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About our decorative stones and gravel
We carry over 20 decorative stone and gravel products for driveways, garden paths, borders, and mulching. Our range includes slate chippings, golden gravel, white pebbles, cobbles, and mixed aggregates. Prices start from £230 and go up to £475. Every product is delivered free to mainland UK addresses.
Decorative gravel is the simplest way to create a low-maintenance garden surface. It suppresses weeds, improves drainage, and looks good year-round without mowing or trimming. We supply bags suitable for small borders through to bulk quantities for full driveways. For raised beds and planting borders alongside your gravel, see our landscaping range.
Pair stones with timber edging from our fencing collection to keep gravel contained. For a finished seating area on your new gravel patio, browse our garden furniture.
Why We Chose This Range
"When laying gravel paths, we always recommend a weed membrane underneath. It saves hours of maintenance in the long run. We tested dozens of suppliers before picking this range. The colour stays true after years outdoors and the stone sizes are consistent, which makes laying much easier."
, Matt, Founder of Greenhouse StoresTypes of decorative stones we offer
Slate chippings
Blue, plum, and grey slate chippings in 20mm and 40mm sizes. Flat, angular pieces interlock naturally and resist wind displacement. Ideal for modern garden borders, paths, and mulching around shrubs. The dark tones contrast well against light-coloured planting.
Gravel and pebbles
Golden gravel, white pebbles, and mixed river stones in various grades. Rounded shapes provide a softer, natural look for cottage gardens and informal paths. Lay to 40-50mm depth on weed membrane for best results. Suitable for driveways when used with a grid stabiliser.
Cobbles and feature stones
Larger decorative cobbles for water features, borders, and centre pieces. Sizes range from 40mm to 100mm diameter. Use them to edge ponds, fill planters, or create dry river bed features. They add texture and visual weight to planting schemes.
Aggregates and base materials
Functional aggregates for sub-bases beneath paving, paths, and raised beds. Use as a drainage layer in planters or as a base for decorative stone. Compacts well for stable, level surfaces. Essential preparation for any gravel path or patio project.
Quick Guide: To calculate how much gravel you need, multiply length x width x depth (in metres). One cubic metre of gravel weighs roughly 1,500kg. For a 5m x 1m path at 50mm deep, you need 0.25 cubic metres (about 375kg). Always add 10% extra for settling and edges.
Matt's buying tip: membrane first, always
Never lay gravel directly onto soil. Within six months, weeds push through and the stone sinks into the mud. Lay a heavy-duty weed membrane first. Pin it down with metal pegs every 300mm. Overlap joins by at least 150mm. This one step saves you hours of weeding every year and keeps the gravel looking fresh.
Budget guide: our decorative stone range runs from £230 to £475. Most garden path projects use 2-4 bags depending on length and width. All prices include free UK delivery. Combine stones with timber edging from our landscaping range for a professional finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much decorative gravel do I need?
Multiply length x width x depth in metres, then multiply by 1,500 for weight in kg. A 50mm depth is standard for paths and borders. A 10m x 1m path needs roughly 750kg. For driveways, use 50-75mm depth. Always order 10% more than your calculation to allow for settling and compaction.
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Do I need weed membrane under gravel?
Yes, always lay weed membrane before spreading gravel. Without it, weeds grow through within months and the stone sinks into the soil. Use a heavy-duty weed-suppressing fabric, not cheap garden fleece. Pin it with metal staples every 300mm and overlap joins by 150mm.
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What depth should decorative gravel be?
Lay gravel to 40-50mm depth for paths and borders. Driveways need 50-75mm for vehicle traffic. Thinner layers expose the membrane and look patchy. Thicker layers make walking difficult and waste material. For mulching around plants, 30-40mm is sufficient.
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Which type of gravel is best for driveways?
Angular gravel in 10-20mm size works best for driveways. Angular stones interlock under tyre pressure and stay in place. Rounded pebbles roll and scatter. Use a cellular grid system beneath the gravel layer to prevent rutting. Lay on a compacted Type 1 sub-base for a stable, long-lasting surface.
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How do I stop gravel spreading onto the lawn?
Install timber, metal, or stone edging along all gravel boundaries. The edging makes a physical barrier that holds the stone in place. Timber edging from our landscaping range is the most affordable option. Set it flush with the gravel surface and secure with wooden stakes driven into the ground.
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Can decorative stones be used for mulching?
Yes, stone mulch suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture. Spread 30-40mm of slate chippings or gravel around shrubs and perennials. Unlike bark mulch, stone does not decompose or need replacing. It also deters slugs and keeps soil splashing off plant leaves during heavy rain.