Specifications, Benefits, Uses
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Glass landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
N/A
Other Name(s):
Recycled glass chippings, glass gravel, chipping glass, coloured glass chippings, glass chippings for gardens, decorative glass chippings
Overview
Utilising recycled glass chippings as a decorative aggregate in garden design has gained interest amongst landscape gardeners and DIY enthusiasts for its value in contemporary designs requiring the addition of vibrant colours. It is also an eco-friendly material that conveys a happy and distinct 'light' thrown by its reflective qualities. The true uniqueness of decorative glass chippings stems from their luminous quality and versatile durability in aesthetic applications, both outdoor and indoor spaces.
This encyclopedia entry presents the key specifications and benefits of glass chippings. It includes a list of the multifaceted applications for indoor and outdoor settings. This page is also a portal to an array of resources, including a list of similar alternatives, articles for inspiration covering fundamental design principles, as well as a variety of do-it-yourself instructables for numerous applications.
Glass Chippings Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 3 - 25mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Recycled glass
Colour
Varies (commonly clear, green, blue)
Shape
Angular - irregular, tumbled to smooth edges
Size Range
3-25mm (0.1-1 in)
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play areas
Price
Mid
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-Friendly
Yes, made from recycled materials
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like glass chippings are super versatile, offering many benefits for garden and landscape design. They are durable, require minimal maintenance, and can contribute to sustainable practices as they are 100% recycled materials. Their reflective quality can brighten up any space, and with a wide range of colours that include green glass chippings, blue glass chippings and black glass chippings, there are many options available for creating an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing feature to suit most tastes.
Glass chippings can be used for driveways and paths. However, for these applications it is best to use smaller glass chippings in conjunction with a resin binder. At the same time, their reflective properties can add light and depth to planters, garden floors and borders. Their sparkle can add an enchanting allure to water features.
Applications
In the following section, we list many of the common glass chippings uses, although it is not an exhaustive list. 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 applications for crushed glass chippings include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that glass chippings are not suitable for:
- 1Glass chippings are unsuitable for french drains because there are cheaper alternatives
- 2Unbonded pathways and driveways
- 3Play surfaces
- 4Surfaces where barefoot walking is common and aggregates aren't bonded
Similar Alternatives to Glass Chippings
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to glass 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GlasGlo pebbles | grey | glass | 20-50mm (0.8-2") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |
Rose pebbles | white, pink, yellow | marble/dolomite | 25-40mm (1-1.5") | rounded | UK, USA, EU | |
RockinColour stones | various | lava rock | 10-200mm (0.4-8") | irregular | UK, USA | |
Turkish green pebbles | green | marble | 20mm (0.8") | rounded | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Maintaining glass chippings involves periodic cleaning to maintain their sparkle, which can be done using a simple rinse with water. It is also advisable to check the walls for any displaced chippings and return them to their designated area to keep the design intact. It's also beneficial to wear gloves when handling.
Purchasing Tips
When considering the purchase of glass chippings, always request the size, colour, and enquire whether the glass has been tumbled for safety. Where available, it is always cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone's colour and quality against your design requirements. Look for suppliers that offer eco-friendly options, such as those made from recycled glass.
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. Also, always ensure you consider the delivery aspects, especially the vehicle access to the site.
FAQs
What area will a 25kg bag of gravel cover?
A 25kg glass chippings bag typically covers an area of approximately 0.5 square metres at a depth of 50mm.
What is recycled glass aggregate?
Recycled glass aggregate is made from processed glass materials that have been crushed and repurposed for decorative or construction use.
What area does 800kg of gravel cover?
800kg of gravel can cover roughly 16 square metres at a depth of 50mm.
How do you clean Chuckie Stones?
Chuckie Stones can be cleaned by rinsing with water to remove dust and debris, ensuring their natural colour remains vibrant.
What are the green stones on graves?
The green stones often found on graves are usually a type of chipping or pebble, commonly made from green glass or natural stone, used to decorate the surface.
