Elegant Aggregates for Modern Landscapes
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Igneous and calcite or dolomite
Other Name(s):
Ice chippings, black ice decorative stone, black ice aggregate, ice pebbles, black ice stones, ice gravel
Overview
The landscape of outdoor and indoor design is ever-evolving, with decorative aggregates playing a pivotal role in creating eye-catching and functional spaces. Among these, ice chippings stand out for their unique aesthetic and practical qualities. Black ice chippings, with their striking black and grey hues, offer an eye-catching blend that creates a contemporary and elegant look.
This encyclopedia entry offers a comprehensive understanding of the key specifications, benefits, and many applications of black ice decorative stone. For those seeking design inspiration or DIY project guides, links to relevant resources on design fundamentals and 'how to' instructables are linked below.
Ice Chippings Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Basalt and marble
Colour
Black and grey
Shape
Angular
Size Range
10-20mm (0.4-0.8")
Black ice gravel 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play areas
Price
Mid
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-Friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates, like black ice gravel, offer numerous advantages in gardening and landscaping. Their use can enhance aesthetic appeal, provide a low-maintenance solution, aid in weed prevention, and assist in water conservation. These aggregates are excellent for adding texture and contrast to various outdoor areas.
Ice chippings' angular shape adds a modern touch and interlocks well to provide a solid footing, making them suitable for driveways and walkways. The blend of basalt and marble ensures durability, making these chippings a long-lasting addition to any garden, driveway or landscape.
Applications
Black ice chippings are versatile, ideal for creating modern garden borders, contemporary driveways and as a top layer in pots and planters. Their unique colour combination makes them an excellent choice for ground cover and creating features in garden designs.
In the following section, we list many common ice 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.
Informational & Inspirational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for ice chippings include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that black ice gravel are not suitable for:
- 1Black ice gravel is unsuitable for french drains because they deteriorate over time.
- 2Aquariums and aquascaping
- 3Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to Ice Chippings
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to ice 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
black, grey, white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | 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 | Basalt | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | irregular | UK, USA, EU | ||
grey | Granite | 3-20mm (0.1-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Black ice chippings are generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to 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.
For areas with heavy footfall, such as paths or footpaths, replenishment of chippings may be required over time to maintain depth and coverage. When used with weed control fabrics, black ice chippings can significantly reduce the time spent on garden upkeep. For more on how to clean stone chippings, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing black ice gravel, consider the size and quantity necessary for your project. Where available, it is cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone's colour and quality against your design requirements. Also, consider the size you'll need; for instance, black ice gravel 20mm are typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm ice chippings are better suited to footpaths.
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. When buying black ice aggregates, consider purchasing in bulk bags for larger projects, as it can be more cost-effective. Always check the size range and ensure the black ice chippings are fish-friendly if your intended use is for aquatic features.
FAQs
What is black ice stone?
Black ice stone are a blend of basalt and marble, characterised by their angular shape and striking black and grey colours.
Is ice gravel the same as panda gravel?
No, they differ in material composition and colour, with panda being black, white and grey.
What is ice gravel made of?
It's a mix of basalt and marble.
What size is golden gravel?
Golden gravel is typically 10-20mm (0.4-0.79") in size.
