A VERSATILE LANDSCAPING GEM

27 Jan 2024

By Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist

Classification:

Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate

Geological name(s):

Quartzite

Other Name(s):

Coral chippings

Overview

Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Douglas muir quartz gravel, also known as coral chippings, is a mid-priced decorative aggregate that has a blend of varied shaped pebbles that darken when wet. Featuring colours from brown, gold and buff to grey that sparkle and reflect light when dry, they stand out in any outdoor setting.

This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about Douglas muir quartz 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

Size Range

20mm Coral chippings

Fall Safety

Unsuitable for play surfaces

Price

Mid

Durability

High

Fish Friendly

Yes

Eco-friendly

Yes

Degradability

Non-degradable

Neutral

DIY-Friendly

Yes

Benefits

Decorative aggregates like Douglas Muir quartz gravel offer a blend of aesthetic appeal and practicality, transforming gardens and landscapes into vibrant, visually appealing spaces. They are low maintenance, durable, and can help with soil moisture retention and weed suppression.

Douglas Muir quartz gravel’s attractive blend of white, buff, pink and charcoal provides a striking, natural look that can add a contemporary feel to any setting. Its sparkly surface reflects light, brightening areas of the garden, especially when wet. They are neutral pH and aquatic life-friendly for garden design, like all quartz stones.

Inhibits weeds
Improves drainage
Hard-wearing
Eco-friendly, sustainable

Low-maintenance
Moisture retention
Versatile all-rounder
pH neutral

Transform space fast
Safe for aquatic life
Root protection
Easy to lay

Applications

Douglas Muir quartz gravel is a very popular choice for a multitude of landscaping applications. Its vibrant colours and durable nature make it ideal for pathways, driveways, borders and garden borders, complementing both traditional and contemporary settings. It’s fish-friendly qualities make it particularly useful in water features or ponds with aquatic pets.

In the following section, we list many common Douglas Muir quartz 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

Need to work out how many stone chippings your project needs? Try our free gravel calculator.

Other Applications

Some other excellent applications for coral chippings include:

Base for terrace, patios or outdoor seating areas

Unsuitable For

The following list represents the kinds of applications that Douglas Muir quartz 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.
2Erosion 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. A gravel grid should be in place as a minimum.
3Play surfaces

Maintenance

Douglas Muir quartz 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 color 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 Douglas Muir quartz 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, Douglas Muir quartz gravel 20mm is typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm and 6mm gravels are 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 Douglas Muir quartz 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

Will gravel help drainage?

Yes, gravel can help with drainage by providing a porous medium for water to pass through and prevent waterlogging.

What size pea gravel for drainage?

For drainage purposes, pea gravel of about 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6.35 to 9.525 mm) in size is often recommended as it allows for effective water drainage while still providing stability.

There are many wonderful types of gravel and aggregates available for your project needs. Check them out!