Beach Pebbles
Beach pebbles are smaller, but they can still vary in size. For example, Mexican beach pebbles are bigger than green jade pebbles. For landscaping purposes, this means you’ll need more of the green jade pebbles to cover the same space than what you would need with the beach pebbles.
There are also differences in colors and textures. With shape, beach pebbles are typically roundish to some extent but not always perfectly symmetrical. And while beach pebbles can vary greatly in texture, tone, and color, from snow-white pebbles to gold and gray pebbles, the shape is generally still discernibly round. Some beach pebbles are a bit flatter, but there’s still a round appearance.
Stones
Decorative landscaping stones, on the other hand, can be much larger than what’s common with beach pebbles, although the term “stone” can also be used to describe any decorative stones, rocks, or beach pebbles. If you go by the true definition of stone, it also includes much larger hardscaping features like boulders and slabs. Plus, there’s a bit more variation with the shape of stones than what’s common with beach pebbles. Landscaping stones can be squarish, more jagged, or even flat if we’re talking about stone veneer for backsplashes and accent walls.
Decide What’s Best for Your Landscape
Beach pebbles tend to work well in flower beds, around trees, and in other fairly contained areas. You can still get creative, though, and use beach pebbles for walkways, paths, and other features. Stones, in the true sense of the word, are more suitable for larger areas, retaining walls, and projects that need something flatter—like the stone veneer mentioned above. As you determine what’s best for your landscape, consider factors such as:
• The spaces you have to work with or the ones you want to focus on
• Your preferences with colors and textures
• Other landscape elements in your yard
• What’s going to work well size-wise for each space
Pick and Choose What Appeals to You
A good rule of thumb is to think smaller and rounder with beach pebbles and consider stones to be a reference to any rock-like decorative landscaping features. But we do want to remind you that you’ll have a lot more fun planning your landscape design or update if you don’t pay too much attention to specific terms. Instead, go by what appeals visually to you and what works best for various areas and spaces. For example, you can create dramatic visual contrast by placing black polished pebbles next to white pebbles in a unique pattern. What’s more, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful exteriors, and perhaps some inside spaces, that reflect your personal style and preferences.
No matter what type of landscaping project you’re planning, you can enhance its character and beauty with various colors of stones and beach pebbles. For expert advice on designing your landscape with decorative rocks and beach pebbles, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rocks Stones & Pebbles, a premier landscape rock and supply superstore. We specialize in drought-tolerant landscaping materials, including a variety of colored Mexican beach pebble and river rock. To learn how we can help you create the landscape of your dreams, call us today at (866) 380-0770.
