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.
Family owned · Serving Pierce County
Our Round Rock Selection
Best for drainage, aesthetics, and barefoot-friendly areas.
Cobble Rock
- 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.
Drain Rock
- 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.
Pea Gravel
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Calculate Square Footage
Multiply Length × Width.
Use the 324 Rule
1 inch of material covers 324 sq. ft. per cubic yard.
Apply the Formula
(Total Sq. Ft. / 324) × Desired Depth in Inches
Note on Compaction
We deliver in whole yards. "5/8 Minus" is delivered loose; once compacted, depth will decrease. Always account for 10–15% compaction when ordering crushed rock.
Worked Example
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. Finish the planting 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.