We had a beautiful lower deck and surrounding stone paver patio installed this summer. Between the patio and the fence was a 28 ft. x 18 inch strip of of Pea Gravel. We wanted a resort type look in the backyard, and decided to put down a White River Stone Rock Garden.

Supplies

Step 1: Waterproofing Finish to 6" X 6" Lumber

I finished the Treated 6" x 6" lumber with 2 coats of a Behr Waterproofing Wood Finish. This is the same finish I used on my fences. Although the label indicates "Clear", it has a nice golden brown hue when dried.

Step 2: Installing 6" X 6" Lumber

The 16 ft. 6" x 6" board and the 12 ft. 6" x 6" board were joined together with the 12" zinc steel braces and deck screws, one on the back side and the other on the bottom. The joined boards were moved in place resting on top of the small retaining wall in front of the fence.

Step 3: Adding Stones

We initially purchased 12 bags of the large smooth river stones. After putting down the first bag we realized that this would not be enough. As these stones are quite expensive, we decided to first lay down cheaper 3/4" White rock, so that you could not see the pea gravel. We purchased 8 bags of this (it was double the quantity in weight for 1/2 the price of the large smooth white stones). We then evenly spread out the bags of large smooth white stones over top.

Step 4: Cast Iron Braces

I originally was going to secure the 6" x 6" lumber down with 10" spikes, however they were not going anywhere and rested firmly on top of the retaining wall stones, so I attached the 6" x 6" lumber to the 6" x 6" Fence Posts with 4 Black Cast Iron Braces that look great and match all the other black hardware in the yard.

Step 5: Install Solar Pathway Lighting

We installed 4 Black Solar Pathway Lights to match all the other black hardware in the yard. It's very relaxing to sit out back at night with our beautiful solar lit white river stone rock garden.