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Gravel is one of the most versatile landscape materials you can buy. Whether you’re building a driveway, lining a garden bed, or creating a decorative path, gravel comes in many shapes, sizes, and textures to suit your needs. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for your project?
At Yard Works, we deliver a wide variety of gravel products straight to your home or job site across the Richmond area. Let’s break down some of our most popular gravel types and explore which ones work best for specific use cases.
For Driveways and Vehicle Traffic: Crush and Run (½” Gray)
If you’re building a new driveway or parking pad or refreshing one that’s been worn down over time Crush and Run (½” Gray) is your go-to gravel. This stone-and-dust mix compacts tightly to form a solid, stable surface under vehicle weight. The jagged edges help lock the material together, making it one of the best choices for:
- Driveway bases
- Parking areas
- Under concrete or pavers
Once compacted, it resists movement and creates excellent drainage, reducing the chances of washouts or ruts over time.
For Decorative Beds and Paths: ⅝” Cobble Creek Gravel
Want something that adds curb appeal without being too flashy? Cobble Creek Gravel (⅝” size) offers smooth, rounded stones in a natural mix of tans, browns, and grays—perfect for complementing any landscaping design. It’s an ideal choice when aesthetics matter just as much as functionality.
Use Cobble Creek for:
- Garden bed borders
- Decorative walkways
- Mulch alternatives in planting beds
The smooth texture also makes it more comfortable for walking, making it a good option for areas with foot traffic.
For Drainage and Foundations: #5 Clean Stone (1” Gray)
When it comes to projects that need strong support and excellent drainage, #5 Clean Stone (1” Gray) is the professional’s choice. This crushed stone has angular edges and no dust or fines, making it ideal for structural bedding and water flow. It locks together well for a stable base and allows water to drain through quickly.
Best uses include:
- Under pavers and patios
- French drains and drainage trenches
- Pipe bedding
- Foundation backfill
It’s the go-to gravel for any application where you need clean compaction and dependable drainage performance.
For Soft, Natural-Looking Spaces: Pea Gravel (¼–½”)
Pea Gravel (¼–½” Cobble) is one of the most loved gravels for homeowners—and with good reason. These small, rounded stones come in a soft, natural tan palette and have a smooth texture underfoot. They’re perfect when you want a casual, clean look in your outdoor spaces.
Recommended uses include:
- Playground areas
- Dog runs
- Fire pit zones
- Walkways and patios where barefoot traffic is expected
Keep in mind that pea gravel can shift more than angular stone, so it works best in contained spaces with borders.
For a Bold, Contemporary Look: Slate Chips
If you’re going for a modern, striking landscape, Slate Chips bring a cool, dark gray tone that sets them apart from more traditional gravels. Their flat, angular pieces give texture and visual interest to your landscape beds.
Slate Chips are perfect for:
- Top dressing flower beds
- Accents around trees and shrubs
- Modern-style walkways or patios
They also help with weed suppression and moisture retention in garden beds while adding a sleek finish.
Not Sure? Let Yard Works Help
Choosing the right gravel depends on what you’re building and how you want it to look and feel. At Yard Works, we don’t just deliver gravel. We help homeowners and contractors pick the right material for every project. Whether you’re paving, decorating, or improving drainage, we’ve got the right gravel for the job.
Need a hand figuring out your order? Contact us today, and we’ll help you choose the gravel that fits your needs—and we’ll bring it right to your door.
