A Natural Path to Outdoor Beauty
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Varies
Other Name(s):
Hoggin self-binding gravel, hoggin surface, hoggin stone, hoggin material, hoggin aggregate, self-binding hoggin, hoggin mix
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Hoggin, also known as hoggin gravel, is an economical and hard-wearing decorative aggregate known for its distinctive appearance and versatility in outdoor design. It is a coarse aggregate material commonly used in road construction and landscaping projects made from a blend of gravel, sand, and clay, with the clay serving as a binding agent. Hoggin is usually obtained from natural deposits or can be created by crushing and screening suitable rock materials.
This encyclopaedia entry provides a thorough overview of hoggin, a hardscaping material and construction aggregate. It details the product's specifications, accompanied by photographs, and outlines its benefits, applications, and incompatibilities as a landscaping material. Additionally, this entry serves as a gateway to a wealth of DIY resources, with a list of comparable alternatives, articles offering design inspiration and fundamental principles, and a collection of straightforward, step-by-step instructions for constructing your own hardscaping features.
Hoggin Specifications
material | colour | shape | size | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 0-10mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
A blend of gravel, sand and clay
Colour
Golden buff
Shape
Crushed
Size Range
0-10mm
Hoggin self binding gravel 10mm 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
Hoggin is a durable and permeable ground material suitable for pedestrian and light vehicular traffic. Its porous nature allows water to seep through to the soil, reducing puddles and erosion. It offers a natural aesthetic and harmonizes with various environments, making it a popular choice for outdoor landscaping projects.
Hoggin is also a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly option for paving. It is affordable to install and repair, requires less care than gravel surfaces, and promotes rainwater infiltration. It is also a sustainable choice that consumes fewer resources and energy for production compared to conventional materials.
Applications
Hoggin products have a self-binding nature that creates a compact surface that's less prone to scattering on the ground than loose gravel, yet it remains permeable to water, reducing runoff and the risk of puddles. Its rustic appearance makes it a favourite for heritage sites and rural settings. The following are common applications for hoggin:
- 1Road Construction: Hoggin is often used as a base or sub-base material in road construction projects. It provides a stable foundation and helps to distribute the load evenly, improving the durability and longevity of the road.
- 2Hoggin Footpath and Drives: Hoggin is an excellent material for creating pathways and driveways. Its compacted nature makes it suitable for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. It provides a firm surface while still allowing for some water permeability.
- 3Landscaping: It can be used in landscaping projects to create a hoggin patio, garden borders and outdoor seating areas. Its natural appearance and texture add aesthetic value to the landscape.
- 4Equestrian Surfaces: Hoggin is commonly used in equestrian arenas and horse riding tracks. Its stable and firm surface provides good traction for horses while minimising the risk of injury.
- 5Golf Courses: Hoggin can be used on golf courses for pathways and buggy paths.
In the following section, we list many common hoggin uses. 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
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that hoggin self-binding gravel may not be suitable for:
- 1High-Traffic Roads: It may not provide the necessary durability and stability required for heavy vehicular use. In such cases, asphalt or concrete surfaces are more suitable.
- 2Sloped Surfaces: Breedon gravel may not be ideal for steeply sloped surfaces. The loose nature of the gravel can result in erosion and movement, making it difficult to maintain a stable surface.
- 3Waterlogged Areas: It may not perform well in areas with poor drainage or where waterlogging is a common issue. The self-binding properties of the gravel may be compromised, leading to a less stable surface. In such cases, alternative materials like permeable paving or drainage systems may be more suitable.
- 4Play surfaces: Breedon gravel may not be the best choice for playgrounds and play areas, especially those designed for young children.
Similar Alternatives to Hoggin
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to hoggin self-binding gravel. 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 | ||
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 | |
grey | Granite | 0-4mm | 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 a hoggin surface involves regular inspection and raking to ensure an even distribution and to remove debris. Over time, it may be necessary to top up with fresh hoggin, particularly in areas of high traffic or erosion. Properly installed edging can also help to maintain the integrity of a hoggin path or driveway, keeping the material in place and reducing the spread onto adjacent areas. When used with weed control fabric, hoggin can significantly reduce the time spent on garden upkeep.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing hoggin, consider the source and quality of the material to ensure it's appropriate for your specific project. Look for suppliers who provide detailed information about the composition and recommended applications. It's also wise to calculate the required volume accurately and consider delivery options and costs. For larger projects, obtaining samples can be beneficial to assess the material's texture and colour compatibility with your design.
Our hoggin 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 in bulk bags 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 the meaning of hoggin?
Hoggin is a natural aggregate made from a mixture of sand, gravel and clay. It compacts to form a stable yet permeable surface.
What is hoggin?
Hoggin is a versatile, self-binding material commonly used for pathways and driveways due to its compactability and natural appearance.
How to lay self-binding gravel?
Laying self-binding gravel like hoggin involves preparing a solid base, spreading the material evenly, and compacting it to the desired firmness.
What is hoggin made of?
Hoggin is composed of a mixture of gravel, sand, and clay, providing a balance of stability and drainage.
How is hoggin used in construction?
In construction, hoggin is used for creating paths and driveways and as a sub-base for other surfacing materials due to its stability and permeability.
What are the benefits of using hoggin?
Hoggin offers a cost-effective, durable, and eco-friendly surfacing option that blends well with natural landscapes and provides good drainage.
Can hoggin be used for landscaping purposes?
Yes, hoggin is commonly used in landscaping for paths, driveways, and other areas where a stable, permeable surface is desired.
