Versatile Elegance for Landscapes
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Slate landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Phyllite and schist
Other Name(s):
Black slate, charcoal slate, black slate chips, black garden slate, black garden slate chippings
Overview
Black slate chippings have a sleek appearance synonymous with contemporary elegance, yet they are more than just aesthetically pleasing - they also serve many practical purposes in outdoor design. This encyclopedia page offers a comprehensive understanding of the key specifications, advantages, and multifaceted uses of black slate chippings as a landscaping material and construction aggregate.
This listing also serves as a portal to an array of resources, including a list of 'similar to 'alternatives, articles for inspiration covering fundamental design principles as well as a variety of do-it-yourself instructables for building your own decorative aggregate features.
Black Slate Chippings Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slate | 10-40mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Slate
Colour
Dark grey to black
Shape
Flat, angular
Size Range
10-40mm (0.4-1.6 inches)
Black slate chippings 20mm, black slate 40mm, black slate chippings 40mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Mid
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-friendly
Natural
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like black slate chippings offer numerous benefits in garden and landscaping designs. They are a versatile, low-maintenance option for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces. Black slate chips aid soil moisture retention, prevent weed growth, and provide a natural, elegant finish to gardens and paths.
Specifically, with their dark, sophisticated hue, black slate chippings bring a contemporary edge to garden projects. Their flat, angular shape ensures stable footing and creates an attractive contrast against green foliage and bright flowers. The colour of these chippings remains vivid and striking, especially when wet, making them ideal for water features and fish ponds.
Applications
Black slate chippings are particularly suited for contemporary garden projects, such as rock gardens, ornamental water features, and fish ponds. Their dark, elegant appearance can also enhance the visual appeal of your front garden, be it in raised beds, borders, or as a mulch alternative. Keep in mind the need to wash the chippings before use in fish ponds.
In the following section, we list many common black slate chippings uses, although it is not exhaustive. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.
Inspiration and Informational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for black garden slate chippings include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that charcoal slate chippings are not suitable for:
- 1Decorative borders featuring trees or shrubs that may be vulnerable to extreme heat or require a large amount of water.
- 2Black slate chippings are unsuitable for french drains because there are cheaper options.
- 3Play surfaces
- 4Areas requiring high foot traction.
Similar Alternatives to Black Slate Chippings
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to black slate chips. They may offer you a more suitable variation on the primary colour, a more economical option, or a close substitute for cases where the base material may be unsuitable for the project you are creating, e.g. limestone is not fish-friendly, where slate is.
Name | Colours | Material | Size | Shape | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
charcoal grey | Limestone | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | ||
grey, blue | 10-40mm (0.4-1.6") | flaky, flat | UK, USA, EU | |||
black | 10-50mm (0.4-2") | irregular | UK, USA, EU | |||
dark grey | Basalt | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | irregular | UK, USA, EU | ||
black, grey | Marble | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Black slate chippings are generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to raking and the occasional removal of debris. Occasional power washing is advisable to maintain the original colour and prevent algae or moss buildup. Natural quarry materials also may have dust, which should be hosed off with water at the time of installation. When using for aquariums and ponds, wash prior to use for ensuring safety of aquatic life.
For areas with heavy footfall, such as paths or footpaths, replenishment of chippings may be required over time to maintain depth and coverage. For more on how to clean stone chippings, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing black slate chippings, consider the size and quantity necessary for your project. When purchasing green slate chippings, consider the size and quantity necessary to achieve the right coverage for your project. Slate chippings come available in a range of sizes from mini mulch, ranging from 2-14mm, 20mm, 40mm, 60mm and larger diameter. Also, consider the size you'll need; for instance, black slate chippings 40mm are typically used for driveways and borders, while black slate chippings 20mm or less in diameter are better suited to footpaths. Where available, it is cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone's colour and quality against your design requirements.
Using our gravel calculator to get an unbiased estimate for your project needs is one of the best and easiest ways to get the right amount without the risk of shortfalls or over-spending - all you need is a few measurements of the space. Ordering in bulk bags is often more cost-effective than smaller quantities. When purchasing any landscaping materials, requesting an official notification of information about the delivery times for bulk bag deliveries is also advisable.
FAQs
Can you use slate chippings for drainage?
Slate chippings are effective for drainage purposes due to their permeability and ability to promote water flow. There are many more inexpensive options, making them an expensive but effective choice for drainage systems.
How much will 1 ton of slate cover?
One ton of slate will generally cover an area of around 7 to 9 square meters when applied at a depth of 5 centimeters, providing sufficient coverage for most common applications.
How thick do you lay slate chippings?
Slate chippings are typically laid at a thickness between 2-4 inches, depending on the type of feature, to ensure proper coverage and stability. The minimum thickness provides both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.
Do I need membrane under slate chippings?
Yes, a weed control membrane is recommended to prevent weed growth and ensure stability.
Do slate chippings stop weeds?
Although they may not completely eliminate weed growth, using a membrane significantly reduces it.
Is slate better than gravel?
Slate is as durable and colour-fast as gravel, therefore there is no superior choice for longevity or aesthetics.
How deep should slate chips be?
A depth of 40-50mm (1.6-2 inches) is ideal for adequate coverage.
What are the colours of slate chips?
Slate chips primarily come in shades of blue, purple, green, grey and black.
Does black slate fade?
Black slate maintains its colour well, especially when regularly washed to remove dust and dirt.
