Consider the Source
River rocks are found lying along the bottoms and sides of rivers, and they’ve been shaped by running water over time. Beach pebbles are found in ocean areas where constant exposure to waves from the sea has smoothed the surfaces. You may also find smaller river rocks called pebbles, which are the ones people usually use in their landscaping plans.
Explore Variances in Color
Caribbean and Mexican beach pebbles tend to come in more muted shades, such as grey and white pebbles. To get an idea of these shades, consider how they blend in with the sand on a beach. The lighter shades of these decorative rocks create a muted aesthetic in landscaping designs. River rock and beach pebbles come in more varied colors, such as brown, gold, and black. You may prefer to use these decorative rocks in areas where you want to add contrast or interest. For instance, decorative pebbles often have a marbled look with streaks of white going through dark brown and black surfaces.
Use Size to Your Advantage
River rock is often larger than beach pebbles in general. People might use larger river rocks to create a major focal point in their landscaping. Since they’re bigger, you might line the edges of a water feature with them or use them to create a retaining wall for erosion control. Beach pebbles are smaller. While they tend to move around more, they make the perfect lining for walking paths and decorative rock gardens where you want to have the beach pebbles nestled closely together to create a surface effect. Larger river rocks can also serve this purpose, but they tend to work best when you place them around plants or as ground cover for an outdoor entertainment space.
Choose from Polished or Natural Finishes
Larger river rocks are usually left in their natural state. But beach pebbles sometimes go through a special polishing process that makes them shine. Black polished pebbles create a sleek look in landscapes, and their smooth surface makes them more resistant to stains. You might prefer to use polished beach pebbles as decorative accents in your yard, such as near porches and along pathways. Beach pebbles with a natural finish also provide a beautiful look that blends well with the other features in the design. Either way, you’ll enjoy knowing both river rocks and beach pebbles are durable landscaping materials that last for many years with minimal maintenance.
If you’re looking for a great way to landscape any area of your home, using decorative rocks, stones, or beach pebbles can be an ideal solution. When you’re ready to get started, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rock Stones & Pebbles, a premier provider of river rock, Mexican beach pebble, and a wide variety of decorative stones. To learn how we can help you create the landscape of your dreams, call us today.
