Please see our full listing for comprehensive specifications, benefits and uses for Golconda self-binding gravel — as well as links to inspirational garden ideas and do-it-yourself guides.
Golconda Self Binding Gravel
£158.00 inc. VAT
Golconda Self-Binding Gravel is a 0-10mm crushed dolomitic limestone that keeps all its dust, so it compacts into a firm light brown surface for paths, cycleways and bridleways. Lay it about 50mm deep once compacted, over 75 to 100mm of MOT Type 1. It can take the odd car, but it is not generally suitable for a driveway: tyres wear the top and the clay in it turns muddy in rain. Supplied in 850kg bulk bags.
Perfect for:
- garden pathways and footpaths
- cycleways and bridleways
- courtyards and seating areas
- woodland walks or nature trails
- accessible routes
Low maintenance and a natural-looking alternative to hard paving.
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Specifications, Inspirational Ideas & DIY Guides
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Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose, Applications, DIY Guides & Inspirational Ideas, Maintenance, Purchasing Tips, FAQs, Related Products
Overview
Golconda Self-Binding Gravel is crushed dolomitic limestone (a limestone rich in magnesium, which is what gives it the light brown colour), sold at 0-10mm. Once it is wetted and compacted, that dust locks the angular pieces into one firm layer and nothing else holds it: no cement and no resin. Dry, the surface is a pale buff-brown. After rain it darkens, some mixes lean more golden and some more brown (the colour changes through the rock face so is not consistent). It suits garden baths, cycleways, long country paths, and anyone who wants a bound surface at gravel prices. These are the reasons to buy it, and one purpose you probably wouldn't.
Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose Golconda Self-Binding Gravel
Golconda self binding gravel sets into a firm path you can walk, cycle or push a buggy along, and its sharp, crushed grading is its main feature.
- Crushed stone locks together much tighter than round pebbles so it stays put underfoot and under bike wheels.
- Golconda self binding gravel sets firm enough for a buggy or wheelchair, so one material can run from the front gate round to the back garden.
- Warm light brown looks at home in front of red brick and old stone.
- Golconda from Outdoor Aggregates is the cheapest of our three self-binding gravels.
- The dust in the mix is what binds it once wetted and compacted, no cement or resin needed.
Golconda Self-Binding Gravel Applications
Golconda's buff-brown sits beautifully with bronze and purple foliage, and purple sage (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens') is my favourite partner for it. I would steer you away from it for a driveway; car tyres wear the top quickly and once wet the worn surface turns into a sludgy mess. Being limestone, it raises the pH of water, so keep it away from any pond with fish or wildlife in it.
- Garden paths finished at around 50mm in the same stone front and back.
- Cycleways and shared paths, where a tight surface stays smooth under narrow tyres.
- Woodland walks, nature trails and park paths.
- A step-free route from the front gate to the front door or a garden room.
- Woodland paths where natural stone is more fitting than tarmac.
DIY Guides & Inspirational Ideas
How to avoid the common pitfalls and get great results first time
Ben Parrot
Thin gravel on a firm base over deep gravel always. How I build one that looks new after ten years.
Ben Parrot
The best way to work out exactly how much you need for your gravel project.
Ben Parrot
Golconda Self-Binding Gravel Maintenance
A new Golconda path is at its weakest in the first three months. Keep regular foot traffic off it for about a week in summer, and longer when the weather is cold and wet. After that it is ready to use, but go gently with bikes and barrows until it is three months old because it keeps hardening all that time. Once it has settled, most of the wear happens along the line people walk or cycle. When that line starts to sit lower than the edges, rake the loose top back into it, damp it and run a plate compactor over it. A hole worn down to the sub-base needs cutting out square, filling with fresh Golconda, watering and compacting flush with the path around it.
Purchasing Tips
Golconda self binding gravel on a path should finish at about 50mm deep. Compacting squashes it down by about a third, so spread it roughly 75mm deep and compact it. At 50mm, an 850kg bulk bag covers about 6.8m². A garden path 1m wide and 10m long takes two bags.
Our gravel calculator will give you the same answer if you enter 7.5cm, the spread depth, and choose the 10% allowance.
Under a path goes 75 to 100mm of MOT Type 1, rolled hard and sloping about 1 in 40 from one edge to the other (a 25mm drop for every metre of width), and the Golconda sits directly on it. Our sub-base guide covers digging out and compacting, and the gravel path how-to covers the path build as a whole.
Still deciding between Golconda and Golden? Our range comparison page sets out the differences, and all three of our self-binding gravels are in the shop.
If you would rather talk your Golconda self-binding gravel order through with a person, ring Outdoor Aggregates on 0330 043 7585. The office is open 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.
Golconda Self-Binding Gravel FAQs
What is Golconda self binding gravel made of?
Golconda self binding gravel is crushed dolomitic limestone, graded from 10mm right down to powder. The magnesium in the rock gives it the light brown colour, and those fines bind the surface once it is dampened and compacted.
Does Golconda self binding gravel need a weed membrane?
Golconda self binding gravel should sit directly on the rolled MOT Type 1, because it binds by gripping the stone below. Any weed membrane belongs underneath the MOT Type 1.
Is Golconda self binding gravel suitable for wheelchairs?
Golconda self binding gravel gives wheelchair users a firm, even surface once it is laid over a compacted base and has set. A little grit does pick up on the wheels, so a paved strip at the door keeps it out of the house.
Does Golconda self binding gravel need edging?
Golconda self binding gravel compacts best against a firm edge of timber, steel, brick or concrete, and on a drive I would always fit one. Keep the edging level with the finished surface, or leave gaps along it, so rain can still run off the side.
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Golconda Self Binding Gravel
£158.00 inc. VAT
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