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Landscaping with river rock can create beautiful outdoor spaces and focal points on your property. Using gravel as a decorative feature for your lawn or property can provide support for your plants and offer a low maintenance way to maintain your green spaces. From creating unique walkways to replacing mulch in flowerbeds, river rocks offer an optimal solution for your landscaping needs.
There are several options when it comes to landscaping with river rocks. Not all gravel is the same, and one common decision is usually between round stone and sharp stone. While there are benefits to both types of stone, the best option will depend on your needs. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between round and sharp stone for your landscaping needs.
Benefits of Round Stone
Using round stone for landscaping projects is very popular. You can choose from a variety of colors and sizes to elevate your outdoor space. Round stone is a great choice for walkways and pathways as well as gardens or edging. There are several benefits to choosing round stone, such as the overall appearance and maintenance of the materials.
Round stone is easier to walk on.
Round stone is exactly what the name describes: round. This stone is the most common choice for walkways or surfaces that will be walked on because it is smooth. You can walk across these stones without hurting your feet. It is also a popular choice for lining pools or flowerbeds because you can easily walk across the surface to get further into your garden or maintain your pool.
Round stone has a cleaner appearance.
Overall, round stone is better in appearance for residential projects. It provides a clean look to all of your outdoor projects. The uniformity of round stone is aesthetically pleasing and the smooth edges provide a beautiful finished project.
Round stone is easier to clean.
Maintaining landscaping features with round stone is much easier than doing so with sharp stone. Round stone is easier to clean and easier to keep track of, so you can save on maintenance costs. For residential areas that will be maintained by the homeowner, this is a great option because it requires less work.
Round stone is better for animals.
Sharp stone can be dangerous for animals, both domestic and wild. Round stones are easier on the feet of animals, so they can comfortably walk across the landscaping features. Your dog can play in the backyard without having a sharp stone puncture their foot. Local wildlife like rabbits can also scurry across your yard without being hurt by the stone. Sharp stones are also very dangerous if they are ingested by animals. They can easily cut the animal’s throat or mouth and do significant harm. Round stone does not have this issue, making it safer for your pets and local wildlife.
Benefits of Sharp Stone
The other option for landscaping river rocks is sharp stone. These stones typically feature jagged edges and unsmooth surfaces. While there are many benefits to using round stone, there are some cases when sharp stone can get the job done. Keep reading to learn more about using sharp stone for your landscaping projects.
Sharp stone is cheaper in bulk.
Sharp stone is a common choice for commercial or construction projects while round stones are more common for residential projects. When purchased in bulk, sharp stones can be much cheaper. However, there is no need for homeowners to purchase river rocks in bulk quantities for home landscaping projects.
Sharp stones lock together.
Another benefit of sharp stones is their ability to lock together. This type of stone locks together better and more tightly than round stones. This feature makes it less like to scatter or come apart in inclement weather.
Conclusion
If you are looking for river rocks for your residential landscaping projects, round stones are the best choice. These rocks are easier to walk on and provide a cleaner appearance for any outdoor project. Sharp stones are cheaper when purchased in bulk, so they make a great choice for commercial or construction projects. Overall, homeowners should stick to smooth stones for their landscaping to get the best result.