Mexican Beach Pebble vs River Rock
Side-by-side comparison of Mexican Beach Pebble and River Rock to help you choose the right gravel for your project.
Overview
Mexican beach pebbles are smooth, naturally tumbled stones commonly used in modern and decorative landscaping. They are prized for their uniform shape, rich color, and polished appearance.
Naturally rounded stones smoothed by water erosion. Available in sizes from 1 to 5+ inches. River rock adds a polished, natural look to any landscape and is prized for its smooth texture and visual appeal.
Common Uses
Mexican Beach Pebble
- ✓ Decorative landscaping
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Planters
- ✓ Water features
River Rock
- ✓ Landscaping
- ✓ Dry creek beds
- ✓ Drainage
- ✓ Decorative borders
- ✓ Erosion control
- ✓ Pond and water features
Pros & Cons
Mexican Beach Pebble
- + Very attractive appearance
- + Smooth texture
- + Long-lasting
- + Low dust
- − Expensive
- − Poor traction
- − Can shift easily
River Rock
- + Beautiful, natural appearance
- + Extremely durable and long-lasting
- + Heavy enough to resist displacement
- + No sharp edges
- + Low maintenance
- − More expensive than crushed stone
- − Heavy and difficult to move
- − Not suitable for walking surfaces
- − Cannot be compacted
- − Limited use for structural applications
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Mexican Beach Pebble | River Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $120 – $200 | $40 – $100 |
| Per cubic yard | $150 – $240 | $45 – $120 |
Sizes & Colors
Mexican Beach Pebble
Available in sizes from 1" to 3". Commonly black, charcoal, or dark gray.
River Rock
River rock comes in a wide range of sizes: small (1"–2"), medium (2"–3"), large (3"–5"), and boulders (5"+). Natural colors include gray, brown, tan, white, black, and multi-colored blends. Mexican beach pebbles offer polished black and gray options.
Published February 11, 2026
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