Naturally Sophisticated aggregates
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Oolitic Limestone
Other Name(s):
Cotswolds gravel, Cotswold stone gravel, Cotswold buff gravel, Cotswold gold gravel, Cotswold pea gravel, Cotswold gold gravel 20mm
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Cotswold gravel, also known as Cotswold stone chippings, is an economical and hard-wearing decorative aggregate known for its distinctive appearance and versatility in outdoor design.
This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about Cotswold gravel, a hardscaping 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.
Cotswold Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Limestone | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Limestone
Colour
Creamy buff
Shape
Angular
Size Range
10-20mm (0.4-0.8")
Cotswold gravel 10mm, Cotswold gold gravel 14mm, Cotswold 20mm gravel, Cotswold gravel 20mm, Cotswold cream gravel 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like Cotswold gravel offer many benefits for garden and landscaping designs. They provide a low-maintenance, durable solution for various outdoor spaces, enhancing visual appeal with their natural beauty. These aggregates also aid in weed prevention and soil moisture retention, contributing to healthier garden ecosystems.
Cotswold gravel is celebrated for its consistent colour and cream shade, lending a warm, inviting look to landscaping projects. Other compelling aspects of limestone is its ability to naturally adjust soil pH and its superior compaction properties, making it an excellent choice for driveways and heavily-trafficked garden paths.
Conversely, it must also be noted that the alkaline nature of Cotswold gravel does not suit usage around plants that need neutral to acidic soil to thrive, and may actually lead to harm.
Applications
Cotswold gravel is exceptionally versatile, finding its place in numerous applications from creating charming garden paths to defining elegant borders and establishing a Cotswold gravel driveway. Its neutral colour and pleasing texture make it popular for traditional and contemporary landscaping projects.
In the following section, we list many common cotswold gold 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 Cotswold gold gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Cotswold gold gravel are not suitable for:
- 1Aquascaping due to the alkaline effect on water pH posing harm to aquatic life.
- 2High moisture areas like pond linings due to alkaline nature.
- 3As an alkaline agent, they are unsuitable for acidic soil gardens, and as a general rule, they are not suitable for use as a ground cover around plants and trees unless they are suited to alkaline soils.
- 4Some experts say that limestone chippings are unsuitable for french drains because they deteriorate and pack down like a sub base.
- 5Play surfaces due to the unforgiving nature of the gravel in the event of a fall.
Similar Alternatives to Cotswold Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to Cotswold 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 | |||
pink, blue, grey | Marble | 6-20mm (0.4-2") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pale yellow | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | |||
buff | Limestone | 20mm (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
Cotswold 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. Occasional power washing is advisable to maintain the original colour and prevent algae or moss buildup. 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 Cotswold 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, Cotswold gravel 20mm is typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm Cotswold 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 Cotswold gravel bulk bag is often more cost-effective than smaller quantities. Also, always ensure you consider the delivery aspects, especially the vehicle access to the site.
FAQs
Does Cotswold stone go green?
Cotswold stone can develop a greenish tinge due to algae or moss, especially in damp, shaded areas.
How to clean Cotswold chippings?
Wash with water and a mild detergent, avoiding harsh chemicals that can alter the stone's pH.
Where to buy Cotswold gravel?
Available at landscaping suppliers and garden centres, both in-store and online.
