Rarified Midnight Garden Contrast
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Carboniferous limestone
Other Name(s):
Black limestone chippings, black limestone gravel, hardstone
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Black limestone chippings are rare gems in landscape design, offering a hard-wearing and practical ground cover that can finish your path or driveway with a contemporary and modern look.
This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about black limestone chippings, a hardscape construction aggregate, includes information such as its specifications, benefits, applications and incompatibilities as a landscaping material. It is also a portal to many DIY-friendly resources, including; a list of 'similar to' alternatives, articles for inspiration that cover fundamental design principles, as well as a variety of step-by-step project instructions for building your own decorative aggregate features.
Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Limestone | 6-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Limestone
Colour
Grey to black with occasional highlights
Shape
Angular
Size Range
6mm - 20mm (0.25" - 0.8")
10mm black limestone chippings, black limestone chippings 20mm, black limestone 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Mid
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Incorporating durable decorative aggregates in gardening and landscaping brings numerous low-maintenance advantages, from weed suppression to erosion control. Limestone aggregates can make stunning ground covers, but they must be used with caution around young plants or acid-loving trees and shrubs due to the effect of their alkalinity on soil pH.
Recognisable for its understated elegance, black limestone chippings provide a striking background that contrasts with both bold and subtle hardscaping themes. It is highly durable and suitable for high-traffic areas such as driveways and walkways. Its light black hue reflects sunlight, helping to brighten shaded garden spots and creating a sense of more space.
Applications
Black limestone gravel is an excellent choice for a variety of applications. You can use these products to create attractive and functional driveways, pathways, and patios. This aggregate is also a good choice for contrast in rock gardens and as a base for water features due to its striking colour and texture.
In the following section, we list many common black limestone 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 limestone chippings include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that black limestone chippings may not be suitable for:
- 1As an alkaline agent, they are not suitable for acidic soil gardens, not to cover planted areas such as beds or borders, and, as such, can be harmful to plants that thrive in pH-neutral conditions.
- 2Play surfaces
- 3Erosion control: On steep slopes or areas with significant inclines, the loose nature of the gravel can make it prone to movement which can be problematic on slopes.
Similar Alternatives
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to black limestone chippings. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 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 limestone 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 of the product 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. For more on how to clean limestone chippings, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing black limestone chippings, consider the size options 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 different sizes; for instance, black limestone chippings 20mm are typically used for driveways, while smaller black limestone chippings 10mm 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 order 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. Also, always ensure you consider the delivery aspects, especially the vehicle access to the site.
FAQs
What is 10mm limestone used for?
10mm limestone gravel is suitable for usage in paths, decorative borders, and as a top layer for driveways due to its small size, which provides a more compact surface.
What is 20mm limestone chippings used for?
20mm limestone chippings are commonly used for driveways, landscaping borders, and patios due to their large size, providing better drainage and a more stable surface.
How much does a bulk bag of limestone cover?
A bag of limestone covers 22 sq m at 30mm depth.
What is 10mm limestone?
10mm black limestone chippings are small-sized angular gravel used for various decorative and practical landscaping and garden design applications, such as pathways and driveways.
What colour are limestone chippings?
Limestone chippings come in various shades of black, ranging from light to dark, and sometimes in buff or cream hues.
Can you get black gravel?
Black gravel is a popular decorative aggregate that comes in a range of shades from light to dark black. It is an excellent choice for both modern and traditional garden designs.
