Garden Gravel FAQs
What is garden gravel?
Garden gravel refers to the stones or rocks typically used in gardening and landscaping projects. You can purchase tiny pebbles or larger stones, depending on your preference, and they are commonly made from materials like granite, quartz or limestone.
Garden gravel can serve practical and aesthetic purposes, like creating pathways, defining garden borders or adding a decorative accent. It’s an excellent, low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass lawns because it requires minimal upkeep.
What are the benefits of using gravel in the garden?
As a ground cover, garden gravel can help prevent weeds from growing by blocking out sunlight and suppressing growth. It is also excellent for improving drainage in your garden by allowing water to pass through easily. The gravel prevents pooling and can stop your plants from becoming damaged.
Garden gravel is a durable material that can easily withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions. Unlike grass or mulch, gravel is ideal for high-traffic or erosion-prone areas.
Which kinds of gravel and decorative stones do you stock?
Our Decorative Aggregates range includes various products, ranging from gravel to slate and marble to pebbles.
Adding aggregate or garden gravel can transform any path, drive or pond whilst increasing your property’s value.
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
First, measure the length and width of the area that requires gravelling. If you measure in metres, multiply the width and length. Then, taking the number you just calculated, multiply this by the area’s depth, and you will receive the required cubic metres of garden gravel.
We recommend going for a depth of around 50-60mm for a driveway and around 40mm for pathways, so you receive suitable coverage without laying the gravel too thick.
What bag sizes do you stock?
We stock slate, pebbles, marble and garden gravel in 20kg or 25kg bags or bulk bags that contain no less than 850kg and no more than 950kg.
What area will 1 tonne of gravel cover?
Depending on your depth, but as a rule of thumb our bulk bags cover 10m² and please do remember it does vary on the depth of the gravel or aggregate used.
What area will a 20kg bag of gravel cover?
Depending on your depth, but as a rule of thumb our 20kg bags cover 0.5m² and please do remember it does vary on the depth of the gravel or aggregate used.
How much gravel will 850kg of gravel cover?
At a 3cm depth, our bulk bags will cover 10m².
What area will a bulk bag of 20mm gravel cover?
Based on our 20mm gravel, 1 bulk bag will cover approximately 10m², this will vary on the depth.
How do I install garden gravel and pebbles?
Installing garden gravel and pebbles is a fairly simple process.
First, you should prepare the area: remove any plants, debris or rocks and dispose of them safely. Level the ground by removing high spots and filling in low spots. You can also add a weed barrier or landscape fabric to prevent weeds from growing through the gravel.
Then, make sure to choose the right size pebble or slate. Small gravel and pebbles work well for pathways and areas with light foot traffic, while larger stones are better for decorative features or areas with heavy foot traffic.
Spread a base layer of gravel or crushed stone around 2-3 inches thick. Then, spread a 1-inch thick layer of your garden gravel on top.
How do I maintain garden gravel?
Maintaining garden gravel requires very little equipment.
To create a smooth and level surface, you should use a rake or a broom, followed by a compactor or tamper, to prevent the stones from shifting or moving over time.
Periodically rake the gravel and pebbles' surface to keep them neat and even. You may also need to add additional stones over time as they become displaced or erode. Weeds can still grow in garden gravel, so pulling them as soon as you notice them is important. Pull out the entire root to prevent the weed from regrowing!
Gardens with poor drainage can become muddy or difficult to maintain. That’s why you should address drainage issues by adding pipes or creating a slope to allow water to flow away from the area.
Is gravel good for landscaping in the garden?
Yes, gravel is an excellent, low-maintenance landscaping material. It’s permeable, which allows for water drainage, comes in many shapes, sizes and designs and requires less upkeep than traditional lawn or garden beds.
What bag sizes do you stock?
We stock slate, pebbles, marble and garden gravel in 20kg or 25kg bags or bulk bags that contain no less than 850kg and no more than 950kg.
