Rock
Pros:
- ✓ Beautiful, natural appearance
- ✓ Excellent drainage properties
- ✓ Low maintenance requirements
- ✓ Doesn't decompose or break down
- ✓ Perfect for decorative features
- ✓ Smooth surface resists algae
Cons:
- ✗ Higher cost than gravel
- ✗ Poor compaction - shifts easily
- ✗ Not suitable for driveways
- ✗ Uncomfortable to walk on barefoot
- ✗ Can roll away on slopes
Crushed Gravel
Pros:
- ✓ More affordable than river rock
- ✓ Excellent compaction ability
- ✓ Ideal for driveways and bases
- ✓ Stays in place when compacted
- ✓ Good drainage properties
- ✓ Versatile for many applications
Cons:
- ✗ Less decorative appearance
- ✗ Sharp edges can be uncomfortable
- ✗ Dust generation when dry
- ✗ May require periodic replenishment
- ✗ Can track into house on shoes
Installation Tips
For River Rock:
- Prepare the area: Remove vegetation and level the ground
- Install landscape fabric: Prevents weed growth and keeps stones clean
- Add edging: Metal or plastic edging contains the stones and prevents spreading
- Spread river rock: Apply 2-4 inches depth depending on application
- Rake and level: Ensure even distribution for best appearance
For Crushed Gravel:
- Excavate and level: Remove 6-8 inches of soil for driveways
- Compact the base: Use a plate compactor on the soil base
- Add landscape fabric: Optional but helps with weed control
- Spread gravel in layers: Apply 2-3 inch layers and compact each layer
- Final compaction: Compact the final layer thoroughly for stability
Making the Right Choice
Choose river rock when you need:
- Decorative landscaping with visual appeal
- Superior drainage for French drains or wet areas
- Natural appearance for water features
- Erosion control on slopes
- Low-maintenance decorative ground cover
Choose crushed gravel when you need:
- Driveways and parking areas that support vehicles
- Stable base for patios, pavers, or buildings
- Functional walkways and garden paths
- Budget-friendly solutions
- Material that compacts and stays in place
For more specific comparisons, check out our article on pea gravel vs river rock, which covers smaller decorative stone options.
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Use our comprehensive calculator to determine exactly how much river rock or gravel you need for your project, including cost estimates and delivery planning.
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For additional information on landscaping materials and installation, consult these authoritative sources:
- This Old House - All About Gravel - Comprehensive guide to gravel types and applications
- Better Homes & Gardens - Types of Gravel - Expert advice on selecting landscaping materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Both river rock and crushed gravel have distinct advantages for different landscaping applications. River rock excels in decorative features, drainage systems, and water features where aesthetics and water flow are priorities. Crushed gravel is the superior choice for driveways, bases, and functional applications where compaction and stability are essential.
By understanding the key differences in shape, size, cost, and functionality, you can select the right material for your specific project needs. Use our calculators to accurately estimate your material requirements and ensure project success from start to finish.