Why Houston Homeowners Choose Black Star Gravel
Black Star gravel is the premium choice for Houston homeowners who want a bold, sophisticated look. Made from natural basalt volcanic rock, this 5/8" gravel features a deep, true black color that creates stunning contrast against your landscaping.
Unlike dyed materials, Black Star's natural volcanic origin means the color won't fade in Houston's intense sun. It's incredibly durable and maintains its dramatic appearance year after year.
Popular Uses in Houston
Modern Landscapes
The go-to choice for contemporary homes where bold, clean aesthetics are key design elements.
Decorative Beds
Creates dramatic contrast that makes green plants and colorful flowers truly pop.
Dry Creek Beds
Perfect for decorative drainage features that double as stunning landscape elements.
Fire Pit Surrounds
Heat-resistant volcanic rock is ideal around outdoor fire features and grills.
Xeriscaping
Low-maintenance ground cover for drought-resistant landscaping designs.
Commercial Properties
Popular with upscale commercial properties and HOAs for its premium appearance.
Why Black Star Works in Houston
Fade Resistant
Natural volcanic color won't fade in Houston's intense UV rays
Excellent Drainage
Angular shape allows water to flow through during heavy Houston rains
Weed Suppression
Dense coverage blocks sunlight and prevents weed germination
Permanent Material
Won't decompose like mulch—one-time installation lasts for years
Black Star vs. Pea Gravel: Which Is Right?
| Feature | 5/8" Black Star | 3/8" Pea Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Modern, high-end landscapes | Natural, casual settings |
| Color | Deep black (permanent) | Natural tan/brown mix |
| Texture | Angular, stays in place | Rounded, shifts easily |
| Walking Comfort | Firm underfoot | Softer, shifts more |
| Drainage | Excellent | Excellent |
| Price | $190.00/cubic yard | $80.00/cubic yard |
How Much Black Star Do You Need?
For decorative beds, 2-3 inches of depth is standard. For dry creek beds, use 3-4 inches. Here's a quick guide:
| Area Size | At 2" Depth | Approximate Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft (10×10) | ~0.6 cubic yard | ~0.9 ton |
| 200 sq ft | ~1.2 cubic yards | ~1.7 tons |
| 500 sq ft | ~3 cubic yards | ~4.2 tons |
| 1,000 sq ft | ~6 cubic yards | ~8.4 tons |
Pro Tip: Our material calculator does the math for you. Just enter your project dimensions and we'll tell you exactly how much to order.
Installation Tips for Houston
Best Practices
For the best results with Black Star gravel in Houston:
- Use landscape fabric: Install weed barrier to prevent weeds and keep gravel from sinking into soil
- Add steel edging: Black edging complements the dark gravel and keeps it contained
Black Star's angular shape helps it stay in place better than rounded gravel, but edging is still recommended for a clean look.
Installation Steps
- Clear and level the area, removing any debris
- Install landscape fabric, overlapping seams by 6 inches
- Secure edging around the perimeter
- Spread Black Star evenly to desired depth
- Rake smooth—no compaction needed for decorative applications