Please see the full listing section below for comprehensive specifications, benefits and uses for 20mm gravel — as well as links to inspirational garden ideas and do-it-yourself guides.
20mm Gravel
£128.00 inc. VAT
Our 20mm gravel is a hardworking, go-to choice for landscape construction, blending natural tones of brown, grey, and beige with pinks and peaches that deepen appealingly when wet. Its balanced mix of angular and rounded stones compacts reliably while allowing superb drainage. This versatile 20mm size delivers stability under load yet spreads easily, making it a favourite for both structural and decorative roles. Perfect for:
- well draining driveways and garden pathways
- sub-base layers
- effective drainage trenches and soakaways
- low-cost borders and ground cover
- pipe bedding and concreting
It suppresses weeds when laid over membrane, prevents water-logging with excellent permeability, and withstands heavy indefinitely. A practical, durable essential that brings clean functionality to any outdoor project.
Gravel Calculator
You need ≈ 640 kgs
(0.4 m³)
Note: No compaction/settlement included.
Add 10-20% extra for compaction & wastage if required.
Add 10-20% extra for compaction & wastage if required.
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Specifications, Inspirational Ideas & DIY Guides
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Specifications, Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose, Applications, Inspirational Ideas, DIY Guides, Maintenance, Purchasing Tips, FAQs, Related Products
Overview
Sourced from UK quartzite quarries, our 20mm gravel is a great all-rounder that combines the decorative appeal of quartzite with proper construction-grade performance, coming in a practical mix of buffs, creams, greys and subtle flecks. The 20mm pea gravel size offers reliable interlocking and load support at a budget price, making it popular for both garden makeovers and groundwork jobs. As a 20mm driveway gravel, it provides solid stability under vehicles while draining freely to avoid puddles. Whether you're laying a low-maintenance path surface or incorporating it into a soakaway system, this aggregate handles it all with ease. Read on for full specs and results from my installs to help you make the right choice when buying online.
Specifications
Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose 20mm Gravel
Our rounded quartzite gravel shifts from a soft, matte dry look to a glossy, deepened vibrancy once wet – a huge plus in our damp UK climate that keeps surfaces looking sharp post-rain. From dozens of UK jobs, here are the standout results:
- Superior Load-Bearing: The 20mm size offers excellent compaction; on a commercial patio extension near Brighton, it formed a rock-solid sub-base that took heavy planter delivery traffic for years without shifting.
- Outstanding Free-Draining: In a flood-prone Wiltshire driveway, layering it as the base prevented standing water entirely.
- Fish-friendly: pH-neutral composition makes it completely safe around fish, amphibians and aquatic plants; I’ve installed it in dozens of garden ponds across the South East.
- Weed Suppression: With geotextile underneath, it cuts regrowth dramatically to near-zero maintenance over multiple seasons.
- Cost-Effective Versatility: Doubles as both decorative topper and construction fill – saved a London builder significant money by using the same stock for path edging and concrete bulk.
Here are some examples from previous installations:
Applications
The smooth, rounded shape and neutral quartz tones create a calm, timeless backdrop that pairs beautifully with hardy UK perennials like Echinacea purpurea, Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', Rudbeckia fulgida and Lavandula angustifolia – their vibrant blooms and silvery foliage contrast elegantly against the stone's subtle palette. It's well suited to most outdoor projects, though avoid it for children's play areas (better to choose our play gravel) or ultra-fine root zones in delicate planting beds.
- Paths & Borders – The 20mm size gives firm, comfortable walking with minimal displacement.
- Driveways – Choose 20mm quartz pea gravel for medium-traffic residential use – it compacts well and drains superbly to keep the surface usable year-round.
- Ponds & Water Features – Our quartz pea gravel supports clear water and wildlife without any chemical impact.
- Mulch & Shrub Beds – Retains soil moisture while blocking weeds in sunny borders.
- Rockeries & Sloping Areas – Opt for 20mm to control erosion on moderate gradients as it locks in place effectively.
Construction Applications
20mm gravel is a popular aggregate used in the construction industry. Its compact nature and interlocking qualities make it an excellent choice for creating a stable and strong foundation in concrete and asphalt. Additionally, its ability to facilitate proper drainage in these applications ensures durability and longevity of the structures.
- Foundation and Base Layers: 20mm gravel is typically used for constructing a solid foundation or sub-base for various structures, including roads, sheds, patios, and driveways.
- Concrete Aggregate: Coarser 20mm gravel is often used as an aggregate in concrete mixtures, especially for projects that require higher strength and durability.
- Trench Drains and Drainage Systems: In drainage systems and trench drains, it is preferred due to its larger size, which allows for better water flow and drainage.
- Soakaway: 20mm pea gravel is chosen for soakaway systems due to its ability to facilitate water infiltration and filtration, reducing the risk of flooding.
- Drainage: In drainage systems, whether standalone or in French drains, it facilitates water drainage, preventing water-logging and soil saturation.
Inspirational Ideas
DIY Guide for Rockery ConstructionBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview The humble but often misunderstood soakaway is a
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OUR “PEOPLE ALSO ASK ABOUT” SERIESBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview In this edition of “People Also Ask
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Calculations and ComparisonsBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur GeologistKey Takeaways Basics Gravel Drive Costs Cost Factors Advantages of a Gravel Driveway Gravel
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DIY Guides
DIY Guide for Driveway ConstructionBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Key TakeawaysWhy choose to install a gravel driveway? What
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DIY Gravel pathway ConstructionBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview Have you ever wondered how to build a gravel
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An Expert Introduction to Garden EdgesBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur GeologistKey Takeaways More Than Just a Border for
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Maintenance
Staying on top of it is simple—always lay a heavy duty membrane first to stop weeds emerging, then rake lightly every few months to redistribute after rain or use. For deep cleaning, particularly where algae discolours the chippings, check our guide on how to clean chippings for step-by-step tips.
Purchasing Tips
Quarry batches can vary slightly in the different shades, so it’s best to be prepared for some natural variation. Try to get what you need in the one load. Measure your area in square metres, aim for 5-7cm depth on paths or 10cm for driveways, and factor in 10% extra for settling.
FAQs
Is 20mm pea gravel suitable as a concrete aggregate?
Yes – the coarser 20mm quartz gravel 20mm adds bulk, strength and crack resistance to mixes.
How does 20mm driveway gravel perform under vehicles?
Exceptionally well for domestic use; its interlocking rounded stones compact into a stable layer. A Hampshire client with daily family cars reported minimal ruts after five years.
Can 20mm pea shingle be used in soakaways?
Yes, 20mm pea shingle be used in soakaways - its larger voids promote excellent infiltration and filtration. Perfect for reducing flood risk in clay-heavy soils.
What's the ideal depth for 20mm gravel in drainage systems?
For trench drains or French drains, 100-200mm works best to maximise flow; the 20mm size prevents clogging while allowing rapid water passage.
Is 20mm gravel good for foundation sub-bases?
Yes, especially over a compacted hardcore layer; the 20mm provides superior load distribution and stability compared to finer grades.
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