Every stone in this guide behaves differently underfoot, drains differently, and suits different gardens. Here's what we actually recommend, and why.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Job | Recommended Gravel | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Native garden bed / mulch replacement | Cracked Pea Gravel | Won't roll, suppresses weeds, doesn't break down |
| Feature bed / water feature surround | Rainbow Stone | Decorative colour, catches light |
| Driveway surface | Blue Metal 20mm | Compacts and locks together, hardwearing |
| Drainage behind retaining walls | Blue Metal 10–20mm | Angular, allows water through, doesn't clog |
| Base under synthetic turf or paving | Crusher Dust | Compacts to a firm, level surface |
| Budget garden bed | Crushed Brick | Lower cost, still water-saving |
| Garden wall / feature boulders | Toodyay Stone | Locally quarried, natural WA stone |
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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