Landscaping and Construction Aggregate

By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Quartz and feldspar
Other Name(s):
Granite dust, stone dust, fine granite
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Grano dust, also known as granite dust, is a by-product of granite stone crushing. It is made by crushing granite or trap rock, which are the second and third most commonly used types of rock for producing crushed stone. This aggregate is highly durable and load-bearing, making it a superior choice over limestone for acidic waters or soils. Additionally, it can be used as a substitute for limestone in concrete aggregates. Whether you're constructing a patio or walkway or need granite dust for artificial grass areas, it is an excellent and versatile, yet often neglected component in landscaping and outdoor design.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about grano dust, a hardscape and construction aggregate. It details the aggregate's 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 easy-to-follow, step-by-step project instructions for building your own hardscaping features.
Grano Dust Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Granite | 0-6mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Granite igneous rock
Colour
Grey
Shape
Crushed

Size Range
0-6mm
Grano dust 6mm, grano 6mm, 6mm to dust granite, granite 6mm to dust
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes

Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes

Benefits
Grano dust is an economical and highly sought-after material for landscaping and construction. It is cost-effective, eco-friendly, improves soil drainage and structure, and suppresses weeds. Its fine texture and grey hue can suit many design ideas. Grano dust is easy to install and maintain, making it a popular choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Applications
Crushed aggregate products like grano dust play a pivotal role in construction and landscaping design. It is renowned for its compactability and ease of use. In the following section, we list many common grano dust uses. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.
Landscaping
- 1
Sub-base for Patios and Pathways: Grano dust provides a stable, level foundation essential for laying patios and creating smooth, even pathways.
- 2
Grano Dust for Artificial Grass: It's used as a top dressing over the base layer, enhancing stability and appearance of artificial grass.
- 3
Soil Improvement: Mixed with soil, it can improve drainage and aeration, particularly in clay-heavy gardens.
- 4Drainage Improvement: Due to its fine texture, granite dust can improve the drainage capacity of soil. It helps to create pore spaces in the soil, allowing excess water to drain away more effectively and preventing waterlogging.
- 5Pest Control: The dust has abrasive properties that can deter certain pests, such as slugs and snails, from crawling over it. Additionally, it can help control fungal diseases by reducing moisture levels and improving air circulation around plants
Construction
- 1Flooring Screeds: Grano dust is often mixed with cement to create a smooth, level surface for flooring screeds.
- 2Mortar Manufacturing: It's used as a key component in mortar for its fine texture and binding properties.
- 3Building Sub-base Layer: Serves as a stable sub-base layer for constructing sheds, outbuildings and other structures.
- 4Filling and Leveling: Ideal for filling uneven areas and leveling ground before construction begins.
- 5Concrete Mix: When mixed with cement and water, it forms a strong concrete mix suitable for various construction needs.
- 6Pavement and Block Paving: Acts as a solid base layer for block paving and pavements, ensuring durability and longevity.

Inspiration and Informational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides

Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that grano dust may not be suitable for:
- 1Large Structural Foundations: Grano dust is not suitable for use as a primary material in the foundations of large structures, as it lacks the necessary load-bearing capacity.
- 2High-Drainage Areas: It's not ideal for areas requiring high drainage, such as soakaways or areas prone to waterlogging, due to its compact nature.
- 3Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to Grano Dust
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to grano dust. 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
gold | Clay, gravel | 0-50mm (0.4-2") | crushed | UK, USA | ||
gold | Clay, gravel | 0-50mm (0.4-2") | crushed | UK, USA | ||
Cotswold | buff | Limestone | 0-50mm (0.4-2") | crushed | UK | |
Old English | brown | Limestone | 0-50mm (0.4-2") | crushed | UK | |
Dove grey | grey | Limestone | 0-50mm (0.4-2") | crushed | UK | |
Decomposed granite | grey | Granite | 0-10mm | crushed | UK, USA, EU | |
Compacted sandstone | white, pink, yellow | Sandstone | 0-10mm | crushed | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance

Maintaining areas with grano dust is relatively straightforward. Regular sweeping helps maintain its even surface, and occasional raking can redistribute any displaced dust. For longevity, it's advisable to reapply a thin layer every few years, especially in high-traffic areas, to maintain the integrity of the surface.
Purchasing Tips

When purchasing grano dust, consider factors such as the size of the area, the intended application, and the quality of the material. Opting for a bulk bags can be cost-effective than purchasing grano dust 25kg bags, especially for larger projects.
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 grano dust 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 can use our site to check stock availability and factor in VAT and transportation costs if applicable.
FAQs
What is grano dust and what is it used for?
Grano dust is a fine, grey, granite-based aggregate commonly used in construction and landscaping for creating stable, level surfaces. It is widely used as a base material for patios, driveways, and artificial grass installations, owing to its compactability and stability.
How can I use grano dust in cleaning a stone fireplace?
Grano dust can be used as a gentle abrasive to clean and restore stone fireplaces, effectively removing grime without damaging the stone.
What are the benefits of using grano dust for fireplace cleaning?
Grano dust is effective in removing soot and dirt build-up on stone surfaces, providing a natural, gentle cleaning solution that maintains the integrity of the fireplace.
Are there any precautions or safety measures when using granite dust?
Wear protective gear like masks and gloves to avoid inhaling dust particles and to protect your skin from irritation.