How to Choose the Right Decorative Stone for Your Garden Project
- Cat Lund
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
Whether you’re sprucing up your front path, adding interest to a flower bed, or planning a low-maintenance outdoor space, decorative stone is one of the most versatile landscaping materials you can use.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your project?
At Stones2Homes, we supply high-quality decorative stone in bulk near Selby and across the surrounding areas, helping homeowners, landscapers, and builders create great-looking outdoor spaces that last.
Here’s what to consider before placing your order.
1. Think About Function First
Different types of stone serve different purposes. If you’re building a driveway or an area with regular foot traffic, you’ll need a more hardwearing option like 20mm gravel or crushed limestone. These offer good drainage and stay in place better than finer materials.
For decorative flower borders, alpine gardens or around water features, lighter options like Cotswold chippings, slate, or golden gravel are ideal. They add texture and colour without compacting the soil beneath.
2. Match the Style to Your Space
Stone colour makes a huge impact. For a clean, modern look, try grey or black basalt. These tones complement contemporary paving and garden furniture beautifully. For something more traditional or cottage-style, Cotswold buff, golden flint or multi-colour chippings like Blossom work well with red brick, timber, and natural planting.
Don’t forget that the stone will look different when wet – slate, in particular, deepens dramatically in colour after rainfall, so it’s worth checking samples if appearance matters.
3. Size Matters
Decorative stone is usually sold by size – most often 10mm or 20mm. Smaller stones are ideal for topping plant pots or narrow borders, while 20mm is better for paths and driveways. Using larger stones in high-traffic areas helps prevent them being displaced too easily.
If you’re using a weed membrane underneath (which we always recommend), a stone depth of at least 40mm will help keep it fully covered.
4. Order in Bulk to Save Time and Money
For bigger projects, ordering decorative stone in bulk near you is a smart choice. Bulk bags typically cover around 10–12m² at 50mm depth, making them a cost-effective option compared to buying smaller pre-packed bags from DIY stores.
At Stones2Homes, we offer reliable local delivery across Selby, York, Goole, and the wider region – so whether you're redoing a driveway or refreshing your garden beds, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our delivery FAQ here.
Need help deciding?
We’re happy to offer guidance on the best type and amount of stone for your job – and our online calculator makes it easy to work out what you need before ordering. If you’re looking for quality decorative stone in bulk near you, we’re here to help you get the job done right.
