subtle luxury in outdoor design
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Dolomite and calcite
Other Name(s):
Blue alpine stones, alpine blue stones, blue garden gravel, alpine blue chippings, bluestone gravel, alpine blue marble chippings, blue gravel
Overview
Alpine blue gravel, with its distinctive hues and textures, is a luxurious-looking gravel that is perfect for brightening up dark areas of your garden. Renowned for its unique Everest blue colour and rustic appeal, Alpine blue gravel stones are a favoured choice for designers and DIY enthusiasts alike.
This encyclopaedia entry provides a thorough overview of Alpine blue gravel, 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.
Alpine Blue Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marble | 8-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Marble quartzite
Colour
Shades of blue with hints of pale grey
Shape
Angular to rounded
Size Range
8-20mm (0.4-0.8")
20mm blue gravel, alpine blue gravel 20mm, 20mm alpine blue, alpine blue gravel 14mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play areas
Price
Mid
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-Friendly
Natural, originates from marble tiles and cut-offs
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like Alpine blue stone offer numerous advantages as a blue gravel for garden and general landscaping. They are excellent for drainage, require minimal maintenance, and can dramatically transform the aesthetics of a space. Their versatility makes them suitable for various applications, from pathways to water features.
Alpine blue gravel adds a stylish, modern feel to any setting with its unique blue colour's elegance blending seamlessly with almost any colour variation, in any current landscape, making it a wonderful choice for contemporary designs.
Applications
Alpine blue gravel is particularly suitable for driveways and paths and as a top layer in plant beds. Its unique colour and texture make it ideal for creating focal points in garden designs or for use in water features and ponds, adding a tranquil and sophisticated touch.
In the following section, we list many common Alpine blue 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.
Informational & Inspirational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for Alpine blue gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Alpine blue gravel is not suitable for:
- 1Areas with fine plantings: If you have creepers or low-growing plants in your blue 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 Alpine Blue Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to Alpine blue gravel but offer unique variations on the primary colour, offer more economical options or substitute where they may not be optimal for the project you are creating.
Name | Colours | Material | Size | Shape | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
blue-grey | 10-30mm (0.4-1.2") | flaky, flat | UK, USA, EU | |||
grey | Slate | 10-40mm (0.4-1.6") | flaky, flat | UK, USA, EU | ||
blue, silver | 6-20mm (0.1-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
grey-blue | Marble | 3-20mm (0.1-0.8") | 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
Alpine blue 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. Occasional power washing is advisable to maintain the original colour and prevent 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 Alpine blue 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, Alpine blue gravel 20mm are typically used for driveways, while smaller Alpine blue 10mm 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 colours does gravel come in?
Gravel is available in various colours, from natural earth tones to vibrant blues and greys. This stone is available in 20mm blue gravel bulk bag or blue garden stones 20kg size bags. You may also purchase by loose load.
Can you get grey gravel?
Yes, grey gravel is a popular choice, known for its versatility and modern appeal. You can also purchase
What is blue slate chippings?
Blue slate chippings are a type of decorative aggregate known for their deep blue and pale grey colours, often used in landscaping.
Can you drive on blue slate chippings?
Driving on blue slate chippings is possible, but using them in areas with light to moderate traffic is advisable to maintain their appearance.
What are black ice chippings?
Black ice chippings are decorative stones with a sleek, polished look featuring a mix of black and white colours, often used for a contemporary aesthetic.
