Smooth, rough, fine, coarse, pebbly or spiky. Texture is a vital tool to help the backyard designer paint a compelling picture with water.

Certain textures have become associated with specific styles. For example, rough boulders complement a natural look, the controlled cragginess of dry-stacked stone conveys a rustic feel and smooth goes with contemporary or Asian.

The right textures perform other functions as well. They emphasize movement, compensate for a lack of color, or enhance other surfaces and forms. Bold textures take the spotlight, while repetitive, fine ones create an ideal, soothing backdrop for something else.

Here, designers and builders show how texture helps achieve their objectives.

BILLY BLAIR

Lead Designer

Derian Quality Pools Inc.

Moorpark, Calif.

GARY NANNINI

Owner

Pool Art by Gary Nannini

Brentwood, Tenn.

RICK DRIEMEYER

Owner

Both Sides of the Door

Oakland, Calif.

SHAWN HESLIN

Senior Landscape Designer

Chux Landscaping Inc.

Pine Brook, N.J.