beauty and practicality
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Rock blends
Other Name(s):
Golden flint gravel, corn flint gravel, autumn gold gravel, Solent gold gravel, Solent gravel, corn gravel, golden shingle, golden flint gravel
Overview
Golden gravel, a staple in the world of decorative aggregates, is known for its distinctive colour and versatility in outdoor design. Also known as golden flint gravel, golden gravel is typically made from a combination of various types of stones and pebbles. The exact composition varies depending on the source and the specific supplier, but it commonly includes a mix of different coloured stones, such as golden, yellow, brown, and beige. The stones used are sourced from riverbeds, quarries, or gravel pits. They are typically rounded and smooth due to the natural erosion caused by water and weathering over time.
This encyclopaedia entry provides a thorough overview of golden gravel, 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.
Golden Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | May be alkaline |
Material
Blend of quartz, granite, limestone, and flint
Colour
Golden, yellow, brown, and beige
Shape
Angular to sub-rounded
Size Range
10mm-20mm (0.4"-0.8")
Golden gravel 10mm, golden gravel 20mm, 20mm golden gravel, golden flint gravel 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Not generally
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
May be alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like golden gravel offer numerous benefits for garden and landscape design. They provide excellent ground cover, reduce weed growth, and require minimal maintenance. Additionally, these aggregates are an eco-friendly option, often sourced from natural materials, and help in water conservation by reducing evaporation. Golden gravel enhances outdoor areas with its warm, natural tones, adding elegance to gardens, pathways, borders and driveways. Its shape offers excellent drainage, making it an ideal choice for areas prone to water logging.
Applications
Golden flint gravel is particularly suited for driveways, paths, alpine gardens and as a top layer in flower beds due to its attractive colour and durability. Its natural golden hue complements traditional and contemporary designs, making it versatile for various landscaping projects.
In the following section, we list many common golden gravel uses, although it is not exhaustive. 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 golden gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that golden gravel are not 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.
- 2Play surfaces
- 3Erosion 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.
Similar Alternatives to Golden Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to golden 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
red, black, white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA | |||
peach, pink, cream | 16-32mm (0.7-1.3") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
pink, grey | Blend | 6-20mm (0.1-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
white, grey, blue | Blend | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
multi | Blend | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Golden gravel is generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to raking and the occasional removal of debris. Over time, it may require topping up to compensate for displacement due to foot traffic or weathering. Occasional washing helps maintain its vibrant colour, especially in dusty environments or under leaf fall. Natural quarry materials also may have dust, which should be hosed off with water at the time of installation. For more on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
Consider the size and quantity required for your project when purchasing golden gravel. 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, golden gravel 20mm are typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm golden gravel is better suited to footpaths. Due to the mechanical screening process, often golden gravel 20mm bulk bags include stones 10mm and 20mm in size. Therefore, if size is important, it's best to check with suppliers before buying a golden gravel bulk bag for your driveway.
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 purchasing smaller size golden gravel bags (20kg). Also, always ensure you consider the delivery aspects, especially the vehicle access to the site.
FAQs
How is flint created?
Flint is formed when microscopic silica particles in chalk or limestone beds are replaced over millions of years through a process called diagenesis. This process involves both the compaction of sediment and the mineralogical changes driven by the pressure and heat over geologic time, resulting in the hard, fine-grained quartz material known as flint.
What is golden gravel?
Golden gravel is a naturally occurring decorative aggregate, typically composed of quartzite, known for its golden colour and durability. It is commonly referred to as York Cream Gravel or Golden Pea Shingle and is often used in various landscaping and garden projects.
Does golden gravel fade?
Over time, golden gravel may slightly fade due to natural weathering and sunlight exposure, but it generally retains its colour well.
How much is Solent gold gravel per ton?
The price of golden gravel per ton varies, but it's generally considered mid-priced. It's advisable to check our website or with local suppliers for the most current prices.
How much does a gold gravel bulk bag typically cover?
The area covered by a bulk bag of golden gravel depends on factors such as gravel density and spreading depth. However, as a general guideline, a 1-tonne bulk bag of 20mm golden shingle with a particle size of 50mm (2 inches) can typically cover an area of approximately 10-12 square meters (108-129 square feet) when spread at a depth of 50mm (2 inches).
