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Perth Hills Landscaping

Gravel & Stone Guide

Every stone in this guide behaves differently underfoot, drains differently, and suits different gardens. Here's what we actually recommend, and why.

Why this matters: Choosing gravel by colour alone is the most common mistake we see. Round pea gravel migrates and rolls underfoot, some products fade in WA sun, and drainage-grade blue metal is a poor choice for a garden bed. We'll always confirm the right product for your specific spot before we quote.
Cracked pea gravel
Most Popular — Native Gardens

Cracked Pea Gravel

An angular, crushed red-brown gravel that locks together underfoot instead of rolling like traditional round pea gravel. Because it's crushed rather than naturally rounded, it packs down firmer and stays put on slopes and pathways — a big advantage on the sloped blocks common through the Perth Hills.

Pairs beautifully with native planting and works as a genuine mulch alternative: it won't break down, suppresses weeds once laid over geofabric, and lets water through to the soil.

Size: 12mm–18mm Colour: Red-brown Depth: 50–100mm
Blue metal gravel
Structural — Drainage & Driveways

Blue Metal

A hard, angular crushed rock (basalt, dolerite, or granite depending on the quarry) ranging from blue-grey to charcoal. It's the workhorse of the gravel world — the smaller sizes handle drainage and pipe bedding, while 20mm is the go-to for driveways and behind retaining walls.

Also gives a clean, contemporary grey finish for homeowners after a modern look rather than an earthy one.

Size: 5mm–20mm Colour: Blue-grey to charcoal Best for: Drainage, driveways
Rainbow stone gravel
Decorative — Feature Beds

Rainbow Stone

A multi-coloured white quartz gravel that catches light beautifully in garden beds, around water features, and in exposed aggregate work. It's genuinely decorative rather than functional — this is the product we reach for when a client wants a feature bed to stand out.

Like cracked pea gravel, it should always go down over a weed mat so it stays clean and doesn't disappear into the sand underneath over time.

Size: ~20mm Colour: Multi-tone white/quartz Best for: Feature beds, water features
Crushed brick gravel
Budget-Friendly — Mulch Alternative

Crushed Brick

Recycled crushed brick gives a warm terracotta tone at a lower price point than natural stone. It works as a water-saving mulch layer or a rustic decorative finish, and its recycled origin appeals to clients after a lower-impact material.

Colour: Terracotta red Best for: Budget mulch beds
Crusher dust gravel
Compactable — Paths & Driveways

Crusher Dust (Blue Metal Dust)

The fine by-product of crushing blue metal, screened to under 2mm. It compacts hard and smooth, which makes it the standard base layer under artificial turf and paving — not a decorative topper in its own right, but essential prep work for a driveway or synthetic lawn that won't rut or shift.

Size: <2mm Best for: Base layer under turf/paving
River pebbles
Natural — Rural & Semi-Rural

River Pebbles & Toodyay Stone

Smooth, rounded river stone brings a natural, softer look to borders and water features, while WA-quarried Toodyay stone is the classic choice for garden walls, paths, and feature boulders. Both are stone rather than gravel — priced and supplied differently, but often used alongside a gravel bed to anchor a design.

Best for: Feature walls, borders, water features

Quick Reference: Which Gravel for Which Job?

JobRecommended GravelWhy
Native garden bed / mulch replacementCracked Pea GravelWon't roll, suppresses weeds, doesn't break down
Feature bed / water feature surroundRainbow StoneDecorative colour, catches light
Driveway surfaceBlue Metal 20mmCompacts and locks together, hardwearing
Drainage behind retaining wallsBlue Metal 10–20mmAngular, allows water through, doesn't clog
Base under synthetic turf or pavingCrusher DustCompacts to a firm, level surface
Budget garden bedCrushed BrickLower cost, still water-saving
Garden wall / feature bouldersToodyay StoneLocally quarried, natural WA stone

Not sure which gravel suits your garden?

We'll walk your block, factor in drainage, slope, and the look you're after, and recommend the right product before we quote — not after.

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