Choosing the right decorative stone can transform the look and feel of your garden. Two of the most popular options are pebbles and cobbles, each offering distinct textures, colours and landscaping benefits. Whether you’re creating a sleek, modern scheme or a more rustic setting, understanding the differences will help you make the best choice.

At Mainland Aggregates, we supply a wide range of decorative pebbles and cobbles in various sizes and colours to suit all garden designs and applications.

What are pebbles?
Pebbles are small, smooth, rounded stones, typically 10–50 mm in size. Their soft texture and compact form make them ideal for:

• Decorative ground cover

• Pathways and borders

• Pond edging and water features

• Zen or minimalist garden designs

Available in natural tones from whites and greys to warm earth colours, pebbles add visual texture and a clean, finished look. Used over a weed membrane, they allow good drainage, help suppress weeds and reduce maintenance.

What are cobbles?
Cobbles are larger than pebbles, usually 50–100 mm or more. Their chunky, rounded shape creates a rugged, substantial appearance, making them perfect for:

• Driveway edging and garden borders

• Dry riverbeds and water features

• Rock gardens and raised beds

• Statement areas or focal points

Thanks to their size and weight, cobbles provide structural impact and are often used in gabion baskets as well as open landscaping. They stay put under foot traffic and in exposed locations, making them ideal for high-use areas.

Key differences at a glance

• Size: Pebbles 10–50 mm; Cobbles 50–100 mm+

• Texture: Pebbles smooth, small and fairly uniform; Cobbles larger, rounded with varied shapes

• Best uses: Pebbles for paths, beds and decorative infill; Cobbles for borders, features and managing water flow

• Look: Pebbles give a refined, polished finish; Cobbles deliver a natural, rustic feel

• Maintenance: Pebbles are easy to spread and light to move; Cobbles are heavier but very stable once laid

Which should you choose?

• Choose pebbles for a tidy, low-profile finish in smaller beds, modern gardens or minimalist spaces.

• Choose cobbles to add contrast, structure and visual interest in larger beds or feature areas.

Many designs benefit from a combination—use pebbles as infill with cobbles as borders or accents.

Find the right decorative stone at Mainland Aggregates
Whatever your style, Mainland Aggregates has the solution. Our selection of decorative pebbles and cobbles is available in bulk bags with fast UK delivery, ideal for both small updates and large landscaping projects. Explore the range today and give your garden the upgrade it deserves.