Which Size Gravel Is Best for Your Garden?

This blog looks at the differences between the various types of gravel and shingle which are commercially available throughout the UK. More specifically, it looks at the characteristics, advantages and usages of 10mm and 20mm gravel.

There’s also a brief mention of the decorative stones which are larger or smaller than these two mainstays of garden landscaping projects.

There are links to the various products offered by Madingley Mulch, including pebbles and cobbles as well as gravel and shingle.

(This article is a three-minute read)

 

Gravel is a feature of many British gardens.  It is a quick way for new-build property owners to cover up bare patches, or for use in specific landscaping projects. The bulk of commercial gravel is either sold in 10mm or 20mm sizes – and we can help you find the right size for your garden.

 

H2: Gravel for Gardens from Cambridge-based Madingley Mulch

Unlike many other outlets, at Madingley Mulch we stock a full range gravel and shingle to suit all needs and tastes to suit your type of garden, whether it’s a traditional cottage, a modern new-build or a spacious family property.  They are a cost-effective way of infilling flower beds and are ideal for use with many water features.

 

H3: Advantages and Uses of 10mm Gravel

Smaller-sized gravel will compact more naturally than larger stones. This means it will create a smoother, more comfortable surface for walking on, making it an excellent choice for paths and walkways. You can also use these smaller-sized stones to fill in the gaps between paving stones and patio slabs.

Many people say 10mm gravel also looks better aesthetically than the larger alternatives, as it offers a consistent appearance to the naked eye. Because it compacts well, you can use 10mm gravel as a form of mulch on your flower beds; unwanted weeds will find it difficult to force themselves through to the surface as there are very few gaps. This isn’t always the case with larger, irregularly shaped stones which don’t mesh together as naturally.

 

H3: Advantages and Uses of 20mm Gravel

However, although it compacts well, 10mm gravel and shingle can still shift around, particularly in wind and rain. And there’s also the problem of the smaller-sized stones either getting stuck in the soles of your shoes and eventually ending up in places you don’t want them to go, such as inside the house or on the lawn.

These problems don’t apply to larger 20mm stones as they provide a much more stable surface and are generally too big to fit into foot soles. They are also ideal for driveways as well as areas with lots of heavy foot traffic – the stones won’t get stuck in tyre treads either.

The larger stones can also be used as a sub-base for various garden projects, including driveways, patios and paths, although it may need to be artificially compacted (with a compactor) to ensure it provides a sufficiently strong and stable surface.

And 20mm gravel, and other larger stones, have their own aesthetic appeal if you are looking for a more ‘rugged’ appearance for your garden. Some varieties of larger decorative stone also change colour over time or after periods of heavy rain, providing another point of interest.

 

H3: Other Gravel Sizes

Many outlets also stock 6mm gravel and shingle (shingle is more likely than gravel to be naturally formed over time, usually via through erosion, such as through waves on a beach).

Even though it’s smaller than the 10mm option, it can still be used for paths and walkways; and it’s also good for certain specific projects, such as pipe bedding, as a soakaway, or in and around any garden water features. This is because 6mm options offer excellent drainage, whether the water is being artificially or naturally produced.

And some nurseries and stores offer 14mm decorative stones. Many people prefer these as they are small enough to walk on comfortably, but still large enough to offer the stability required.

 

H3: 10mm and 20mm Decorative Stone Options from Madingley Mulch

At Madingley Mulch we stock a variety of sizes of gravel for gardens in the Cambridge area, all of which you can buy from our shop.

These include:

• 6mm shingle in a variety of colours;
• Our basic 10mm gravel which is a versatile pea shingle;
• 14mm red granite, which changes colour when it’s wet, making it ideal for water features;
• And our 20mm golden gravel, which is one of our most popular varieties.
• Our full range can be seen here. You can order them directly via the links – but it you aren’t sure which type is best for you give us a call on 01954 212144 and we will be happy to help.

Remember we also offer even larger decorative stones in the form of pebbles and cobbles. Like shingle, these are naturally produced and are ideal for edging paths and borders, as their size naturally discourages people from walking on them. These can be up to 150mm in size.

 

FAQS:

Can Madingley Mulch deliver gravel to your door?

Yes, we can – we use a fleet of crane lorries to deliver products, which allows us place bulk bags over obstacles like hedges and walls and directly onto various surfaces such as driveways and paths.

What sizes do we deliver in?

Gravel is available for delivery in bulk bags, or in smaller, handy bags.

Where do we deliver to?

Madingley Mulch delivers to customers throughout East Anglia. So, whether you want a 20mm gravel bulk bag in Suffolk, a pea shingle bulk bag in Hertfordshire, or a 10mm gravel bulk bag in Bedfordshire, we can help.

We charge on a sliding scale, depending on the size of your order and how far we have to travel. For more details check out our deliveries page here.

 

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