In recent times, many of us have found ourselves with more free time than ever before, leading to a newfound appreciation for our outdoor spaces. As spring brings blooming flowers and pleasant weather, it’s the perfect opportunity to tackle some DIY projects and turn your backyard into the oasis you’ve always dreamed of. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to enhance your outdoor space is by incorporating river rocks into your landscaping.
River rocks are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of landscaping features, from creating a base for shrubs to constructing functional drainage systems. One popular use of river rocks is to create pathways with smaller-sized stones. When selecting materials, it’s important to consider the purpose of your project. Crushed stone is ideal for areas that will experience foot or vehicle traffic, while smaller river rocks, ranging from ⅜” pea stones to ¾” stones, are perfect for barefoot-friendly paths. If you have pets, such as dogs or cats, using round stone products can help protect their paws from discomfort or injury. For driveways with heavier traffic, 1-3” river rocks are a great option, and you can add larger stepping stones, like flagstone, to create a decorative path.
To get started, first decide where you want to create your pathway in your front or backyard. Begin by edging and digging a shallow trench where the river rocks will go. This step helps define the path and ensures clean, straight lines. Once you have your delivery of small river rocks, use a wheelbarrow or shovel to distribute them evenly into the trench. For my project, I used 2-4” river rocks, but you can choose smaller 1-2” stones or even different colored lakeside rocks depending on your preference. Spread the rocks evenly to create a smooth, flat surface that’s easy to walk on. Then, place the larger flagstone rocks a few inches apart along the path, staggering them as you go. This will add an authentic, creative touch to your pathway, making it a sophisticated contrast to your grass and gardens. Whether you’re creating a walkway from your front door to your driveway or from your backyard to your patio, river rocks can beautifully enhance the landscaping of your home.
Another DIY project I tackled was building an outdoor fireplace area using Cape Cod River Rocks. To start, I dug a shallow circular area in my yard where I wanted the fire pit to be. I then ordered 4-8” Cape Cod River Rocks and stacked them in a circle to form the fireplace. After creating a solid base, I filled the surrounding area with ¾” Bayside Skimmers, using the same steps as when I created the pathway. To keep the river rocks contained, I used veneer rocks to build a low wall around the area, which also provided a defined space for placing chairs around the fire pit. The result was a cozy, inviting space where I look forward to entertaining friends and family once we’re able to gather again.
Inspired by the results in my backyard, I decided to use river rocks in the flower beds in my front yard. With many shrubs lining the front of my house, I wanted to create a beautiful contrast and a more polished look. The shallow dirt areas around the shrubs were perfect for filling with river rocks, a task I let my kids help with. Not only did the flower beds look neater, but the river rocks also helped reduce weed growth, keeping the garden looking tidy. I was particularly impressed with how well the river rocks complemented the color of my house, and with the variety of color options available, you can easily find the perfect match for your home.
With the extra time many of us have on our hands, there’s no better opportunity to get creative and enhance your outdoor spaces with simple, budget-friendly projects using river rocks. Whether you’re building pathways, designing a fire pit area, or sprucing up your flower beds, river rocks offer endless possibilities for improving the look and feel of your home.
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