An Explanation of Landscape Aggregates Types and Uses: Crushed Stone, Gravel & More

Every day, new ideas keep popping up for landscaping. Many of them feature landscaping materials that are already popular, while a few make use of quite unpopular materials like landscape aggregate. Using aggregate stone may be a good way for homeowners and landscaping designers in Columbus and Cincinnati to uniquely design their homes.

If you're craving a look that’s equal parts functional and memorable, aggregate materials might be your ideal solution. This guide breaks down the different types and creative ways to use them to transform your landscape from basic to breathtaking.

What Are Aggregates?

Aggregate stone is a mixture of several materials such as crushed stone, recycled concrete, gravel, and other mined minerals. Aggregates have several uses in architecture, including creating beautiful landscapes.

Landscaping aggregates are specially formulated to create stunning effects that will contribute beautifully to the aesthetics of your property.

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Gravel vs. Aggregates: Are They the Same?

Not quite. Gravel is just one type of aggregate — usually smooth, rounded, and often used for decorative fill or walkways. Aggregates, on the other hand, include a broader mix of materials like crushed stone, sand, crushed concrete, and even fill. So while gravel is aggregate, not all aggregates are gravel.

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What Are the Main Types of Aggregates for Landscaping?

There are several types of landscaping aggregates that you can choose from. There are several forms of landscaping aggregates to choose from.

Gravel and Crushed Stone

Best for: Driveways, pathways, drainage solutions, and construction projects requiring stable foundations.

The combination of gravel and any other crushed stone, such as limestone, creates a perfect mix to use as landscaping aggregates. Gravel and stone landscaping is a tried and true method that has been used for years. A benefit of using gravel and stone is that by mixing them, you can create a very unique landscape look. You can also tweak the size of the aggregates depending on where you want to use them or what you want to achieve to best fit your design goals.

Popular types and sizes:

• #57 limestone (¾"): Perfect for driveways and walkways.
• #9 limestone (⅜"): Ideal for decorative borders and creating pathways around flower beds.
• Limestone screenings: Fine material for paver bases and walking paths.
• Pea gravel: Smooth, rounded stones perfect for garden paths and drainage applications.

To avoid over- or under-ordering, make sure to use our gravel calculator to determine exactly how much material you’ll need for your project!

River Rock

Best for: Water features, decorative accents, and erosion control.

Larger rounded stones (1" to 6") add texture and visual interest. River rock works particularly well around downspouts and rain gardens where water flow needs to be slowed and controlled. They also make excellent filler around stepping stones and can help prevent soil displacement during heavy rains.

Decomposed Granite (DG)

Best for: Compactable walkways, patio surfaces, and natural-looking paths.

Decomposed granite, or DG, is finely crushed stone that compacts tightly and works well in drought-tolerant landscapes. It’s ideal for areas where you want a clean look with a soft touch, providing a warm, natural feel. When compacted properly, DG offers stability without sacrificing aesthetics.

Sand

Best for: Between pavers, under artificial turf, and leveling applications.

Sand aggregates are made up of a mix of very fine sandstones. These types of aggregate are best for use in children's playgrounds, recreational facilities, and sports surfaces.

Fill

Best for: Leveling uneven terrain, backfilling around foundations, and creating stable bases for construction projects.

Fill materials include common fill and clean fill, both of which are essential for major landscaping and construction work. Common fill contains a mixed variety of materials and works well for basic grading projects. Clean fill, though pricier, provides a consistent landscaping material perfect for areas where drainage and stability matter most.

Loam

Best for: Soil amendment, improving drainage in heavy clay areas, and creating planting beds with better water retention.

Loam aggregates are often a combination of sand and clay. Most commonly, loam aggregates are used to improve drainage issues in a landscape, and general lawn repair, or they can be mixed with soil for plants that require extra hydration.

When it comes to choosing your landscape aggregate, there may be one type that is more fitting for your project than others. Stone Center has a catalog featuring a wide array of landscaping aggregates in Columbus and Cincinnati that you can explore and choose from.

Why Choose Aggregates for Your Landscaping Project?

