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Gravel

A Pro’s Guide to Gravel, Aggregate, and Decorative Stone

In the Pacific Northwest, choosing the right ground cover is about more than just looks—it’s about managing our rain and creating durable surfaces. Whether you call it gravel, aggregate, or stone mulch, these non-organic materials are the backbone of a low-maintenance landscape.

Below is our guide to the materials we carry for the Tacoma, North End, and Pearl Street areas.

Our Round Rock Selection

Best for drainage, aesthetics, and barefoot-friendly areas.

Cobble Rock (2"–10")

  • Best For: Creating stunning garden borders, lining dry creek beds, or building decorative rock gardens.

  • Coverage: Because cobble is large, you must stack it deep to hide the ground. A good rule of thumb is to go twice as deep as the stone size. One yard of 4" cobble covers approximately 50–60 sq. ft.

  • Expert Tip: When loading from a stockpile, use a flat shovel rather than a rounded one to get a better scoop.                                                                                                                               

  • Note: The irregular, rounded shapes make this surface difficult and "treacherous" to walk on!

Drain Rock (1 ½")

  • Best For: French drains, drywells, and foundation drainage.

  • Why it Works: This is a clean, washed stone with no "fines" (dust or dirt). The large gaps between the rocks allow for maximum water infiltration.

  • Note: Not recommended for driveways or walking paths as it does not pack down and will "roll" underfoot. 

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  • Pea Gravel (3/8")

  • Best For: Decorative ground cover and pipe bedding.

  • Expert Tip: In trenches, pea gravel is superior because it "flows" and packs around pipes naturally, holding them securely without the sharp edges of crushed rock.

  • Appearance: Clean, washed, and smooth. It is our most popular choice for barefoot-friendly garden paths.

                                          

Washed Sand (C-33)

  • Best For: Lawn leveling, paver underlayment, and soil amendment.

  • Local Feel: Our C-33 sand is a clean, washed material similar to the sand found at Owen’s Beach. It is versatile enough for everything from sandbags to the base layer of a new patio.                                                                                                                

Our Crushed Rock Selection

Best for driveways, parking pads, and high-traffic walkways.

Unlike round rock, crushed material has sharp, jagged edges that allow the stones to "lock" together. This makes it the superior choice for any surface you plan to drive or walk on.

5/8" Minus (Crushed Surface Rock)

  • The "Secret Sauce": The "Minus" means this rock includes "fines" (rock dust). When compacted, these fines act like a natural glue, locking the 5/8" stones into a rock-hard, flat surface.

  • Pro Tip: If you want a driveway that stays put and doesn't "roll" under your tires, this is the PNW standard.                                                                                                       

5/8" Clear (Crushed Drain Rock)

  • Why it's "Clear": This rock has been screened to remove all fines. Because there is no dust to clog the gaps, water runs straight through.

  • The Look: It offers a sharp, modern, industrial look compared to rounded pea gravel and stays in place better on slight inclines.                                                                                 

Quick Comparison: Which Rock Do I Need?

Material Landscape/Decor Drainage Pathway/Driveway
Cobble Rock Yes Yes No
Drain Rock Yes Best for Drains No
Pea Gravel Yes Yes Yes (Paths)
Washed Sand Soil Amendment Yes No (Base Only)
5/8" Minus Yes No Best for Driveways
5/8" Clear Yes Yes Top Dressing

Calculation Guide: How Much Should I Order?

Calculating your quantity is simple. You just need your Length, Width, and Depth.

  1. Calculate Square Footage: Multiply Length × Width.

    • Example: A 38' x 12' RV Parking Pad = 456 sq. ft.

  2. Use the 324 Rule: 1 inch of material covers 324 sq. ft.

  3. The Formula: (Total Sq. Ft. / 324) × Desired Depth in Inches.

    • Example: (456 / 324) = 1.40. Multiply 1.40 × 3" Deep = 4.22 Cubic Yards.

Note on Compaction: We deliver in whole yards, so we recommend ordering 5 yards for the example above. Remember that "5/8 Minus" is delivered loose; once you compact it, the depth will decrease slightly. Always account for 10-15% compaction when ordering crushed rock.

Finish Your Project Right

Before laying your decorative rock border, ensure your plants have the foundation they need. Our Topsoil with Added Compost is a nutrient-rich sandy loam base, perfect for flower beds. Finnish the plantig bed with fine or medium bark, or yard and garden compost. 

Whether you are refreshing a garden bed near Regents Blvd or need a load of 1.5" Drain Rock for a project near Fircrest Golf Club, we know the neighborhood. We understand the tight residential streets and the importance of precise placement for your bulk delivery.

Not sure which rock fits your project? [Contact us today]—we know Tacoma landscapes better than anyone.

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