Smooth Washed Stones, Rounded by Nature
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Varies by region
Other Name(s):
Washed river gravel, river wash gravel, river gravels, washed gravel, wash gravel, river washed gravel, river stone gravel
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. River gravel, also known as washed river gravel, is an economical and hard-wearing decorative aggregate known for it naturally rounded pebbles with no sharp edges. This makes it an excellent choice for footpaths or traffic areas and speaks to its versatility in outdoor design.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about river gravel, a hardscape and construction aggregate. It details the product's specifications, accompanied by photographs, and outlines its benefits, applications, and incompatibilities as a landscaping material. Additionally, this entry serves as a gateway to a wealth of DIY resources, with a list of comparable alternatives, articles offering design inspiration and fundamental principles, and a collection of straightforward, step-by-step instructions for constructing your own hardscaping features.
River Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Natural river stone
Colour
Predominantly brown, with grey, white, plum and buff.
Shape
Rounded
Size Range
10mm-20mm (0.4-0.8")
River washed 10mm gravel, river gravel 10mm, 20mm river gravel, 20mm washed river gravel, 20mm river pebbles
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates, like river gravel, offer a multitude of benefits for garden and landscaping design. They are low maintenance, durable, and provide excellent drainage, making them ideal for various outdoor applications. Their natural appearance blends seamlessly with the environment, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any space. This type of gravel is highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic, making it perfect for use on driveways and walkways.
River wash gravel is prized for its smooth texture and varied colour palette, which adds a natural and elegant touch to any setting. It's particularly effective in creating serene water features and is a safe choice for paths and play areas due to its rounded edges.
Applications
River gravel is exceptionally versatile, lending itself to a myriad of applications. It's commonly used in decorative driveways, pathways, garden borders, and as general ground cover. As a construction aggregate, it's a product that can be used for projects such as pipe bedding, manufacturing, and specialist concrete. Its smooth texture and natural colours make it an excellent choice for water features, creating a serene and natural ambiance.
In the following section, we list many common river gravel uses. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.
Inspiration and Informational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for river gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that washed river gravel may not be suitable for:
- 1Areas with fine plantings: If you have creepers or low-growing plants in your garden gravel can make it harder for these plants to thrive, as it may interfere with their root systems as they try to grow.
- 2Erosion control: On steep slopes or areas with significant inclines, the loose nature of the gravel can make it prone to movement which can be problematic on slopes. A gravel grid should be in place as a minimum.
- 3Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to River Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to river gravel. They may offer you a more suitable variation on the primary colour, a more economical option, or a close substitute for cases where the base material may be unsuitable for the project you are creating, e.g. limestone is not fish-friendly, where slate is.
Name | Colours | Material | Size | Shape | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
buff, white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
grey speckled | Granite | 3-20mm (0.12-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pale yellow | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA | |||
black, white, grey, red | 6-20mm (0.25-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
golden, brown | Flint | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA | ||
white | Marble | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
River gravel are generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to raking and the occasional removal of debris. It is recommended to occasionally power wash the product in order to maintain its original colour and prevent the buildup of algae or moss. Natural quarry materials may also have dust which should be washed off with water during installation. For areas with heavy foot traffic, such as paths or footpaths, replenishing the gravel may be necessary over time to maintain depth and coverage.
For more on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing washed river gravel, consider the size options and quantity necessary for your project. Where available, it is cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone's colour and quality against your design requirements. Also, consider the different sizes; for instance, river gravel 20mm is typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm washed river gravel is better suited to footpaths.
Our gravel calculator will give you a quick and unbiased estimate for your project needs just by taking a few measurements of the space. It is one of the best and easiest ways to order the right amount and helps avoid shortfalls or over-spending. Purchasing a river gravel 20mm bulk bag or ordering in loose loads can offer better value than purchasing in smaller quantities. Therefore, calculating accurately can save both time and money. It is also important to consider the delivery aspects, including vehicle access to the site. Additionally, you should check stock availability and factor in VAT and transportation costs if applicable.
FAQs
What is the difference between clean and washed gravel?
Clean gravel has no dust or fines, while washed gravel is specifically rinsed to remove smaller particles.
What is river washed pebbles?
They are smaller, natural river stones, smoothed by water, typically used in decorative applications and water features.
Is wash gravel good for a driveway?
Yes, for decorative driveways, its smooth texture and durability make it suitable.
What is the difference between river rock and pea gravel?
River rock is larger and more varied in shape, while pea gravel is smaller and more uniform.
