Decorative Aggregates

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Where Can You Use Our Decorative Stones?

Our decorative stones are incredibly versatile – they work just as well for practical surfaces as they do for finishing touches around the garden. Here are just a few of the ways our decorative aggregates are used:

Why Choose Our Decorative Gravels & Stones?

From pebbles to cobbles, our decorative aggregates are a firm favourite amongst our customers. Here’s why:

What Sizes Do You Stock Decorative Aggregates In?

The majority of our decorative aggregates and gravels are stocked in either Jumbo Bags or Handy Bags, giving you more flexibility to suit your project needs. However, the exact sizing depends on the type of garden aggregates you’re looking for – for example, a Jumbo Bag of our Black Basalt will cover approximately 10 to 12m² at a depth of 50mm.

To help you work out the likely amount of gravel or other decorative aggregates needed for your project, please use our Gravel Calculator below. Alternatively, give us a call on 01865 300252, and we’ll be happy to help.

Minster CalculatorGravel Calculator

While you can put gravel directly on soil, it’s not something that we advise. Instead, we suggest using a weed membrane that will help keep your gravel clean, stop weeds from growing through, and stabilise your gravel to prevent it from sinking into the soil.

If you’ve properly prepared the area (including levelling and compacting the soil), this will also help to maintain a level path or border for your garden or driveway.

For driveways, 10–20mm angular gravel or chippings is ideal, as the angular shape helps the stones lock together for a firm, stable surface that resists movement under vehicle weight. Smaller sizes, like 6mm, can compact too tightly and hinder drainage, while larger stones (over 20mm) may scatter easily or feel uneven to drive on.

“Aggregate” is the broad term for crushed stone, rock fragments, and sand used in construction and landscaping. Gravel usually refers to naturally rounded, worn stones, while crushed aggregate is mechanically broken rock with sharper, angular faces – both are types of aggregate but behave and look different in use.

Yes – loose-lay decorative aggregates are naturally permeable and can improve surface drainage when laid over a suitable sub-base. Many installations using the right stone (and correct depth) can form part of a SUDS-friendly solution to reduce runoff; note that using an impermeable membrane under the stone will restrict drainage.

  1. Prepare the Area: Remove vegetation, level the ground, and install permanent edging.
  2. Create a Sub-Base (for Driveways & Paths): Lay and compact a crushed stone sub-base (e.g. approx 150mm of MOT Type 1), then compact firmly.
  3. Add a Separation Layer (Optional): Lay a geotextile membrane if you need weed control while still wanting some permeability.
  4. Spread the Aggregates: Evenly rake the decorative stone to the required depth (typically around 50–75mm for driveways and paths, and less for borders/patios).
  5. Compact & Finish: Lightly compact if needed, tidy edges, and add extra stone where needed. Avoid over-compacting delicate pebbles.