Resin-Bonding to Loose-Fill Hardscaping
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Varies
Other Name(s):
Pea gravel grey, grey pea shingle, grey pebble gravel, light grey pea gravel, dark grey pea gravel, small grey pea gravel
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Grey pea gravel, also known as grey pea shingle, is an economical and hard-wearing decorative aggregate characterised by its small, rounded stones. They are typically between 1mm to 10mm in size and typically have a smooth texture and a natural grey colour that adds a subtle and elegant touch to landscaping projects. Its versatility makes it suitable for various uses, such as driveways, pathways, garden borders, and decorative features, including resin-bound gravel features.
This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about grey pea 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 1-10mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Usually, quartz or limestone
Colour
Light to dark greys and variations
Shape
Rounded to angular
Size Range
1-10mm
Grey pea shingle 10mm, grey pea gravel 1-3mm
Fall Safety
1.8m/6' drop at 15cm/6" depth
Price
Economical
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like pea gravel offer a multitude of benefits in garden and landscaping design. Pea gravel is hard-wearing and creates a smooth and uniform surface, making it ideal for high-traffic outdoor areas such as pathways, driveways, and patio areas. Its small size also allows for easy installation and customisation. According to a landscaping survey conducted in 2022, 83% of homeowners who used grey pea gravel reported high satisfaction with its durability and cost-effectiveness compared to other decorative stones.
The smaller, 1-3mm pebbles are classified as resin-bound gravels and aggregates, with the size and shape ideal for resin-binding. The larger, 6-10mm grey pea gravel, is one of the most versatile products in decorative landscaping and construction with many loose-fill and construction applications.
Grey pea gravel's colour comes in varying shades of grey, providing a neutral backdrop that highlights the greenery and other colours in the garden. This complements a wide range of design styles as it blends seamlessly into modern and traditional landscapes.
Applications
According to a survey conducted by the US National Association of Landscape Professionals, 67% of landscape professionals use pea gravel in their projects, highlighting its popularity and practicality for outdoor spaces.It is often used in the construction of French drains for managing excess water to prevent water logging in low-lying areas. It is also combined with concrete for added strength and cost-savings.
The larger, 6-10mm grey pea gravel is one of the most versatile products in decorative landscaping and construction. It is suited to loose-fill hardscape applications such as mulching, garden paths and driveways. It is also very good for use as a play area safety surface, offering a critical fall height safety rating of 1.8m drop, when laid at a depth of 15cm or greater. It provides good drainage and is less abrasive in case of falls.
1mm-3mm pea gravel is widely used for resin-bonded features like pathways, driveways, patios and swimming pools because it is highly permeable, allowing water to drain and effectively preventing issues like water pooling or erosion. This also makes it an practical choice for areas prone to heavy rainfall or where proper drainage is critical.
Ultimately, grey gravel can be used in a variety of applications. Its neutral colour and varying sizes make it suitable for creating contrast and texture in garden designs. For example, in Japanese-inspired Zen gardens, grey pea gravel represents flowing water or raked patterns, creating a tranquil and meditative space. The quartz variant is pH neutral, making it fish-friendly and suitable for use in water features and aquascaping application..
In the following section, we list many common grey 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 grey pea shingle include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that grey pea shingle may not be suitable for:
- 1Grey pea gravel is not wheelchair-friendly and can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues to navigate.
- 2Areas 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.
- 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.
- 4Loose-fill grey pea gravel is not ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic or frequent vehicle use. It can become stuck in tyre treads and also shift over time, leading to gravel being tracked into indoor and outdoor spaces.
Similar Alternatives to Grey Pea Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to grey 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
creamy white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA, EU | |||
grey | Limestone | 3-20mm (0.01-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pale yellow | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | |||
brown | Quartzite | 6-10mm (0.4") | rounded | UK, USA, EU | ||
golden, brown | Flint | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA | ||
brown | Flint | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | Irregular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Grey pea gravel is low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, and provides a cost-effective solution for larger landscaping projects. Regular raking can keep the surface level and free from debris. Over time, some replenishment may be needed, especially in high-traffic areas. Occasionally, washing may be necessary to maintain its colour and prevent algae growth. Resin-bonded features need to be checked for any areas where the gravel may have come loose and consider repairing in a timely manner.
According to a study by the National Gardening Association, only 5% of homeowners reported any maintenance issues with grey pea gravel, making it an ideal landscaping solution for low-maintenance outdoor spaces. For more on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing grey 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, grey pea shingle 10mm is typically used for loose-fill paths and driveways, while smaller 1-3mm gravel is used for resin-bonding applications.
Using our gravel calculator to get an unbiased estimate for your project needs is one of the best and easiest ways to order 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.
Pea Gravel Resin Bonding Coverage Guide
Golden quartz pea gravel generally comes in 25kg sizes, and a 25kg bag will usually cover 1.25㎡ at 12mm thickness. The following information applies on a per bag basis.
You will also require ~800g UV stable resin and ~ 1g of resin activator per 25kg bag.
FAQs
What is the difference between grey pea gravel and other types of pea gravel?
Grey pea gravel differs from other types of pea gravel primarily in colour. While traditional pea gravel typically ranges from beige to brown, grey pea gravel has a more contemporary and versatile appearance.
How does grey pea gravel compare to other types of decorative stones?
Pea gravel creates a smooth and uniform surface, unlike larger stones, making it ideal for pathways, driveways, and patio areas. Its small size also allows for easy installation and customisation.
Are granite chippings good for driveways?
Yes, granite chippings are durable and hard-wearing, making them suitable for driveways and landscaping.
Is gravel different from granite?
Yes, gravel can be made from various stones, including granite, but it also includes other types, like limestone or quartz.
What is steel grey granite used for?
Due to its durability and aesthetic appeal, steel grey granite is used for countertops, flooring, and outdoor landscaping projects.
