River rock vs crushed stone for landscaping?

River rock and crushed stone serve different landscaping purposes, with crushed stone being more functional for drainage and pathways, while river rock excels in decorative applications. The choice depends on your specific project needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

Crushed stone is the workhorse of New Brunswick landscaping. It's angular pieces lock together, making it ideal for driveways, walkways, and as a base material under patios and retaining walls. In our freeze-thaw climate, this interlocking quality prevents shifting and settling that can damage hardscaping. Crushed stone also provides excellent drainage, which is crucial given our clay-heavy soils in areas like Fredericton and the Saint John River valley. Common sizes include 3/4" clear for driveways, 1/4" screenings for paver bases, and larger 2-3" stone for drainage applications behind retaining walls.

River rock offers smooth, rounded stones that create attractive decorative features but don't compact or interlock like crushed stone. It's perfect for dry creek beds, around water features, or as mulch in garden beds where you want a clean, modern look. However, river rock can shift and migrate, especially on slopes or in high-traffic areas. In coastal New Brunswick, river rock works beautifully in xeriscaped gardens that can handle salt spray and wind.

For New Brunswick conditions, consider these factors: Crushed stone handles our heavy snow loads better since it compacts firmly and doesn't shift under snow removal equipment. River rock can become projectiles during ice storms or high winds common along our coast. Both materials help with drainage, but crushed stone is superior for areas that need structural support.

Cost-wise in the NB market, crushed stone typically runs $25-$40 per ton delivered, while river rock ranges from $35-$65 per ton depending on size and color. River rock's higher cost reflects its decorative nature and sometimes longer transport distances.

Practical applications: Use crushed stone for functional areas like drainage behind retaining walls, under decks, or as a base for sheds. Choose river rock for decorative dry streams, around specimen plants, or in contemporary garden designs. For pathways, crushed stone with fines (like limestone screenings) compacts into a firm walking surface, while river rock creates an unstable, rolling surface.

When to hire a professional: For large installations, proper grading, or areas requiring drainage calculations, a landscaper ensures correct material selection and installation. They can also advise on local aggregate sources and delivery logistics, which vary significantly across New Brunswick's rural areas.

Need help finding a landscaper for your stone project? New Brunswick Landscaping can match you with local professionals who understand our unique Maritime conditions and material requirements.

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