How To Find The Perfect Rock For Your Project

Selecting the right type of rock for your project is crucial, as it not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also determines the durability and functionality of the end result. Whether you are working on a landscaping project or constructing a driveway, our team at Gravel Deliveries offers a wide range of rock options across Australia, including split rock, granite, gravel, crushed rock, and other aggregate rock. We appreciate that a vast choice of rocks makes it tricky to figure which will be right for your project. 

No panic, our Gravel Deliveries team is here to help with this brief guide on enhancing your project with the best rock selection.

Split Rock

Split rock, which you may also find under the name flagstone or nature stone, is a popular choice for pathways, patios, and outdoor living spaces. It is characterised by its irregular shape and unique texture, making it an ideal option for creating a natural or rustic look and feel. 

When selecting split rock, you may want to consider the colour palette that best compliments your surroundings, as well as the thickness and size variations for a visually appealing layout. 

Split rock can be used in both commercial and residential settings, including: 

• Commercial and civil construction uses: Public parks, landscaping projects, plazas, and outdoor seating areas. 
• Residential uses: Patios, garden borders, pathways, fire pits, and retaining walls. 

 

Sandstone Block

Sandstone block is a versatile and visually appealing rock option that is frequently seen in landscaping and construction projects. Its unique natural texture and colour variations make it a stylish and minimalistic choice for all projects that require a durable and antique look and feel. 

When choosing sandstone blocks, you want to pay close attention to the size of the blocks you need. At Gravel Deliveries, our larger blocks are directly excavator cut, which means you are guaranteed to receive a rock that is uniform in shape and accurate in size. We also provide sawn blocks that are smaller and more easily manoeuvrable. 

Gravel Deliveries bring sandstone blocks to construction sites and homeowners: 

• Commercial and construction uses: Building facades, cladding, landscaping features, retaining walls, public monuments, etc. 
• Residential uses: Retaining walls, fire pits, garden edging, outdoor seating, steps, decorative garden accents, etc. 

Granite

Granite is a hyper versatile rock that offers both stylish and functional benefits. Granite is a durable rock, making it suitable for driveways, walkways, and any other high-traffic areas. 

It comes in a range of colours and texture that can be used as a focal accent to create striking landscapes. When choosing granite, you want to look into the grain pattern and colour to ensure the rock will match your overall project theme. 

Granite is a popular choice in both residential and commercial projects:

• Commercial and construction projects: Parking areas, public courtyards, building exteriors, walkways, and driveways.
• Residential projects: Outdoor steps, garden features, pool surrounds, and home walkways and driveways. 

 

Gravel

Gravel is a must-have for a low-maintenance and cost-effective option. This type of rock is commonly used for driveways and drainage systems. It used to be a popular choice for pathways too, but more and more homeowners are looking into sleek surfaces. Gravel can feel uncomfortable under the feet, especially for individuals wearing light and open shoes and for those who experience balance difficulties. 

However, it is worth noting that gravel comes in various sizes, shapes, and colours, allowing you to customise not only the look but also comfort of your gravelled path. Small sized gravel can be safely used on areas of foot traffic. Always consider the size of the rock to ensure they are fully appropriate for the intended purpose. Larger gravel is best suited for driveways, as it can enhance stability and reduces the risk of tyres sliding on puddles or icy surfaces. 

We recommend gravel for the following projects: 

• Commercial and civil construction projects: Road construction, outdoor parking areas, driveways, landscaping projects, pathways, etc. 
• Residential projects: Decorative features, garden borders, pathways, driveways, and French drains. 

 

Crushed Rock

The clue is in the name. Crushed rock is essentially stone that has been crushed. You can find it sometimes called road base or crushed stone. The manufacturing process requires crushing larger rocks into smaller fragments. 

Crushed rock is not the best choice for a decorative project. Instead, at Gravel Deliveries, we recommend using it as a foundation material for driveways and building foundations. Similarly, if you are constructing a small drivable route to your home, this will be the best material for it, as it is frequently used for road foundations. 

Bear in mind that the size and composition of crushed rock can vary, so it’s important to choose the appropriate grade based on your project requirements. For reference, finer grades are suitable for compacting and creating a solid base. On the other hand, coarser grades work best for drainage and stability projects. 

Crushed rock is central to both residential and commercial projects: 

• Commercial and construction clients: Foundation base for construction, drainage systems, concrete production, and road construction. 
• Homeowners: Driveways, pathways, but also residential foundation base and drainage. 

Aggregate Rock

Aggregate rock refers to a mixture of various rock types, which can typically include crushed rock, gravel, sand, and other materials. You will generally find this rock in concrete production, road construction, and landscaping projects. 

When selecting aggregate rock, consider the specific requirements of your projects, including the desired strength of the concrete or the drainage capabilities for landscaping purposes. 

Typically, this rock is part of construction projects: 

• Commercial and civil construction projects: Road base, concrete production, asphalt production, foundation for landscape design, etc. 
• Residential projects: Used in concrete patios, concrete paths, and concrete driveways, used as foundation for driveways and garden beds. 

 

Gravel Deliveries Tips For Finding the Perfect Rock

We also suggest a clear plan to help you determine the right rock for the success of your project.

1. Determine the project requirements: This step will identify the purpose of your project but also its location and conditions. For example, a project designed for high traffic volume and high weather exposure will require a different choice of rock than a project that focuses solely on achieving a desired aesthetic in an environment where the rock doesn’t have to withstand pressure from traffic or drainage. 
2. Research your local regulations: Never start a project without checking the local regulations and permits, as some areas may have specific requirements or restrictions on the type and size of rock allowed. 
3. Consider longevity and maintenance: Different types of rocks have different durability and maintenance requirements. For example, sock rocks may require regular sealing or maintenance to ensure their longevity as part of a project. 
4. Visualise the end result: We believe that projects designed with an aesthetic purpose, such as garden landscaping for example, can benefit from visualisation software tools and physical sample comparison to ensure you can fully consider the colour, texture, and overall aesthetic appeal of the rock. 
5. Seek professional advice: Lastly, you will need the input of experts in gravel deliveries, such as our team if you still seek professional insights on the delivery and suitability of different rock types for your project. 

 

Our team is only a call away to help you organise your rock delivery and get your project started.