Using landscaping aggregate stone in your project can present you with many benefits you may have never thought of before. The 6 most significant benefits of using landscaping aggregates are:

• ‍Easy to create walkways and borders: You can use landscaping aggregates to create durable walkways, driveways, and other kinds of borders on your property. However, aggregates do more than just create borders; they can contribute to your home's beauty when they are carefully selected and filled in properly.‍
• Simple maintenance: Unlike most other landscaping fittings, landscaping aggregates require little or no maintenance after they have been laid out. In fact, you may never need to do anything except manage weed growth and fill out the aggregates if it slightly depletes.‍
• Improves drainage & reduces erosion: You can strategically place sand and/or loam aggregates to decide how you want the water flow of your home to function. Moreover, the interlocking nature of crushed stone creates stable surfaces that resist movement, protecting your landscape investment for years to come.‍
• Affordable pricing: Aggregate stone is perhaps the most affordable landscaping option out there. The prices per ton of aggregates are almost always less expensive than the equivalent of other landscape fittings.‍
• Wide range of sizes and colors: From fine sand mixtures to a mix of large rocks and gravel, aggregates come in several size options you can choose from for your project.‍
• Tough enough for Midwest weather: Unlike organic materials, stone aggregates withstand freeze-thaw cycles without breaking down. They won’t rot or attract pests, making them perfect for durable pathways and features that stay beautiful year-round.

If you appreciate the vision of a lush landscape surrounding your home but are often faced with the challenge of the soil becoming too dry, you can simply fill your garden with a bit of loam aggregate for better water retention. What's more, you can also loosen up your garden soil using fine sand aggregates.

How to Choose the Right Aggregates

Choosing the right landscape aggregate might seem a bit overwhelming or like a huge challenge. The first thing to do is to simply examine the needs and/or issues of your landscape. Consider the following points:

• ‍Purpose: Drainage? Opt for permeable aggregates like crushed rock. Walkways? Choose stable options like decomposed granite. Decoration? Explore colorful gravel or glass.‍
• Size: Choose larger stones for drainage, and smaller for walkways. Try angular for stability, and rounded for smoothness.‍
• Look & feel: Consider color, texture, and how they complement your surroundings and budget. Local availability matters too!‍
• Practicalities: Think maintenance (weeding, dust), safety (avoid sharp edges), and drainage needs.‍
• Climate considerations: Ohio's freeze-thaw cycles demand materials that won't shift or crack when temperatures fluctuate significantly.‍
• Budget planning: Factor in both initial costs and long-term maintenance when comparing aggregate materials to other landscaping options.

When you've answered these questions, you'll have a general idea of the best aggregate stone to use for your project.

How to Landscape with Aggregates: Best Ideas

Still, wondering how to make use of landscape aggregates in your landscape? We have a couple of ideas for you. Note that aggregate stones are an option you can always use as an alternative to several other home enhancement techniques you're already aware of.

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Cover Slopes and Paths

Not only can you use aggregates to outline walkways, but you can also use them as walkways. Consider making the walkway to your front door a path of smooth aggregate stones in a color of your choice. You can also use aggregates for the stairs that lead into your home.

Alternative to Mulch

Stone aggregates offer a low-maintenance alternative to mulch. While mulch breaks down and needs regular replacing, aggregates stay put and require far less upkeep. Try using a fine mix or small stones to neatly frame flower beds, gardens, or your front door.

As a Replacement for Grass

Grass adds to the greenery of a home, but that is only when it is well-tended. If you are not up for the stress associated with the maintenance of grass, you can opt for landscaping aggregates instead.

As a Grout for Unique Contrast

Perhaps you are paving your walkway or outdoor fireplace using some other kind of natural stone. You can use stone aggregates as grouts. They will create a contrast that will not only be beautiful but will most likely be the first of its kind that your house guests will see.

As a Base Material

Creating solid foundations for patios, driveways, and walkways requires the right base material underneath. Crushed stone aggregates provide a stable, well-draining foundation that prevents settling and cracking over time. This hidden layer might not be glamorous, but it's absolutely essential for any landscaping project that needs to last.

As a Rock Border

For extra effects, you can outline rock boulders with landscaping aggregates, which are smaller stones that you use to surround a bigger stone. You can either work with matching or contrasting colors to achieve your desired theme.

As Filling for Gaps

Those awkward spaces between pavers, around stepping stones, or in rock gardens can become beautiful design elements with the right aggregate fill. Fine aggregates settle into these gaps perfectly, creating seamless transitions while allowing proper drainage. The result transforms potentially problematic spaces into polished landscape features.

As Durable Pathway Solutions

Reddit users often recommend crushed gravel with angular edges for durable pathways. Dig a few inches down, tamp the base, and reuse the soil for berms. Avoid rounded pea gravel or river rock, as they shift too much underfoot.

For budget-friendly options, explore the cheapest rock for landscaping.

Find Your Favorite Aggregate Today!

Landscape aggregates are just as great for landscaping as any other natural stone fitting you may know of. What's more, aggregates are long-lasting, easy to maintain, and come with some other benefits that make them versatile.

Are you considering using aggregate stones or any other kind of natural stone in your home? Stone Center is a natural stone supplier in Ohio. Our products cut across different natural stones, and you are sure to find the best fit for your home in no time. Contact our experienced team today to discuss your landscaping project and discover which aggregate materials will work best for your needs!