Unique Marine Flint for Landscaping
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Microcrystalline quartz
Other Name(s):
Lydd gravel, Lydd pebbles, oyster pebbles
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Oyster shingle, also known as Lydd gravel, is a mid-priced and unique decorative aggregate known for its distinctive texture and appearance in outdoor design. They are a naturally rounded grey and buff marine flint stones, with the typical sub-angular shingle shape, with one end typically thicker than the other.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about oyster shingle, 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.
Oyster Shingle 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 marine flint
Colour
Grey, brown, cream, and blue-grey shades
Shape
Sub-angular to rounded
Size Range
10-20mm (0.4-0.8")
Oyster shingle 20mm, 20mm oyster,
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Mid
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like oyster shingle offer several benefits in garden and landscaping design. They are low maintenance, environmentally friendly, and provide a natural aesthetic that complements various outdoor themes. The use of these aggregates also aids in soil moisture retention and weed suppression.
Oyster shingle, specifically, brings a unique coastal charm to any setting. Its natural colour palette, predominantly in cream, grey, and brown, blends seamlessly with a range of design styles. The irregular shape, depth, and texture of these pebbles create a visually interesting surface.
Applications
Oyster shingle is exceptionally versatile, making it suitable for a wide array of applications. It is commonly used in garden features, such as water features, borders and as a top layer in potted plants. Oyster shingle is also a popular choice for creating natural stone water features and complements paving slabs for a complete, cohesive garden design.
We advise against using these rounded products for driveways or pathways as they cannot interlock with each other as effectively as angular stones. As a result, they may not provide a stable surface for driving or walking.
In the following section, we list many common oyster shingle 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 oyster shingle include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that oyster shingle may not be suitable for:
- 1High-traffic areas such as driveways or pathways, as they cannot interlock with each other as effectively as angular stones
- 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 Oyster Shingle
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to oyster shingle. 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. angular options in place of rounded stones, for a driveway.
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, oyster shingle 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 depth and coverage.
For more on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing oyster shingle, 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.
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. When buying an oyster shingle bulk bag or loose load, it can be more cost-effective than purchasing in smaller quantities. To save time and money, it's important to calculate accurately. Delivery logistics should also be taken into account, such as ensuring that the site is accessible for vehicles. Additionally, it's a good idea to check stock availability and consider any applicable VAT and transportation costs.
FAQs
What is oyster shingle and is it DIY-friendly?
Oyster shingle is a decorative aggregate composed of shell and limestone, commonly used in garden and landscaping designs. It is easy to handle and lay, making it an excellent choice for DIY garden projects.
How does oyster gravel benefit garden design?
Oyster gravel offers a natural, coastal aesthetic, is eco-friendly, and requires minimal maintenance, enhancing garden design with its unique texture and colour.
Can Lydd gravel be used for water features?
Yes, it's suitable for natural ponds and stone water features as it is fish-friendly.
How do I maintain oyster shingle in my garden?
Regular raking, debris removal, and occasional replenishment will keep oyster shingle areas looking pristine.
