Mexican Beach Pebble vs Pea Gravel
Side-by-side comparison of Mexican Beach Pebble and Pea Gravel 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.
Small, rounded stones about 3/8 inch in diameter. Smooth texture and available in natural earth tones. Pea gravel is one of the most popular decorative gravels for residential projects thanks to its comfortable feel underfoot and attractive appearance.
Common Uses
Mexican Beach Pebble
- ✓ Decorative landscaping
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Planters
- ✓ Water features
Pea Gravel
- ✓ Patios
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Playgrounds
- ✓ Drainage
- ✓ Landscaping beds
- ✓ Garden paths
Pros & Cons
Mexican Beach Pebble
- + Very attractive appearance
- + Smooth texture
- + Long-lasting
- + Low dust
- − Expensive
- − Poor traction
- − Can shift easily
Pea Gravel
- + Affordable and widely available
- + Smooth and comfortable underfoot
- + Excellent drainage
- + Attractive natural colors
- + Easy to spread and install
- − Shifts and migrates easily
- − Not ideal for driveways (poor compaction)
- − Requires edging to stay contained
- − Can be tracked indoors
- − Difficult to shovel snow from
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Mexican Beach Pebble | Pea Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $120 – $200 | $25 – $50 |
| Per cubic yard | $150 – $240 | $30 – $60 |
Sizes & Colors
Mexican Beach Pebble
Available in sizes from 1" to 3". Commonly black, charcoal, or dark gray.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel ranges from 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter. It comes in natural earth tones including tan, brown, white, gray, and rust. Some suppliers offer mixed-color blends. The stones are naturally rounded and smooth from water erosion.
Published February 11, 2026
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