Warm and Earthy Outdoor Aggregates
09 Oct 2024
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Fluvial deposits
Other Name(s):
Trent pea gravel, Trent valley gravel, Trent pea stone
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Trent gravel, also known as Trent pea stone, is a economical aggregate from the Trent Valley, best known for its colours and round, naturally weathered shape. Its natural texture and attractive mix of warm hues, gives it a unique charm and versatility in garden and landscape design. Trent pea can be used to create a rustic, coastal feel, or more contemporary design themes.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about Trent 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.
Trent Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quartz | 6-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Neutral |
Material
Quartzite
Colour
Brown, red, pink, grey and white
Shape
Angular to rounded
Size Range
6-20mm (0.25-0.8")
Trent gravel 6mm, Trent gravel 10mm, 20mm Trent gravel, Trent river bed gravel 20mm, 20mm Trent valley gravel
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 Trent gravel offer numerous benefits in gardening and landscaping design. As well as adding visually to a garden's aesthetic, they provide excellent drainage allowing moisture to reach plant roots, while reducing maintenance. The natural tones and varied textures of aggregates can complement any garden style, from traditional to contemporary.
Trent gravel, with its attractive mix of warm, natural hues and rounded to sub-angular stones, adds a unique visual interest to landscapes. It's economical and versatile, with the varied sizes and shapes of Trent gravel aiding in soil moisture retention and the prevention of soil erosion.
Applications
Trent gravel is one of those products which is suitable for just about anything, from gravel driveways and garden paths to water features and pond substrate. It can also be used as a topping material for pots, indoor or out, as well as for borders around plantings to define lines and keep weeds at bay. As you can see from the picture below, it's very pleasing on the eye, providing a clean and uniform finish. The round to sub-angular stones help the aggregate interlock, making for a more stable walking or driving surface than round gravels.
In the following section, we list many common Trent 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 Trent gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that Trent 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, unless using the 6mm Trent pea gravel, which is a sound choice.
Similar Alternatives to Trent Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to Trent 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 | ||
multi | Flint | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | sub-angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
When used with weed control fabrics to suppress weeds, Trent gravel can significantly reduce the time spent on garden upkeep, 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 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 Trent 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, Trent gravel 20mm is typically used for driveways, while smaller 10mm Trent gravel and 6mm Trent pea gravel is better suited to paths. Information about using pea gravel for resin bonding is below.
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 Trent 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.
Trent Pea Gravel Resin Bonding Coverage Guide
Trent 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 Trent gravel?
Trent gravel is a natural stone aggregate known for its warm, earthy hues and mixture of rounded and angular stones, typically sourced from the Trent Valley.
How much is a tonne of gravel?
The price of a tonne of gravel varies based on type and location, but Trent gravel is generally considered mid-priced.
Which gravel is best for the garden?
The best gravel for a garden depends on its intended use; Trent gravel is versatile, suitable for driveways, garden paths and as a top dressing for water features.
