A Complete Decorative Gravel Guide for Landscaping Projects

Let’s talk gravel. It’s the underappreciated workhorse of landscaping; it’s often overlooked, but always reliable. We’d wager that decorative gravel does it all. Whether giving your driveway a facelift, paving the way for a garden path, or adding a little sparkle to your flower beds. However, it’s not just about looks; it’s about functionality, too. From improving drainage to reducing maintenance, gravel’s got your back.

But with so many types out there, choosing the right one can feel like searching for the perfect drill bit in a toolbox (trust us, we’ve all been there). But don’t worry, we’re here to make it easy. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best gravel for your project and show you how to install and maintain it like a pro.

Types of Decorative Gravel & Their Best Uses

When it comes to choosing gravel, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. There’s a gravel for every job, whether you’re building a solid driveway, a pathway that pops, or just adding a little flair to your garden. Let’s look at the most popular types and where they shine.

1. Pea Gravel – Perfect for Garden Paths & Water Features

Looking for a smooth, natural look for your garden path? Pea gravel’s your friend. Its small, rounded stones feel great underfoot, making them perfect for morning walks to the shed. They also let water drain easily, which is ideal for the UK’s unpredictable weather. Plus, it works wonders around flower beds, creating a soft, natural base without hindering plant growth.

It’s eco-friendly, too, so you can feel good about making a sustainable choice for your garden.

Ready to lay down some pea gravel? Check out our aggregates and gravel collection to find the right match for your path!

2. Red-Rounded Gravel – Ideal for Driveways & High-Traffic Areas

Want your driveway to make a statement? 20mm red-rounded gravel is the gravel-equivalent of a shiny new tool in the toolbox. It’s bold, durable, and ready for action. The bold red colour will give your driveway a fresh, striking appearance. Plus, its angular design helps it stay secure, even when cars drive over it.

It’s the perfect gravel to withstand time and keep your entrance looking sharp.

Want to know why red-rounded gravel is a top choice for driveways? Find out here.

3. Golden Gravel – Perfect for Borders & Small Pathways

Golden gravel is like the perfect cup of tea; it’s warm, welcoming, and just the right touch for small pathways and garden borders. Okay, that’s a mixed metaphor, but bear with us... because its rich, golden-yellow tones add a touch of elegance and class to any garden. This makes it an excellent choice for those areas that need a little extra sparkle.

It’s also a workhorse that helps with drainage while being easy to maintain, so your garden looks the part all year round.

Want to bring some sunshine to your garden? Check out golden gravel.

4. Slate Chippings – A Modern Touch for Borders & Edging

Looking to give your garden a sleek, contemporary edge? Slate chippings are the perfect choice for modern gardens. Whether it’s plum, blue, or green, slate’s angular, sharp-edged design adds a bit of sophistication. Slate chippings are ideal for borders and edging and give your outdoor spaces a polished, minimalist finish.

It's a bit of a bonus, but slate is tough as nails, so it’ll last in high-traffic areas.

Get your slate chippings here and make your garden shine.

5. Limestone Chippings – Great for Patios & Rustic Landscaping

For rustic charm, limestone chippings are your go-to. These light, neutral stones blend perfectly with your garden’s natural features. This makes them ideal for patios and walkways, adding a classic style to your garden. They work well with other stone features and bring a timeless touch to your space.

It’s weather-resistant and durable, which is precisely what you need for your next landscaping project.

Ready to add some rustic charm to your space? Explore our limestone chippings.

How to Choose the Right Decorative Gravel for Your Project

Choosing the right gravel for your landscaping project doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to pick the perfect gravel for your space.

1. Consider Your Project Type

What are you aiming for? For driveways, use 20mm gravel for stability. For pathways, pea gravel gives a soft, natural feel. For drainage, use gravel with larger stones to let water flow through.

Still not sure what aggregates fits your needs? Check out our aggregates guide for more advice.

2. Colour & Texture

Colour and texture matter. Want a bright and welcoming space? Go with golden gravel. Need something to stand out? Red-rounded gravel does the trick. Or, for a natural look, pea gravel fits perfectly.

Browse our full selection of decorative gravel for the perfect colour and texture.

3. Practical Considerations

Gravel needs to withstand the weather and foot traffic. Slate and limestone can handle the UK’s weather just fine, but pea gravel is the perfect choice for low-maintenance spaces.

For maintenance tips, head to our FAQ page.

Installation Tips for Decorative Gravel

Right, so you’ve picked your gravel. Now comes the fun bit: getting it down without giving yourself a headache (or a wonky path). Here’s how to lay decorative gravel the Wright way (see what we did there?)

1. Prep the Ground Properly

No shortcuts here. Start by clearing weeds, grass, and old turf. Then, level the ground and compact it to give your gravel a solid foundation to stand on. Next up, you need a weed control membrane. It keeps the plants where they belong (in your beds, not through your paths).

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says a permeable membrane under gravel can stop weeds and aid drainage. This is especially useful during the UK’s wet winters.

2. Depth Matters

A 40–50mm depth is usually spot-on for paths and patios. For driveways, go a bit deeper – at least 50–75mm – to handle heavy traffic without forming ruts. Spread it evenly, then gently compact it with a tamper or plate compactor. Job done.

3. Keep It Neat with Edging

Want gravel that stays put instead of creeping into the flower beds? Use stone edging, bricks, or timber to frame it in. Not only does it look sharp, but it’ll save you a weekend of raking loose gravel back into place after every rainstorm.

If you’re putting gravel down in spots that might flood, GOV.UK suggests using permeable surfaces. Under Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) rules, gravel can help manage water well.

Why Choose Wright Readymix for Your Decorative Gravel

Decorative gravel isn’t just a finishing touch. It’s what turns a “nearly done” garden into a head-turner. Using the right gravel for paths, driveways, or flower beds strengthens your outdoor space, drains well, and looks great.

At Wright Readymix, we’re not just slinging bags of stone, we’re your gravel partner in the South West. We provide bulk bag delivery, local expertise, and high-quality materials for all your landscaping needs. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or builder who knows their way around a mixer, we’ll help you get the job done right.

Call 0117 958 2090 or request a free quote today, and let’s sort out your gravel.