Vibrant Versatility in Outdoor Design
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Granite
Other Name(s):
Lanark red, red gravel chippings, red aggregate, red granite gravel, ruby gravel, rouge aggregate
Overview
Decorative aggregates, like red gravel, offer a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and practical utility in outdoor and indoor garden design. Red gravel is renowned for its hard-wearing qualities and stunning red colour that can add a vibrant contrast to any setting.
This encyclopedia page offers a comprehensive exploration of red granite gravel as 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.
Red Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 10- 20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Granite crystalline igneous rock
Colour
Red with speckled variations
Shape
Angular
Size Range
10-20mm (0.4-0.8")
Red gravel 20mm, red granite gravel 20mm, 20mm red granite gravel, 20mm red aggregate driveway gravel
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 and stones like red gravel are aesthetically pleasing and offer functional benefits in landscaping design. They are durable, low maintenance, and can improve drainage, making them ideal for garden paths, borders, and driveways. The stunning red colour of red gravel provides a striking contrast to greenery, enhancing the garden's overall appearance.
Red driveway gravel, particularly granite, offers a hard-wearing, low-maintenance surface perfect for high-traffic areas. Its vivid and unique colour also does not fade significantly over time, maintaining its distinctive appeal. It's also a naturally quarried product, ensuring an eco-friendly option for those looking to add a natural touch to their outdoor spaces.
Applications
Red granite gravel is versatile and economical, making it ideal for paths, driveways and garden borders, where its unique colour can create a visually striking effect. Red granite gravel chippings are particularly popular for their Harden red quality, adding durability and a luxurious touch to any garden setting.
In the following section, we list many common red 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 red gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that red 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 Red Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to red 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 sandstone pebbles | warm red | sandstone | 10-50mm (0.4-2") | rounded | UK, USA, | |
pink, peach | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
Red pophyry chippings | pink, red | lava rock | 10-200mm (0.4-8") | irregular | UK, USA | |
red | wood | 5-30mm (0.2-1.2") | irregular | UK, USA, EU | ||
white, pink, yellow | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Red 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. Natural quarry materials also may have dust, which should be hosed off with water at the time of installation.
For areas with heavy footfall, such as paths or footpaths, replenishment of gravel may be required 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 red gravel, consider the size 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 size you'll need; for instance, red gravel 20mm is typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm red granite gravel is better suited to footpaths.
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 smaller quantities. Also, always ensure you consider the delivery aspects, especially the vehicle access to the site.
FAQs
What is red aggregate?
Red aggregate refers to small, naturally occurring pieces of rock, typically granite, with a distinctive red hue, used in various landscaping and decorative applications.
What is red gravel good for?
Red gravel is excellent for landscaping projects like paths, driveways, and garden borders, offering a visually striking appearance and durability.
How much is a bag of red gravel?
The price of a bag of red gravel varies, influenced by factors like quality, size, shape, and availability. It's generally sold in bulk bags, with an economical cost compared to other decorative aggregates.
What is red gravel used for?
Red gravel is widely used in landscaping for paths, driveways, garden borders, and garden rockeries throughout, enhancing outdoor spaces with its vibrant colour and texture.
