Pea Shingle & Gravel

Pea Shingle & Gravel

Pea shingle and gravel are essential materials in construction and landscaping. Pea shingle consists of small, rounded stones, typically 10-20mm in diameter. It's known for its smooth texture and uniform size.

Gravel includes a wider range of stone types and sizes and can be angular or rounded. Both materials are crucial for drainage, foundation work and decorative jobs.

How Does Pea Shingle Compare to Gravel in Terms of Drainage?

Also known as pea gravel, the pea shingle excels in drainage because of its shape. Its consistent roundness creates even void spaces, allowing water to filter quickly through the material. This makes it effective in reducing the risk of water accumulation and soil erosion.

Over time, pea shingle maintains its drainage efficiency better than standard gravel because it's less prone to compaction. Standard gravel can present some challenges. Its variable particle sizes may lead to uneven settling, potentially creating areas of poor drainage. 

However, gravel often provides better stability for heavy loads.

Which Landscape Gravel Types Offer the Best Balance Between Appearance and Functionality?

Several gravel types are suitable for both aesthetics and practicality.

  • Decorative pea gravel: Smooth appearance with excellent drainage properties
  • Crushed stone: Natural look with stability, ideal for pathways and driveways

  • Slate chippings: Unique, flat shape offering good coverage and a modern look

Consider colour compatibility with surroundings, gravel sizes for the project and intended use. Decorative gravel bulk bag products offer a cost-effective solution for larger projects.

How Much Pea Shingle Do I Need?

To work out the required amount of pea shingle, follow the below steps.

  • Measure the area length and width in metres

  • Multiply these measurements to get the square meterage

  • Determine the desired depth (typically 50mm for paths; 100mm for driveways)

  • Use this formula: Area (m²) x Depth (m) = Volume (m³)

  • Add 10% for wastage and settlement

Example: A 20m² area at 50mm depth requires approximately 1.1m³ of pea shingle. Always round up to ensure sufficient coverage.

Can I Use Pea Shingle in Concrete?

Pea shingle can be used in concrete, but it's important to understand its limitations. It's best suited for non-structural concrete applications for a smoother finish. The rounded shape of the pea shingle may reduce bonding strength compared to angular aggregates. 

While pea shingle creates an attractive finish in decorative concrete work, it's not recommended for structural elements.

How Do Different Gradations of Gravel Impact the Load-Bearing Capacity of a Base Layer?

Well-graded mixes containing a range of particle sizes generally offer higher load-bearing capacity. These mixes achieve better compaction, reducing voids and increasing overall stability. The interlocking of various-sized particles creates a more robust structure.

In contrast, uniform-sized gravels like pea shingles may have lower load-bearing capacity but excel in drainage applications. They offer more consistent settlement but may not offer the same level of structural support as well-graded mixes. 

When selecting gravel for a base layer, balance the need for stability with drainage requirements.

Can My Trade Account Manager Offer the Best Gravel and Pea Gravel Cost?

Your trade account manager is your best resource for competitive pricing on garden gravel and pea gravel materials. They understand your unique needs and can offer tailored solutions that balance cost with quality and delivery needs.

If you don't already have a trade account, sign up today. Trade account holders access benefits such as personalised support, volume-based discounts and flexible credit (subject to checks).

Pea shingle and gravel are essential materials in construction and landscaping. Pea shingle consists of small, rounded stones, typically 10-20mm in diameter. It's known for its smooth texture and uniform size.

Gravel includes a wider range of stone types and sizes and can be angular or rounded. Both materials are crucial for drainage, foundation work and decorative jobs.

How Does Pea Shingle Compare to Gravel in Terms of Drainage?

Also known as pea gravel, the pea shingle excels in drainage because of its shape. Its consistent roundness creates even void spaces, allowing water to filter quickly through the material. This makes it effective in reducing the risk of water accumulation and soil erosion.

Over time, pea shingle maintains its drainage efficiency better than standard gravel because it's less prone to compaction. Standard gravel can present some challenges. Its variable particle sizes may lead to uneven settling, potentially creating areas of poor drainage. 

However, gravel often provides better stability for heavy loads.

Which Landscape Gravel Types Offer the Best Balance Between Appearance and Functionality?

Several gravel types are suitable for both aesthetics and practicality.

  • Decorative pea gravel: Smooth appearance with excellent drainage properties
  • Crushed stone: Natural look with stability, ideal for pathways and driveways

  • Slate chippings: Unique, flat shape offering good coverage and a modern look

Consider colour compatibility with surroundings, gravel sizes for the project and intended use. Decorative gravel bulk bag products offer a cost-effective solution for larger projects.

How Much Pea Shingle Do I Need?

To work out the required amount of pea shingle, follow the below steps.

  • Measure the area length and width in metres

  • Multiply these measurements to get the square meterage

  • Determine the desired depth (typically 50mm for paths; 100mm for driveways)

  • Use this formula: Area (m²) x Depth (m) = Volume (m³)

  • Add 10% for wastage and settlement

Example: A 20m² area at 50mm depth requires approximately 1.1m³ of pea shingle. Always round up to ensure sufficient coverage.

Can I Use Pea Shingle in Concrete?

Pea shingle can be used in concrete, but it's important to understand its limitations. It's best suited for non-structural concrete applications for a smoother finish. The rounded shape of the pea shingle may reduce bonding strength compared to angular aggregates. 

While pea shingle creates an attractive finish in decorative concrete work, it's not recommended for structural elements.

How Do Different Gradations of Gravel Impact the Load-Bearing Capacity of a Base Layer?

Well-graded mixes containing a range of particle sizes generally offer higher load-bearing capacity. These mixes achieve better compaction, reducing voids and increasing overall stability. The interlocking of various-sized particles creates a more robust structure.

In contrast, uniform-sized gravels like pea shingles may have lower load-bearing capacity but excel in drainage applications. They offer more consistent settlement but may not offer the same level of structural support as well-graded mixes. 

When selecting gravel for a base layer, balance the need for stability with drainage requirements.

Can My Trade Account Manager Offer the Best Gravel and Pea Gravel Cost?

Your trade account manager is your best resource for competitive pricing on garden gravel and pea gravel materials. They understand your unique needs and can offer tailored solutions that balance cost with quality and delivery needs.

If you don't already have a trade account, sign up today. Trade account holders access benefits such as personalised support, volume-based discounts and flexible credit (subject to checks).