A lot of stone to choose from
Stone yards carry everything from fine gravel to large boulders, and the right choice depends on the job. Settling the material and the math before you order saves money and extra trips.
Common landscape stone and where it works
A few general roles to start from:
- River rock — a natural fit for drainage beds and downspout areas, and a decorative cover in planting beds.
- Crushed stone — packs tightly, which is why it is widely used for paths and as base material.
- Flagstone — lies flat for walkways and casual patios, with a range of colors and thicknesses.
- Boulders — a single well-placed boulder makes a low-maintenance focal point.
Choosing color and texture
Start with your home’s exterior. Warm siding and brick tend to pair with tan, brown or rust stone; cooler exteriors with gray or blue-gray. Texture matters too: tumbled stone looks softer and more natural, while split-face stone has sharper lines and more shadow. Mixing sizes or textures can add depth, and it always helps to see them together in person.
Do the volume math first
For ground cover and fill, multiply length × width × depth (all in feet) and divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 10 × 10 ft area at 3 inches deep is 25 cubic feet, a little under one cubic yard. Stone size and how it settles affect the real amount, so treat any result as a planning estimate and confirm with the team before ordering.
What to look for in a stone yard
Range and support. Comparing options side by side in one place saves visiting several yards, and knowledgeable staff can talk through what will look right beside your house. Ask about current availability for the specific material you want.
Visit the showroom at 9125 State Route 48 in Dayton, call (937) 885-1948 or email office@patio-supply.com. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.