Scandinavian Emerald Landscaping Gem
12 Dec 2024
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Igneous rock
Other Name(s):
Nordic green granite, Nordic granite gravel, Nordic black granite, Norwegian granite
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Nordic granite gravel, also known as Norwegian granite gravel, is a mid-priced and hard-wearing decorative aggregate known for its distinctive green and black sparkling appearance. It is quarried on the coastline of Norway and offers aesthetic versatility in hardscaping and outdoor design.
This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about Nordic granite 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.
Nordic Granite Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Granite | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Granite crystalline igneous rock
Colour
Green, grey, and black with hints of pink and white
Shape
Angular
Size Range
10-50mm (0.4-2")
14mm Norwegian granite, Nordic granite 20mm, 20mm Norwegian granite, Norwegian granite 31 - 50 mm
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 Nordic granite offer a multitude of benefits for garden and landscaping projects. They are incredibly versatile, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional advantages. These aggregates are low maintenance, durable, and can enhance drainage, suppress weeds, and provide a stable surface.
Nordic granite, is a highly durable and attractive product, ideal for creating striking, long-lasting landscapes. Its unique colour palette of greys, whites, and blacks adds sophistication to any design. The product's angular shape ensures excellent interlock, making it ideal for driveways and high-traffic areas.
Applications
Nordic granite's resilience and shape makes it perfect for driveways, pathways, garden borders and rockeries as a decorative feature. Its neutral colour palette complements a wide range of styles and designs. The fish-friendly nature and sparkle makes Nordic granite a practical and alluring alternative for water features and ponds with aquatic life. Additionally, the Norwegian granite products of size 31-50 mm are ideal for narrow gabions and garden fireplaces.
In the following section, we list many common Nordic granite 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 Nordic granite gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Nordic granite gravel may not be suitable for:
- 1Soft landscaping and areas requiring a smooth, flat surface.
- 2Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to Nordic Granite
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to Nordic granite 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
green, grey | 10-40mm (0.4-1.6") | flaky, flat | UK, USA | |||
grey, blue | Slate | 10-40mm (0.4-1.6") | flaky, flat | UK, USA, EU | ||
grey, pink | Limestone | 6-20mm (0.1-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
green | Granite | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
black, grey | Blend | 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 fabric, Nordic granite 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 colour 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 chippings may be necessary over time to maintain depth and coverage.
For more information on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When buying Nordic granite, consider the size and colour variation possible to ensure it matches your project needs. 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, Nordic granite 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 Nordic granite 20mm 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 size of Nordic granite for driveways and footpaths?
The ideal size for Nordic granite in driveways is 20mm, providing a stable, durable surface. 10mm gravel is easier to walk on and makes a better footpath.
Can Norwegian granite be used in aquatic settings?
Yes, Norwegian granite is fish-friendly and suitable for use in ponds and aquatic features.
