Multi-purpose Garden and Construction
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Nonfoliated metamorphic rock
Other Name(s):
10mm pea gravel, gravel 10mm, pea gravel 10mm, quartzite pea gravel 10mm, 10mm washed gravel, quartz pea gravel 10mm
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. 10mm gravel, also known as 10mm pea gravel, is an economical and hard-wearing aggregate widely used in landscaping and construction. It is the standard for 'gravel' and generally comprised of quartz, although it can include flint and also vary by region.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about 10mm 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.
Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quartz | 4-10mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Quartzite or flint
Colour
It can vary, but usually brown, grey and/or buff.
Shape
Rounded to sub-angular
Size Range
4-10mm (0.2-0.4")
10mm pea gravel, gravel 10mm, pea gravel 10mm
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 like 10mm gravel offer a plethora of benefits in garden and landscaping designs. They are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, aiding in drainage, reducing weed growth, and requiring minimal maintenance. The natural look of these aggregates can blend seamlessly with various outdoor themes.
Using 10mm gravel as a construction aggregate offers benefits such as strength, durability, excellent drainage, and versatility for various construction projects. It enhances concrete mix strength, aids in efficient water runoff, is cost-effective, and supports sustainable construction practices.
Applications
Landscaping Applications
When it comes to landscaping, 10mm gravel is an economical material with a wide range of uses. Its size, shape and texture make it a solid choice for various outdoor projects, adding both functionality and a natural look to your outdoor spaces. Here are some typical landscaping applications for 10mm gravel:
- 1Walkways: Quartz gravel can be used to create natural-looking and functional pathways and walkways in gardens, parks, or around your home. Its small size provides comfortable walking while packing well and facilitating water drainage.
- 2Driveway: While it can be used as a decorative topping for driveways, 20mm gravel provides a more stable surface. Plus, the stones won't get stuck in your tyre treads, which can happen with the 10mm size!
- 3Garden Borders: Gravel can be used to create decorative borders around flowerbeds, shrubs, or trees. It provides a clean and defined edge and performs a range of tasks that minimise maintenance.
- 4Decorative Features: Incorporating 10mm pea gravel around fountains, garden ponds, or as a decorative mulch in planters conveys a natural appearance that complements various landscaping elements.
- 5Landscaping Features: Quartz gravel can be creatively used to construct dry riverbeds and rock gardens or fill gaps between stepping stones or pavers, contributing to the overall visual appeal of your landscape.
- 6Erosion Control: Gravel is a vital aggregate for managing erosion. When combined with grids or matting, it stabilises slopes and prevents soil erosion.
Construction Applications
Beyond its landscaping applications, 10mm gravel plays a crucial role in construction and building projects. Its durability and versatility make it an excellent choice for several construction purposes:
- 1Base Material: When compacted, crushed gravel serves as a robust sub-base for foundations and construction projects. It ensures stability, good drainage and longevity for these structures.
- 2Concreting: Mixing gravel with concrete creates a strong and durable concrete mix while significantly reducing costs.
- 3Filtration Media: As a medium used in filtration systems, including septic systems, stormwater management, rain gardens, wastewater treatment plants, pond filtration, and agricultural drainage, its role in these systems involves trapping sediments and pollutants, promoting natural filtration, and aiding in the removal of impurities and debris from the water.
- 4Soakaway: Pea gravel is an essential component in soakaway systems, helping manage excess rainwater by efficiently allowing it to infiltrate the ground. It acts as a reservoir, gradually releasing water and reducing the risk of flooding and erosion. Proper installation and layering are essential for optimal performance.
- 5Drainage: In drainage systems, whether standalone or in French drains, 10mm gravel facilitates water drainage, preventing waterlogging and soil saturation.
In the following section, we list many common 10mm gravel 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 10mm pea gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that 10mm gravel may not be 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.
- 2Driveways, particularly with high-traffic
- 3Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to 10mm Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to quartz pea 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 | |||
grey speckled | Granite | 3-20mm (0.12-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pale yellow | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | |||
black, white, grey, red | 6-20mm (0.25-0.8") | 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
10mm pea 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. 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 gravel 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 10mm gravel, consider the size options and quantity necessary for your project. Consider the size; for instance, 20mm gravel is typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm and 6mm 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 pea gravel 10mm bulk bag or ordering in loose loads offers 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 are the common uses of 10mm gravel?
Typical landscaping uses include pathways, driveways, decorative borders, and as a part of water features in gardens. In construction it is used for drainage, concrete mixes, laying foundations and so on.
How much does 10mm gravel typically cost and where can I buy it?
The cost varies, but it's generally considered an economical choice. Standard gravel is available at garden centres, landscaping supply stores and online retailers.
What are the advantages of using pea gravel for landscaping?
The advantages of using pea gravel include ease of installation, low maintenance, good drainage properties, and aesthetic appeal.
Is pea gravel suitable for a pathway or walkway?
Yes, pea gravel's size makes it comfortable and stable for walking surfaces.
Does 10mm gravel require any maintenance over time?
10mm gravel requires only minimal maintenance, such as occasional raking, clearing of debris and topping up.
Are there any alternative sizes or types of gravel available?
Yes, gravel comes in various sizes and types, including larger sizes and different colour options.
