Specifications, Benefits and Uses
By Ben Parrot - Landscape gardener & amateur geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Oolitic limestone
Other Name(s):
Cotswold buff, Cotswold gravel, Cotswold chippings, Cotswold cream stones, Cotswold white stones, Cotswold pebbles, Cotswold shingle
Overview
Our encyclopaedia of decorative aggregates is an extensive resource that provides detailed specifications, advantages, and typical applications, with this listing focused on Cotswold stone chippings. Cotswold stone garners a unique appeal for its warm, honeyed hue that captures the quintessential English countryside charm.
This page also serves as 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.
Cotswold Stone Chippings Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 6mm-40mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Limestone
Colour
Buff yellow to cream with some colour variations
Shape
Angular
Size Range
6-40mm (approx 0.25" to 1.6")
Cotswold chippings 10mm, Cotswold chippings 20mm, 20mm Cotswold chippings
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play areas
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-Friendly
Yes
Degradability
Low
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like the beautiful Cotswold chipping offer many benefits in garden and landscaping design. They provide an aesthetic appeal, enhance moisture retention, suppress weeds, and are durable in high-traffic areas. Additionally, they can complement various design elements, from paving slabs to water features, while requiring minimal upkeep.
Cotswold stone chips, due to their warm colour and angular shape, add a rustic elegance to any setting. They are not only a visually pleasing ground cover but also serve well in moisture retention and interlock well to provide a stable surface for paths, drives and Cotswold chippings patios.
Applications
Cotswold stone is exceptionally versatile, suitable for creating charming garden paths, driveways and decorative borders and as an ornamental feature in rockeries. White Cotswold chippings ability to blend with natural and built environments makes them a favoured choice for residential and commercial landscaping projects.
In the following section, we list many of the common Cotswold stone 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 excellent applications for Cotswold stone chippings include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Cotswold stone chippings are not suitable for:
- 1Aquascaping due to the alkaline effect on water pH posing harm to aquatic life.
- 2High moisture areas like pond linings due to alkaline nature.
- 3As an alkaline agent, they are unsuitable for acidic soil gardens, and as a general rule, they are not suitable for use as a ground cover around plants and trees unless they are suited to alkaline soils.
- 4Some experts say that limestone chippings are unsuitable for french drains because they deteriorate and pack down like a sub base.
- 5Play surfaces due to the unforgiving nature of the gravel in the event of a fall.
Similar Alternatives to Cotswold Stone Chippings
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to Cotswold stone 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
creamy white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
buff | Limestone | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
apricot | 10-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | |||
golden brown | Flint | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA | ||
white | Marble | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Cotswold stone is generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to raking for keeping an even spread and the occasional removal of debris. Occasional power washing is advisable to maintain the original colour and prevent algae or moss buildup. Its durability and superior binding qualities ensure that it stays in place, providing a long-lasting aesthetic without extensive care. 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, Cotswold stone 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 Cotswold stone chippings, 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, Cotswold 20mm chippings are typically used for driveways, while smaller 6mm and 10mm Cotswold 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 overspending - all you need is a few measurements of the space. Ordering in bulk bags is often more cost-effective than smaller quantities. Also, always consider the delivery aspects, especially the vehicle access to the site.
FAQs
What is the Cotswold stone?
Cotswold stone is a yellow-creamy coloured limestone known for its durability and rustic appeal. It is widely used in Cotswold chippings garden designs and landscaping.
How much is a bulk bag of Cotswold buff?
The price of a bulk bag of Cotswold buff varies, typically falling into the mid-price range and influenced by factors like location and supplier.
How old is Cotswold limestone?
Cotswold limestone is an ancient stone formed over millions of years from the skeletal fragments of marine organisms.
How deep should Cotswold chippings be?
It is best to lay Cotswold chippings at a depth of about 5cm (2 inches) for optimal coverage and functionality.
What is the difference between Cotswold chippings and Cotswold buff?
Cotswold chippings and Cotswold buff refer to similar types of limestone, with Cotswold buff often indicating a specific yellow hue within the range of Cotswold stone colours.
Can you use Cotswold gravel on driveways?
Yes, Cotswold gravel is suitable for driveways due to its hard-wearing nature. It provides a stable, permeable surface when laid at an appropriate depth.
