Colourful Marine Flint Aggregate
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Chert
Other Name(s):
Dalston grey, Cardewlees gravel
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Dalston gravel, also known as Cardewlees, is an economical and hard-wearing decorative aggregate known for its colourful appearance and versatility in outdoor design.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about Dalston gravel, a hardscape 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.
Dalston Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flint | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Sedimentary rock
Colour
A blend of greys, blues, pinks, and brown
Shape
Rounded
Size Range
10-20mm (0.4-0.8")
10mm Dalston gravel, Dalston 20mm, Dalston gravel 20mm, 20mm Cardewlees
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
Decorative aggregates like Dalston gravel serve as versatile, durable, and low-maintenance decorative gravel suitable for renovating outdoor spaces. These materials improve the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes while also contributing to practical aspects such as drainage and weed suppression, reducing maintenance requirements.
Specifically, this beautiful aggregate offers stylish offers a stunning blend of colours of dark and light greys interspersed with subtle hues of blue, brown and pink, making it an innovative and creative way to accentuate landscaped areas. Its varied colour palette complements a wide range of design styles.
Applications
Dalston gravel, with its eye-catching mix of colours and durable nature, is particularly suited for pathways, driveways, and decorative landscaping. These versatile, fish-friendly products beautify outdoor spaces, adding a layer of texture and colours, while also serving practical purposes. Dalston gravel is also a construction aggregate, used for pipe bedding surrounds, french drains and ready-mix concrete.
In the following section, we list many common Dalston gravel 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
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for Dalston gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Dalston gravel may not be suitable for:
- 1Areas with fine plantings: If you have creepers or low-growing plants in your garden gravel can make it harder for these plants to thrive, as it may interfere with their root systems as they try to grow.
- 2Erosion control: On steep slopes or areas with significant inclines, the loose nature of the gravel can make it prone to movement which can be problematic on slopes. A gravel grid should be in place as a minimum.
- 3Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to Dalston Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to Dalston 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
buff, white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
grey speckled | Granite | 3-20mm (0.12-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pale yellow | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | |||
black, white, grey, red | 6-20mm (0.25-0.8") | 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, Dalston gravel 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 gravel may be necessary over time to maintain coverage.
For more on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing Dalston gravel, 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, Dalston gravel 20mm is typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm gravel is better suited to 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 Dalston gravel 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
What is the ideal depth for laying gravel?
A depth of 4-5cm (1.6-2 inches) is ideal for laying gravel, ensuring adequate coverage and stability.
Can Dalston gravel be used in driveways?
Yes, Dalston gravel is suitable for driveways and paths, offering a balance of aesthetic appeal and durability.
Can Dalston gravel be used around fish ponds?
Yes, Dalston gravel is fish-friendly and safe for use in paths and landscaping around ponds.
