A Guide to Decorative Aggregates – Types, Uses, and Benefits

Whether you’re giving your garden a makeover, starting a landscaping project, or planning a public space, decorative aggregates are a great choice. They’re durable, low-maintenance, and full of natural character, making them a favourite for landscapers, builders, and DIYers alike.

We’ll cover the most popular types of decorative aggregates, where to use them, and answer common questions, like where to buy them and how much gravel costs.

What Are Decorative Aggregates?

Decorative aggregates are natural or recycled stones that add texture, structure and style to outdoor spaces. Available in a range of colours and sizes, from crushed stone to soft pebbles, they’re ideal for everything from neat garden borders to large commercial landscapes. Whether you want visual impact, improved drainage or low-maintenance appeal, these versatile materials deliver.

At PP O’Connor, we offer a wide selection of decorative aggregates, whether you’re after freshly quarried stone or a more sustainable recycled option. Whatever your choice, you can be sure its top quality. All our aggregates are tested to meet Series 600 and Series 800 standards, so they’re ready for everything from garden makeovers to major infrastructure work.

Types of Decorative Aggregate

Garden Gravel

Garden gravel is one of the UK’s top picks for paths, driveways, and beds. It’s easy to lay, drains well, and keeps things looking tidy with very little upkeep. Available in various shades and sizes, typically 10mm or 20mm, garden gravel provides excellent drainage and it always looks clean and natural. It’s perfect for creating low-maintenance areas that need to look good and function well for years to come.

Crushed Stone

Crushed stone, like limestone or granite, is a solid choice for heavy-use areas. It’s stable, durable, and ideal for driveways or places that see a lot of foot traffic. This type of aggregate is particularly well-suited to high-traffic areas and provides a stable base for driveways, structural landscaping, and areas that need to handle weight and movement.

Our quarried aggregates, sourced from Fletcher Bank Quarry in Ramsbottom, meet stringent industry standards and are independently tested for reliability.

Slate Chippings

Slate chippings add colour and texture to your garden. Available in blue, plum, and green, they look even better after rain. Great for modern gardens, borders, and water features. Available in vibrant shades like blue, plum, and green, they deepen in colour when wet, adding visual contrast and depth. Slate is perfect for borders, water features, and contemporary landscaping projects.

Cobbles and Pebbles

Cobbles and pebbles give a softer, natural look to gardens. Perfect around ponds, in rockeries, or for Zen-style designs, they bring texture and a calm feel to any space. With their smooth shapes and natural appearance, they create calming, reflective gardens areas, such as around ponds, rockeries, and Zen-style gardens. These aggregates are great if you are looking to add texture and a calming atmosphere to outdoor spaces.

Recycled Aggregates

Want to stay sustainable? Recycled aggregates are made using the latest screening and washing tech. They perform just as well as quarried stone and help keep projects greener. Produced with the latest screening and washing techniques, these aggregates are perfect for projects that aim for minimum environmental impact. They meet WRAP quality protocols, ensuring good performance while supporting greener choices in landscaping and groundwork.

Benefits of Using Decorative Aggregates

High Visual Appeal

From natural gravel to vibrant slate, decorative aggregates add instant style and impact to any outdoor space.

Low-Maintenance

No need for regular upkeep. Just a simple installation over a membrane keeps weeds at bay and moisture in the soil.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Unlike organic materials, aggregates stay strong and vibrant for years without breaking down or blowing away.

Sustainable Options Available

Choose from both quarried and recycled aggregates, so you can minimise your impact on the environment without compromising quality.

FAQs

Where To Buy Best Quality Decorative Aggregates?

You can get the best decorative aggregates direct from PP O’Connor. We supply both quarried and recycled options across the North-West, with expert advice and fast delivery.

How Much Is a Ton of Gravel?

Prices vary depending on material and size, but most decorative aggregates cost between £40 and £100 per ton (ex. delivery). Need a quote? Give us a call, we’re happy to help .

Why Go With PP O’Connor for Decorative Aggregates?

We’re all about top quality. Every product is tested to meet UK standards, so you can rely on it. Plus, we offer eco-friendly options and expert advice from start to finish. With local facilities across the North-West, fast delivery is never a problem.