versatile & Vibrant Garden Aggregates
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Siliciclastic sandstone
Other Name(s):
Red granite chippings, red gravel, red chippings, red flame chippings, Lanark red, red chips, red garden stones, harden red, red chip stones, red garden gravel
Overview
Decorative aggregates such as red stone chippings, also known as red gravel, are not merely stones used to fill spaces; they are a design statement, providing both aesthetic appeal and functionality. This naturally quarried product is unique for its stunning red colour that can complement various design elements. This encyclopaedia entry aims to deliver comprehensive specifications, advantages, and popular uses of red stone chippings, for indoor and outdoor settings.
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.
Red Stone Chippings Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 6-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Natural Stone
Colour
Vibrant red with a natural red brick tone
Shape
Angular
Size Range
3-20mm (approximately 0.1-0.8")
Red granite 20mm, 10mm red granite
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play areas
Price
Mid
Durability
Robust
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-Friendly
Non-toxic
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates offer a plethora of benefits for garden and landscape design. They are low maintenance, provide excellent drainage, and are durable against weather elements. Their versatility allows for various uses, from pathways to water features, making them a perfect choice for any garden. Red stone chippings can elevate the visual quality of an outdoor space with their stunning red colour, wet or dry. They are particularly effective in creating bold contrasts, defining borders, and as a standout feature within garden rockeries.
Applications
Red chippings for garden design are ideal for creating striking garden paths and borders. Using red chips for driveway surfacing produces a real wow factor. They are often used to add colour and texture to garden beds and are a popular choice for water features due to their distinctive hue.
In the following section, we list many of the common red gravel applications, 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 red garden stones include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that red chippings are not suitable for:
- 1High-traffic areas without proper edging
- 2Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to Red Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to red 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Red sandstone pebbles | warm red | sandstone | 10-50mm (0.4-2") | rounded | UK, USA, | |
Sunset red chippings | red, peach | marble/basalt | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA, EU | |
Red pophyry chippings | pink, red | lava rock | 10-200mm (0.4-8") | irregular | UK, USA | |
red | 5-30mm (0.2-1.2") | irregular | UK, USA, EU | |||
white, pink, yellow | Quartzite | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Maintaining red stone chippings is straightforward, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to the occasional removal of debris. Regular weeding and occasional raking to ensure an even distribution of stones can keep your landscape pristine. A simple power wash can revive the natural colour if the stones lose their lustre.
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, red chipping stones 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 red stone chippings, consider the size and quality of the stones. 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, red stone chippings 20mm are typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm and 6mm red 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 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 red gravel good for?
Red gravel is excellent for adding vibrant colour to landscapes, particularly in features such as paths, borders, and water features.
What is the difference between gravel and chippings?
When classifying the types of red aggregate stone, gravel is typically smaller, rounded and naturally formed, while chippings are larger, angular, and often cut from larger rocks.
How deep should stone chippings be?
For adequate coverage, stone chippings should be laid at a depth of around 50mm (approximately 2 inches).
What is red aggregate?
Red aggregates refer to natural red chips stones with a red hue used decoratively in landscaping.
Why is there red stones in the tarmac?
Red chipping stones in tarmac provide an aesthetically pleasing colour contrast and can indicate different zones or pathways.
