How to Shop for Landscaping Stone: A Complete Guide

The Bones of Nature: Why Stone?

Bricks come in more shapes, colors, and sizes than any other hardscape material. Unless your landscape already has all the hardscape you need, you'll likely want to add paths, planting beds, retaining walls, or patios. Stone is the premier choice for forming the "skeleton" of your garden—it adds permanent value and beauty. Once the hardscape is in place, planting becomes easier.

Stone costs more upfront and is heavy, but native rock from a local stoneyard can be surprisingly affordable. Unlike wood retaining walls or decks that eventually rot, stone is permanent, making it a smarter long-term investment. If you can hire a contractor, great; if not, start with a small project and learn from books. Enlist handy friends for labor exchange.

Before visiting a stone dealer, know your rough dimensions: length and height for walls or beds, length and width for patios or paths. The dealer will show available rock, calculate tonnage, and offer installation tips.

Download our free rock profile chart with stone types and costs (requires Adobe Acrobat). Download Adobe Acrobat.

Granite

The hardest landscaping stone, granite offers stunning colors, especially when wet. Available in carnelian (reddish gray), charcoal gray, and black and white—all at similar prices. "Granite is a waste byproduct of commercial construction," says David King of Rhino Materials. "It used to be discarded but is now cut to standard sizes and thermally finished." It's harder to work than limestone and pricier to install, but popular in areas like Chicago.

Iowa Limestone

Iowa limestone is a premium limestone known for consistent color and density. All limestones are cut into various sizes and shapes. "The more times a piece is handled at the quarry, the more expensive it becomes," King notes.

Lannon Stone (Wisconsin Limestone)

White-gray Lannon stone is denser than Iowa limestone. These wall blocks are tumbled in a steel drum for a rough, natural look while remaining easy to build with.

Sandstone

Sandstone comes in the widest color range and is softer than limestone, making it very easy to work with. Prices are comparable to limestone.

Stone Shapes and Sizes

Quarried stone is available in a variety of sizes and shapes—almost every stone comes in every shape for a uniform look. Sizes are approximate due to inexact cutting. Common forms include:

• Flagstone (paving stone) – irregular shapes or rectangles for patios and paths.
• Edge – 4×4-inch blocks for lining beds, driveways.
• Wall – 8×8-, 8×6-, or 8×4-inch blocks for retaining walls.
• Step – 6×14- to 8×14-inch blocks, 36–48 inches long, for steps.
• Cube – 20×20-inch blocks for massive walls or informal benches; can be plumbed for fountains.
• Site amenity – rock shaped into benches, arbors, etc.