Brighten Your Outdoor Space in Style
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Calcite or dolomite
Other Name(s):
Pale blue chippings, blue ice chippings, ice blue stones, blue chip stone, ice blue gravel, blue ice stone
Overview
Ice blue chippings, also known as blue ice gravel, are decorative blue garden stones that possess a light grey tone commonly sought-after for use in various outdoor design concepts. This hard-wearing product is ideal for darker spaces in traditional or contemporary designs where its sparkly finish reflects light to brighten areas beautifully.
This encyclopedia entry offers a comprehensive understanding of the key specifications, advantages, and multifaceted uses of blue ice chippings. You will find links 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.
Ice Blue Chippings Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 3-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Marble
Colour
Pale grey-blue
Shape
Angular
Size Range
3-20mm (0.1-0.8")
Ice blue chippings 20mm, ice blue gravel 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play areas
Price
Mid
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-Friendly
Low impact when sourced responsibly
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like ice blue chippings add aesthetic appeal to your garden or landscaping project and provide functional benefits. They can improve drainage, reduce weed growth, and require minimal maintenance compared to other landscaping materials. The light reflective qualities of ice blue chippings can brighten darker spaces, making them ideal for contemporary designs and borders.
The specific benefits of ice blue chippings include their ability to complement both vibrant and muted colour palettes due to their subtle pale grey-blue hue. These chippings are particularly ideal for driveways and paths as they provide a stable, permeable surface that is durable underfoot.
Applications
Due to their angular shape and durability, ice blue chippings are used in landscaping projects for driveways, paths, and garden borders. They are also favoured in contemporary designs to create a clean, minimalist aesthetic and are frequently used around water features and as a top dressing for pots and planters.
In the following section, we list many of the common blue ice chippings uses, although it is not an exhaustive list. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article is available from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic.
Informational & Inspirational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for ice blue chippings include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that blue ice gravel is not suitable for:
- 1Ice blue chippings are unsuitable for french drains because there are cheaper options
- 2Aquascaping and fish tanks
- 3Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to Ice Blue Chippings
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to blue ice gravel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
blue-grey | 10-30mm (0.4-1.2") | flaky, flat | UK, USA, EU | |||
grey | Slate | 10-40mm (0.4-1.6") | flaky, flat | UK, USA, EU | ||
grey | Limestone | 6-20mm (0.1-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
grey-blue | Marble | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | 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
Ice blue chippings are generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to periodic raking to keep the surface level and 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. For more on how to clean stone chippings, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing ice blue aggregate 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, ice blue chippings 20mm are typically used for driveways, while 10mm and 3-8mm ice blue chippings are more suited to paths.
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. Opt for blue ice gravel bulk bag size for larger areas to ensure colour consistency and cost-effectiveness. 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, as leading suppliers offer delivery of maxi bags.
FAQs
What is black ice gravel?
Black ice gravel is a decorative aggregate known for its polished, dark appearance, often used in landscaping to create striking contrasts.
What colours does gravel come in?
Gravel can come in many colours, from natural earth tones to vibrant hues like reds, blues, and greens.
Can you get grey gravel?
Yes, grey gravel is widely available and comes in many various shades, from light grey to dark grey pea gravel.
What is blue slate chippings?
Blue slate chippings are decorative blue garden stones known for their rich blue-grey colour and flat, angular shape.
Can you drive on blue slate chippings?
Yes, you can drive on blue slate chippings if they are correctly laid and of a suitable size, typically 40mm.
What are ice chippings?
Ice chippings are crushed, black and grey-toned decorative stones, ideal for creating a bold visual impact in landscaping projects.
