How gravel sizes are named
Decorative gravel is crushed and then screened, so each size is the stone that passes through a screen of that opening. Half inch gravel is stone up to about half an inch across. One inch gravel runs larger.
1/4 minus
1/4 minus is crushed stone from a quarter inch down to fine dust. The fines fill the gaps, so it packs into a firm surface you can walk on and roll a wheelbarrow across. It is used for paths, as a base and between flagstone.
3/8" and 1/2"
Small gravel that is comfortable underfoot. It works for paths, small beds and filling between pavers or stepping stones, and it gives a fine, even texture up close.
3/4" and 1"
The classic Arizona front yard groundcover. The larger stones sit heavier, so they are less likely to scatter in wind and monsoon rain, and they read clearly from the street.
Rip rap
Rip rap is large, rough rock. It lines washes and drainage channels, slows running water, holds soil in place on slopes and makes a natural looking accent around boulders and dry creek beds.
Which colors come in which sizes
Sizes vary by color. Here is what is listed for each of our gravels.
| Gravel | Sizes |
|---|---|
| Madison Gold Gravel | 1/2", 1/4", 3/4", Rip Rap |
| Apache Brown Gravel | 1/2", 3/4", 3/8" |
| Apache Pink Gravel | 1/2", 1" |
| Arizona Beige Gravel | 1/4 Minus, 1/2", 1" |
| Baja Brown Gravel | 1", 1/2" |
| Charcoal Gravel | 1/2", 1", 1/4 Minus |
| Cinnamon Brown Gravel | 1" |
| Copper Canyon Brown Gravel | 1/2", 1" |
| Desert Mauve Gravel | 1/2", 1" |
| Desert Sunset Gravel | 1/2", 1" |
| Mountain Vista Brown Gravel | 1", 1/2", 3/8", 1/4 Minus |
| Palomino Gold Gravel | 1", 1/2", 3/8", 1/4 Minus |
| Pink Coral Gravel | 1", 1/2", 1/4 Minus |
| Ridge Gray Gravel | 1", 1/2", 3/8", 1/4 Minus |
| Sandy Coral Gravel | 1", 1/2", 3/8", 1/4 Minus |
| Santa Fe Beige Gravel | 1", 1/2", 1/4 Minus |
| Sedona Red Gravel | 1", 1/2", 1/4 Minus |
| Sierra Verde Gravel | 1", 1/2", 1/4 Minus |
| Table Mesa Brown Gravel | 1", 1/2", Rip Rap |
How much to order
Most decorative groundcover goes down two to three inches deep. Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in inches, divide by 12 for cubic feet and by 27 for cubic yards. Give us the area and the depth and we will convert it for the gravel you choose, since different rock weighs different amounts. Our measuring guide has worked examples.
See it wet and dry
Gravel looks darker and richer wet than dry, and different in morning light than at noon. If you can, look at the color at the yard before you order. Browse every color on our decorative gravel page.
