Application guide
Pebbles for Terrace Gardens
On a terrace, every design decision runs into the same constraint: load. Stone is heavy, and a decorative layer that would be unremarkable at ground level can add significant dead load across a slab.
The practical approach is a shallow decorative layer over a properly detailed waterproofing and drainage build-up, with deeper stone limited to defined zones rather than spread over the whole terrace.
Suitable pebble types
- Garden pebbles
- Decorative gravel
- Drainage pebbles
- Grey pebbles
Recommended sizes
10–20 mm for decorative cover; 20–40 mm for drainage layers below planters.
Recommended finish
Natural finish weathers better in exposed rooftop conditions.
Colour selection
Lighter tones reduce heat build-up on exposed terraces; pair with timber decking for contrast.
Quantity considerations
Keep decorative depth to 30–40 mm on slabs unless the structure has been checked for more.
Estimate your requirement
Installation tips
- 1Confirm the slab load allowance with a structural engineer before specifying depth.
- 2Ensure waterproofing and drainage outlets are complete and tested first.
- 3Use a drainage board and geotextile below planted zones.
- 4Keep stone clear of outlets so water can escape.
Maintenance
- Check and clear drainage outlets before the monsoon.
- Rinse in the dry season; terraces collect airborne dust quickly.
Recommended products for terrace gardens
- Garden PebblesEveryday decorative stone sized and selected for residential garden use.
- Decorative GravelSmall graded stone for large areas — economical ground cover with a clean finish.
- Drainage PebblesFree-draining stone for planters, French drains, soakaways and terrace build-ups.
- Grey PebblesA neutral mid-tone that coordinates with almost any paving, render or planting scheme.
Topic hub
Part of our garden and landscaping pebbles guide
Stone types, sizes and depths for garden beds, paths, planters and terrace gardens.
Read the garden and landscaping pebbles hub →Products in this topic
Where it is used
Terrace gardens — frequently asked questions
Planning a terrace gardens project?
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