A Must-Have for Sleek, Modern Gardens
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Black chippings, black stone chippings, black granite chippings, basalt chippings, black marble chippings
Overview
This encyclopaedia listing is dedicated to offering comprehensive insights into the specifications, advantages, and various applications of black basalt chippings. Also known as black stone chippings, they are renowned for their distinctive appearance, with a striking black colour that becomes more pronounced when wet.
Within this page, you will find links to additional resources that delve into design fundamentals, inspirational ideas, and instructables for a multitude of projects where black chippings can transform your garden into a contemporary outdoor space with ease.
Black Basalt Chippings Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 10mm - 20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Basalt or granite
Colour
Dark grey when dry and black when wet
Shape
Angular
Size Range
20mm black basalt, 20mm black granite chippings, black chippings 20mm, black basalt 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play areas
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-Friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Whether they are black granite stone chips, or black basalt chippings, both offer a plethora of benefits for garden and landscaping architectural styles. They are a versatile product that provide low-maintenance solutions for garden areas while contributing to the control of weeds. The use of aggregates can also aid in water conservation by reducing evaporation from the soil.
Black chippings provide a stunning contrast against green foliage, borders and colourful flowers, for a modern and sophisticated look. Their durability and the ease with which they can be installed make them popular for both functional and decorative purposes.
Applications
Also known as black basalt 20mm chippings, black chippings are popular because they are a durable and natural solution for weed suppression and drainage. Their shape offers good compaction, making them stable underfoot and therefore excellent for use in decorative landscaping on driveways and paths. Moreover, they are great for creating monochrome garden designs, when used in concert with white or light grey coloured decorative aggregates. When they are used for the following applications, most of the above benefits apply.
In the next section, we enumerate numerous popular uses for black stone chippings, though this list is not exhaustive. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.
Informational & Inspirational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for black stone chippings include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that black chippings are not suitable for:
- 1Black chippings are unsuitable for french drains because there are cheaper alternatives
- 2Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to Black Basalt Chippings
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to black basalt chippings but offer unique variations on the primary colour, offer more economical options or substitute where they may not be optimal for the project you are creating.
Name | Colours | Material | Size | Shape | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ebony black pebbles | charcoal grey | basalt | 10-30mm (0.4-1.2") | rounded | UK, USA | |
black | 10-40mm (0.4-1.6") | flaky, flat | UK, USA, EU | |||
black | 10-50mm (0.4-2") | irregular | UK, USA, EU | |||
dark grey | limestone | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | 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 stone chippings are generally low maintenance, especially when a weed membrane is installed underneath, with most work limited to the occasional removal of debris. To maintain the original colour and prevent algae or moss buildup, occasional power washing is advisable. Natural quarry materials also may have dust, which should be hosed off with water at the time of installation.
For more on how to clean stone chippings, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When considering the purchase of black chippings, it is essential to assess the quality and size of the stones when considering the specific requirements of your project. For instance, 20mm black basalt chippings are typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm chippings are better suited to footpaths. However, the size can vary between 10mm and 20mm due to the mechanical screening process.
Using our gravel calculator is one of the best and easiest ways to get the right amount for your needs, with just a few measurements. Also, in general, bulk bags consist of 850kg product by weight. That's why purchasing by the bulk bag is often more cost-effective than buying in smaller quantities. Lastly, always ensure you consider the delivery aspects, especially the delivery vehicle's access to your house or site.
FAQs
Can you get black gravel?
Yes, black granite gravel is available and is often used for its aesthetic appeal and durability. Black limestone chippings 10mm are also an option.
What is the black gravel used in driveways?
Black gravel used in driveways typically is a decorative aggregate called black basalt 20mm, known for its hard-wearing nature and ability to provide a stable and durable surface.
What is the difference between gravel and chippings?
Gravel is a more rounded aggregate, while chippings are more angular and offer a more stable surface due to their interlocking shapes.
How much is a ton of gravel cost UK?
The cost of a ton of gravel in the UK can vary widely depending on the type and quality, but it generally ranges from £60 to £150 (inc VAT).
What is basalt gravel used for?
Basalt gravel is used as a black garden gravel for a variety of purposes, including for use on driveways, paths, water features, and as a topping material for flower beds due to its aesthetic appeal and durability.
How much does basalt cost?
The cost of basalt can vary, but black basalt gravel is generally considered a mid-priced aggregate. Prices can be influenced by the size of the stones and the quantity purchased.
