Economical and Durable All-Rounder
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Calcium carbonate
Other Name(s):
Limestone gravel, gravel limestone, limestone aggregates, crushed limestone gravel, small limestone gravel, aggregate limestone
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. White limestone gravel, which is also commonly known as limestone gravel, is a highly versatile and cost-effective aggregate that is frequently used in the construction and building industry. It is particularly well-suited for sub-base, pipe bedding and infill applications due to its excellent drainage properties. Although it is not as commonly used as a decorative gravel, it represents a great value option for building attractive and durable driveways and paths.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about white limestone 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.
White Limestone Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Limestone | 6-40mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Limestone
Colour
White with shades of yellow or grey
Shape
Angular
Size Range
6-40mm (0.25-1.6")
White limestone gravel 10mm, white limestone gravel 14mm, 10mm limestone aggregate, 20mm limestone aggregates
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
White limestone gravel has earned a strong reputation in garden and landscape design due to its affordability and practical advantages. Limestone gravel offers texture and contrast, enhanced drainage and suppression of weed growth when used as ground cover.
Another compelling aspect 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.
Applications
Limestone gravel is a commonly used solution for weed suppression, sub-base compaction and drainage in landscaping design. These qualities make it very well-suited to paths and driveways. It is also a great ingredient to add to high-strength concrete mixtures due to its durability and natural properties. These benefits apply to most applications where limestone chippings are used, although the list of potential uses is almost limitless. For more information on any of the listed applications, simply click on the hyperlinked item.
Inspiration and Informational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for white limestone gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that white limestone gravel may not be 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 White Limestone Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to white limestone 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
White limestone gravel are 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. 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 on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing white limestone gravel, 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. Also, consider the different sizes; for instance, white limestone gravel 20mm is typically used for driveways, while smaller white limestone gravel 6mm - 10mm 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 white limestone gravel 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 20mm to dust limestone?
20mm to dust limestone refers to limestone chippings that have been crushed to a size of 20mm but also include fine particles, essentially 'dust'.
What is 10mm limestone used for?
10mm limestone is mainly used for garden footpaths, as a condensate soakaway and as a sub-base for different features, such as laying artificial grass.
Does Cotswold stone go green?
Cotswold stone can develop a greenish tinge due to algae or moss, especially in damp, shaded areas.
How much Cotswold chippings do I need?
Coverage depends on depth; approximately 20kg per square metre at 40mm depth.
