Rainbow Rock

Rainbow rock is not a single quarry product, it is a blend, and that changes how you should shop for it. Most suppliers combine multiple rounded river stone sources, each contributing a different mineral tone, tans and golds from one deposit, reds and grays from another, so the final mix reflects whatever stone was on hand when it was blended. This means color ratios can shift subtly load to load, especially at the boundary between one delivery and the next. If your project spans multiple loads, order a bit extra up front rather than topping off later, since a second batch may lean warmer or cooler than the first. Sizing is graded separately from color, typically split into a fine crush around 3/8 inch and a coarser round fraction up to 1.5 or 2 inches. Ask your supplier whether their rainbow rock is a fixed blend or assembled per order, since that affects how consistent repeat deliveries will be.

Start by clearing the area of vegetation and debris, then grade the soil so water drains away from structures. Lay a woven or non-woven landscape fabric across the full bed, since skipping it lets the rock sink into soil and lets weeds grow up through the gaps within a couple seasons. Spread rainbow rock to about 2 inches deep for decorative beds, using a rake to distribute the color mix evenly rather than letting heavier stones settle to one edge of the pile. For walkways, compact a gravel base first, since the rounded stone itself will not lock into a firm surface. Keep the rock a few inches back from wood siding, stucco, or foundation walls to avoid trapping moisture against the structure. In beds under trees, expect leaf litter to collect on the surface and require occasional blowing or raking to keep the color visible.

Compared with river rock (single color). Single-color river rock, like a solid black, gray, or tan stone, shares rainbow rock's rounded shape and drainage but gives a uniform, modern look. Rainbow rock trades that uniformity for blended earth tones and visible texture, which suits rustic or naturalistic designs better than clean, minimalist ones.

Compared with pea gravel. Pea gravel is a single small, uniform size in a narrow tan or gray range, priced for budget-friendly uniform coverage. Rainbow rock spans a wider size range and is sold specifically for its multicolor variation, so choose it when visual interest matters more than a flat, consistent look.

How much rainbow rock do I need. Measure your area in square feet and multiply by your planned depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. At the standard 2 inch bed depth, expect 70 to 120 sq ft of coverage per cubic yard, with smaller 3/8 inch stone covering more area than larger 1.5 inch stone at the same depth. Order a little extra, since color blends can shift slightly between separate loads.

How it is sold and delivered. Rainbow rock is typically sold by the cubic yard or by the ton, with density running about 1.3 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard depending on stone size and roundness. Bulk orders are delivered loose by the truckload for dumping on a driveway or staging area, so plan access for a delivery truck and a spot that will not block drainage or foot traffic during unloading.