Landscaping is Prettier in Pink
12 Dec 2024
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Quartzite
Other Name(s):
Pink quartzite, Staffordshire pink stone, pink gravel chippings, Cheshire pink gravel, pink pebbles, pink garden stones, gravel pink
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Staffordshire pink gravel, also called Cheshire pink gravel, is a distinct and visually appealing decorative quartz stone regarded as an economical and hard-wearing decorative aggregate. Landscapers utilise these pink stones for garden design, harnessing their subtle pink overtones for an aesthetic appeal. Staffordshire pink gravel stones add a unique character to any surface or space.
This encyclopaedia entry provides a thorough overview of Staffordshire pink 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.
Staffordshire Pink Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quartz | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Metamorphic rock
Colour
Pale gravel pink, brown and rustic pink
Shape
Rounded to sub-angular
Size Range
10-20mm (0.4-0.8")
Staffordshire pink gravel 10mm, 20mm Staffordshire pink gravel, Staffordshire pink 20mm gravel, Cheshire pink gravel 20mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Mid
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
Yes
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Neutral
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates products like Staffordshire pink gravel offer numerous benefits in garden and landscaping design. They are durable, require minimal maintenance and provide excellent drainage. Decorative stones discourage the growth of weeds, add to the garden's aesthetic and can even act as a useful security feature for driveways, deterring intruders due to the noise made when walking upon them.
This pink garden gravel is cherished for its unique pale pink and cream colour that complements many landscape styles. This type of pink stone for garden and landscape design is a sub-angular shape, meaning it will pack well for creating stable surfaces.
Applications
Staffordshire pink gravel is specifically suited to creating attractive, and practical, footpaths and driveways, as well as garden borders. Its subtle pink overtone and sub-angular shape add texture and colour to outdoor spaces, brightening the surrounding area whilst simultaneously making them seem more spacious. Additionally, as a quartz, they are fish-friendly, which makes them a great substrate for use in water features that house your aquatic pets.
In the following section, we list many common Staffordshire pink 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 Staffordshire pink gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Staffordshire pink gravel are not 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.
- 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 Staffordshire Pink Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to Staffordshire pink 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pink, grey | Granite | 3-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
gold, apricot | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
pink, grey, buff | 3-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | |||
pink, grey | 10-20mm (0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
pink, yellow, white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | sub-angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
pink | 1-4mm (0.04-0.16") | irregular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
Staffordshire pink 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. Occasional power washing of the product is advisable to maintain the original colour and prevent algae or moss 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 gravel pink, 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, Staffordshire pink gravel 20mm are typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm Staffordshire pink gravel 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 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.
FAQs
What is Staffordshire pink gravel?
Staffordshire pink gravel is a decorative, angular quartzite stone with a pale brown or pink colour, often used in landscaping and garden design. Available widely, a pink gravel bulk bag generally costs about £140 at the time of publishing.
What is the best colour gravel for a garden?
The best colour depends on personal preference and garden design, but Staffordshire pink gravel's subtle pink and cream hues offer a unique and elegant choice.
What is the gravel that doesn't move?
Gravels with angular shapes, like Staffordshire pink gravel, interlock better and are less likely to shift than rounded gravels.
What is the best gravel for a footpath?
Angular gravels, such as Staffordshire pink gravel, are ideal for footpaths and paths due to their stability and drainage properties.
