If you’re looking to improve your garden, you may have come across the terms gravel and decorative chippings and wondered what the difference is. To put it simply, there isn’t one. They are essentially the same thing.

Gravel, decorative gravel and decorative chippings are all terms used to describe loose stone that can be used for landscaping and garden projects.

So, if you’re wondering whether you need gravel or decorative chippings, don’t get too caught up in the name. The terminology can vary between suppliers, but what really matters is choosing the right stone for your project.

Why are they called different things?

There isn’t always a strict difference between the terms.

Some suppliers call their products gravel. Others call them decorative chippings. You may also see terms such as decorative gravel or stone chippings. In most cases, they’re simply different names for the same type of landscaping material.

So, what should you look for?

Now we know that they are essentially the same thing, instead of worrying about gravel vs decorative chippings, focus on the things you actually need and are important to your project:

Colour

What colour will work best with your garden, home, patio or other landscaping?

If you want a modern colour palette, you could consider:

• 20mm Dorset Limestone Chippings
• 20mm Black Ice Chippings
• 20mm Silver Granite Chippings
• 10mm Dorset Limestone Chippings

If you are looking for more traditional tones, you could consider:

• 20mm Dorset Limestone Chippings
• 20mm Cerney Gravel
• 20mm Devon Pink Chippings
• 20mm Sandringham Chippings

Decorative Chippings come in a wide range of colours, so you can choose something that complements your existing outdoor space.

Size

Gravel is available in different sizes, and the size you need is determined by the appearance and suitability of the aggregate. If you’re not sure what size you need take a look at our ‘Guide to Decorative Chippings & Their Uses‘ and also our ‘How Deep Should Decorative Chippings Be? A Complete Guide‘

Consider how you want the finished area to look and what you’re using the stone for. Some options like our 20mm Golden Cotswold Chippings look fantastic but aren’t suitable for frequent vehicle movements, therefore making them unsuitable for driveways, but ideal for pathways.

Type of stone

Different types of stone have different colours, textures and appearances.

For example:

• Our 20mm & 10mm Dorset Limestone Chippings are pale in colour and consist of rough angular pieces that lock together nicely.
• 20mm Sandringham Chippings consists of lots of different neutral tones, smooth pieces with a mixture of rounded and angular.

That’s just a couple of examples, look through our full range here.

What are you using it for?

This is perhaps the most important thing to consider & we have touched on it briefly already.

Are you creating a garden border? Refreshing a flower bed? Creating a path? A driveway?

Or are you looking for something such as shingle for drainage?

The right product depends on the job you’re doing, not simply whether it’s called gravel or chippings. Use our Guide to Decorative Chippings & Their Uses guide for help on what you should be using.

Where does shingle fit when we are talking about gravel vs decorative chippings?

You may also see shingle when looking for landscaping aggregate.

Shingle is another term commonly used for loose stone, most often referring to rounded stone.

If you’re looking for shingle for drainage, make sure you choose a product that’s suitable for your particular application, our 20mm Shingle is perfect for drainage and soakaway systems.

Gravel or decorative chippings: which should I buy?

The simple answer is:

Whichever one you prefer & suits what you need it for, what one person calls gravel another will call chippings.

If two products are suitable for your project, the name doesn’t need to be the deciding factor. The important thing is to look at the product and review the description and FAQ’s, if you’re still unsure whether it’s the right material? Give us a call & let us help.

Choose the stone that has the right colour, size, appearance and properties for what you’re trying to achieve.

Whether it’s called gravel, decorative gravel or decorative chippings, you’re looking for the right aggregate for your project.

Find your perfect aggregate

Choosing landscaping materials can seem confusing when you’re faced with lots of different names. But gravel and decorative chippings don’t need to be complicated.

They’re essentially the same type of landscaping material, the name can simply come down to how the product is described.

So, forget the terminology and focus on finding a stone you love that works for your project.