How to Choose the Right Gravel or Aggregate for Your Landscaping Project

Gravel is one of the most reliable and adaptable materials for garden and landscape projects.

Whether you’re creating a pathway, installing a driveway or freshening up garden beds, the right gravel or aggregate will influence drainage, comfort underfoot and overall appearance. With the right product selection, gravel landscaping can be both practical and visually appealing for years to come.

At Horticultural and Landscape Supplies (HALS), we offer a broad range of gravel and pebbles suited to Tasmanian conditions.

Our Brighton yard is stocked with everything from decorative river pebbles to sturdy blue metal suitable for driveways and construction.

With this in mind, we've created the following guide to help you choose the best option for your next gravel landscaping project.

Key Takeaways

• Gravel selection depends on purpose: pathways, driveways, beds or drainage

• Tasmania offers varied gravel types including river pebbles, blue metal and decorative blends

• Size affects drainage, appearance and comfort

• Decorative blends enhance visual impact

• HALS offers gravel Hobart residents and landscapers rely on

1. Define the purpose of your gravel

Before choosing a product, consider what role it needs to play. Different materials offer different benefits in stability, appearance and water movement. Understanding the purpose helps ensure your gravel landscaping project performs as intended.

• Driveways and parking areas: Dense, angular gravel that compacts well under load

• Pathways: Smaller, finer gravel for smoother walking and good drainage

• Garden beds and borders: Decorative gravel to enhance texture, suppress weeds and retain moisture

• Drainage areas: Coarse, open-graded gravel to divert water away from structures and planting zones

Using gravel deliberately will help you achieve a visually consistent and long-lasting result.

2. Understand common gravel landscaping types

Tasmania offers a range of gravel options with distinct characteristics. From the rugged look of crushed dolerite to the smooth texture of river pebbles, there is a material to suit nearly every style and purpose. These are some of the most common landscape supplies Hobart gardeners work with.

Crushed rock, dust and small aggregate

Useful for creating stable surfaces on paths and driveways. Fines help bind surfaces but limit drainage, so these are best used as a base layer under larger gravel where stability is a priority.

Blue metal

A cost-effective dolerite product suited to drainage, driveways and general landscaping. Its angular structure provides good compaction and long-term durability.

River pebbles

Naturally rounded stones in creams, greys and browns. Their colours appear richer when wet, making them ideal for beds, water features and modern garden design.

Decorative gravels

Specialty stone such as limestone adds visual contrast and texture and can be used to highlight feature areas within the landscape.

Decorative blends

Mixing different gravel types creates distinctive colour blends such as Salamanca Stone or Coastal Pathway. Blends add depth to gravel landscaping and are available in a range of textures and sizes.

Scoria

A lightweight volcanic rock with small pores that retain water. Traditionally used in wicking beds and in places where weight matters, such as rooftops or deck planters. Scoria is sourced from Victoria as it does not occur naturally in Tasmania.

3. Consider size and texture

The size of the stone influences both function and appearance. Larger gravel drains well and is harder to displace, while smaller gravel compacts easily and is comfortable to walk on. The intended use of the area is usually the deciding factor.

Fines and dust: Compact to form a solid base under pavers or slabs. Also used for paths and driveways where a firmer finish is preferred.

10–14 mm: Ideal for paths, rock gardens and decorative areas where a stable, attractive layer is needed.

20 mm and above: Best for driveways and drainage due to improved water movement. Their weight helps keep them in place in windy areas and they can also be used decoratively.

In most gardens, a balance is best: large enough to withstand rainfall and constant use, while still comfortable underfoot.

HALS Checklist: Choosing the right gravel

If you are weighing up a few options, here is a simple way to confirm you are on the right track.

1. Identify the main purpose of the space: driveway, path, drainage or garden feature.

2. Select a gravel type that suits that purpose, such as blue metal for driveways or river pebbles for decorative areas.

3. Pick a size that balances comfort, performance and appearance, usually between 10 mm and 20 mm.

4. Think about colour and texture to make sure the gravel fits your landscape style.

5. Visit our yard to compare your options in person.

A little planning makes gravel landscaping easier, helping ensure your project looks great and performs well over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gravel for driveways in Hobart?

Crushed rock or blue metal performs well thanks to its strength and ability to compact under vehicle traffic.

Can decorative gravel be used in garden beds?

Yes. Decorative gravel enhances texture, suppresses weeds and helps retain soil moisture.

How do I choose the right size gravel?

Choose finer gravel for pathways and garden beds, and larger stones for driveways or drainage.

Is scoria suitable for most projects?

Scoria works well when water retention or weight is important. It is commonly used in older style wicking beds or rooftop plantings.

Where can I see gravel options?

Visit HALS at 45 Crooked Billet Drive, Brighton TAS, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Ready to start your gravel project?

Whether you’re building a new path, installing a driveway or planning a fresh gravel landscaping upgrade, HALS has the product range and knowledge to help.

Explore our pebbels and gravel in Hobart options online or visit our Brighton yard to compare textures and colours in person.

You may also like to browse our mulch range, ideal for moisture retention and weed suppression in surrounding garden areas.