Gravel

Choosing the Right Gravel for Your Garden or Driveway

At County Building Supplies, we supply gravel and decorative aggregates for professional landscapers, builders and DIY customers. Whether you're creating a garden path, refreshing a driveway or adding decorative stone to borders, choosing the right gravel size, colour and quantity can make a real difference to the finished project.

10mm vs 20mm Gravel: Which Should You Choose?

One of the most common questions when buying gravel is whether to choose 10mm or 20mm stone. Both have their uses, but the best option depends on the application.

• 10mm gravel: Smaller stones are commonly used for decorative borders, garden paths and suitable drainage applications. They provide a finer appearance but may move more easily under vehicle traffic.
• 20mm gravel: Larger stones are a popular choice for driveways, paths and landscaping. Angular gravel can offer better interlocking than rounded stone, although suitability depends on the material and installation.

County stocks 10mm and 20mm gravel in bulk bags, alongside 10mm gravel in handy bags for smaller projects.

Choosing Decorative Gravel & Chippings

Decorative aggregates can transform the appearance of a garden, driveway or outdoor space. County's range includes several colours and finishes:

• Cotswold Chippings: Light, warm-toned decorative stone that can complement traditional gardens, paths and landscaped areas.
• Forest of Dean: A decorative aggregate option for garden features, borders and suitable landscaping applications.
• Golden Flint: Attractive golden-toned gravel for creating contrast in driveways, pathways and garden borders.
• Plum Slate: Distinctive slate chippings that provide a darker decorative finish for borders, paths and garden features.

When choosing decorative gravel, consider the colour, stone shape, size and intended use. Not every decorative aggregate is suitable for regular vehicle traffic, so check the product specification before using it on a driveway.

Bulk Bags vs Handy Bags

The quantity of gravel you need will influence whether bulk bags or smaller pre-packed bags are the most practical option.

Bulk bags are generally more convenient for larger landscaping projects, such as driveways, substantial pathways and garden renovations. Handy bags are useful for smaller areas, repairs or topping up existing gravel.

Compare the stated bag weight or volume when calculating quantities, as bulk bag contents can vary by product and supplier.

How Much Gravel Do You Need?

To estimate the amount of gravel required, multiply the length of the area by its width and the intended depth, using metres for all measurements.

For example, an area measuring 5m x 4m with a gravel depth of 50mm (0.05m) requires approximately 1m³ of material before allowing for settlement or waste.

The weight required depends on the aggregate's bulk density, which varies by material. Check the product's stated coverage or weight before ordering.

Should You Use a Membrane Under Gravel?

A suitable geotextile membrane can help separate gravel or sub-base materials from the soil beneath, reducing mixing between layers. County stocks Drivetex Non-Woven Driveway Membrane for suitable ground preparation applications.

For driveways, the correct sub-base construction, drainage and membrane specification are important. A membrane is not a substitute for an appropriately designed and compacted sub-base.

Need Advice?

Not sure which gravel or decorative aggregate is right for your project? Visit your local County Building Supplies branch or contact our team for help choosing suitable materials, calculating quantities and checking availability.