What are the Different Types of Edging Stones?

Edging a garden or lawn with stones is a good way to add décor while still keeping the area looking natural. The available variety of edging stones makes it possible to create a unique appearance so that nearly any homeowner can get the look they want for their yard. Some of the most popular kinds of edging stones are river rocks, which are smooth and multicolored. If more angular rocks are preferred, field stones should be considered since they are similar in color to river rocks without being as smooth or small. Slate is another type of stone edging, and it is usually found in slabs of black or gray rock.

As the name indicates, the natural environment of river rocks is usually a stream or river. They are usually smooth due to years of water slowly eroding the edges, and typically display several colors. They can be found in nearly any size or shape, and often look good either spread out or stacked along a garden or lawn. No two river rocks look exactly the same, which is partly why they give off a natural look, in contrast to manmade brick edging or concrete.

Homeowners who prefer more angular edging stones may like field stones, as these are similar to river rocks apart from their smoothness. Though field stones display many of the same earthen colors as river rocks, they are usually larger, and are found in fields rather than rivers. These can also be stacked or spread out, and many even have one flat side so that they can easily balance on the ground when running along a garden or lawn. Many people prefer field stone over cut rock since it offers a more rustic look in general.

Some people enjoy darker rock, which is why slate edging stones may be appealing for landscaping, as this type of rock comes in gray, black, and even a dark shade of blue. Since this type of stone is usually flat, it can be stacked easily, though it can also be scattered along a garden bed for a unique look. Slate pieces range from large to quite small, and the two sizes are often mixed to provide the widest coverage and the most variety. These types of edging stones are known as the best rock to improve drainage and prevent flooding in yards since the range of sizes allows slate pieces to be stuck together.