Classic Buff Outdoor Stones
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Oolitic limestone
Other Name(s):
Old English gravel, Cotswold buff
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Old English chippings, also known as Cotswold buff, is an mid-priced and hard-wearing decorative aggregate known as a harder alternative to Cotswold gravel, which tends to be softer. The name is testament to the blend of practicality and classic charm that old English chippings brings to outdoor design.
This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing is about Old English chippings, a hardscape and construction aggregate. It 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 instructables for building your own decorative aggregate features.
Old English Chippings' Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Limestone | 20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Crushed limestone
Colour
Buff to fawn colour
Shape
Angular
Size Range
20mm (0.8")
20mm Old English chippings
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
Decorative aggregates, such as old English chippings, provide a multitude of benefits for garden and other landscaping project design. They are versatile, durable, and require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for a wide range number of landscaping applications.
Old English chippings are renowned for their pale tones and angular nature. These characteristics not only lend a timeless and elegant look to landscapes but also act to ensure stability and longevity. The pale tones of these English chippings reflect light beautifully, brightening up shaded areas and complementing various planting schemes, working well with soft tones of lavender, blue and pink.
Applications
Old English chippings are exceptionally versatile and suitable for a wide array of applications. These products are predominantly used in garden borders, paths, and driveways, to enhance the look of a garden, or highlight dominant colours in a landscaping theme. For those seeking a buff-coloured drive, they are a much sturdier limestone than traditional Cotswold stone, with their angular nature making them ideal for creating stable and traffic-friendly surfaces.
In the following section, we list many common Old English chippings uses, although the number of potential applications for any aggregate is almost limitless. 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 applications for Old English chippings include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Old English chippings may not be 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 Old English Chippings
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to Old English 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
buff, white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
buff, beige | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
pale yellow | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | |||
Tuscan glow chippings | yellow-orange | Marble | 15-30mm (0.6-1.2") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |
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
When used with weed control fabrics suppress weeds, Old English chippings can significantly reduce the time spent on garden upkeep, with most work limited to raking and the occasional removal of debris. It is recommended to occasionally power wash the product in order to maintain its original color and prevent the buildup of algae or moss. Natural quarry materials may also have dust which should be washed off with water during installation. For areas with heavy foot traffic, such as paths or footpaths, replenishing the chippings may be necessary 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 Old English 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, Old English chippings 20mm are typically used for driveways and footpaths.
Our gravel calculator will give you a quick and unbiased estimate for your project needs just by taking a few measurements of the space. It is one of the best and easiest ways to order the right amount and helps avoid shortfalls or over-spending. Purchasing a Old English chippings 20mm bulk bag or ordering in loose loads can offer better value than purchasing in smaller quantities. Therefore, calculating accurately can save both time and money. It is also important to consider the delivery aspects, including vehicle access to the site. Additionally, you should check stock availability and factor in VAT and transportation costs if applicable.
FAQs
How deep should Cotswold chippings be?
A depth of 4-5cm (1.6-2 inches) is ideal in order for adequate coverage.
What is the difference between Cotswold stone and Cotswold buff?
Cotswold stone chippings are a natural stone, whereas Cotswold buff refers specifically to the colour of specific aggregates, such as Old English chippings.
Do Old English chippings go green?
They can develop a green tint due predominantly to algae, particularly in damp, wet or shaded areas.
