Blue Slate Chippings

What Are Blue Slate Chippings? 

Blue slate chippings are small, relatively flat pieces of genuine slate stone, prized in landscaping for their cool spectrum of blue-grey colours. These chippings begin their journey in slate quarries, after which they are crushed and meticulously screened into various sizes and typically sharp-edged, angular shapes, though some tumbling may occur during processing. 

This angularity helps them interlock to a degree, providing a more stable surface than rounded pebbles, especially for pathways.

Common Sizes
Blue slate chippings are commonly available in graded sizes, with the most popular being: 

• 20mm Slate Chippings: A versatile size, comfortable underfoot, ideal for paths, decorative borders, mulching, and general ground cover.
• 40mm Slate Chippings: A larger, more robust chipping, excellent for driveways (as it's less likely to get stuck in tyre treads), larger ground cover areas, and where a chunkier aesthetic is desired. 

Our blue slate chippings are conveniently supplied in bulk bags, ideal for tackling extensive landscaping projects. For smaller undertakings or top-ups, we also offer manageable 20kg bags.

Material Origin & Appearance

Blue slate chippings are an entirely natural stone product, created by crushing and screening quarried slate - a fine-grained, foliated metamorphic (changed form due to heat/pressure, developing layers) rock.

Slate is formed from sedimentary rock (like shale or mudstone) subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. 

Comprising a range of blue-grey hues, these chippings can also include subtle tones of plum, green, or silver depending on the specific quarry source. A key characteristic is how their colour deepens and intensifies when wet, often revealing richer blue or darker grey tones, then returning to a lighter shade when dry.

Applications

• Driveways & Parking Areas: Larger 40mm slate chippings create a durable and permeable driveway surface. A robust sub-base and edge restraints are essential.
• Paths & Walkways: Both 20mm and 40mm sizes are suitable, with 20mm often preferred for a more comfortable walking surface. They create stylish, low-maintenance paths.
• Garden Borders & Edging: Provides a neat, contemporary edge to lawns, flowerbeds, and patios, helping to define spaces and suppress weeds.
• Decorative Ground Cover & Mulching: Used as an inorganic mulch around trees, shrubs, and in planted areas to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth. 
• Water Features & Ponds: Their colour deepens beautifully when wet, making them ideal for lining the edges of ponds or creating dry riverbeds.
• Rockeries & Alpine Gardens: The natural, rugged appearance of slate complements rockeries and alpine planting schemes.
• Pot Toppers: Can be used as a decorative top dressing for plant pots and containers, improving appearance and helping to retain moisture.
• Contemporary Garden Designs: Particularly popular in minimalist or architectural garden styles.

Benefits

• Striking Appearance: Offers a contemporary, sophisticated look with natural colour variations. The colour change when wet adds dynamic visual interest.
• Excellent Durability & Longevity: Slate is a very hard-wearing, weather-resistant, and frost-proof material that will last for many years with minimal degradation.
• Effective Weed Suppressant: When laid at a sufficient depth (typically 50mm or more) over a quality weed control membrane, slate chippings block sunlight and physically inhibit weed growth.
• Good Drainage & Moisture Retention: Allows water to permeate through to the soil below, preventing surface water run-off. The flat nature of the chippings can also help to retain some moisture in the soil beneath during dry periods by reducing evaporation (when used as a mulch).
• Low Maintenance: Once laid, slate chippings require very little upkeep beyond occasional raking to keep level or a light top-up after many years.
• Natural Product: As a natural stone, it's an environmentally sound choice, especially if sourced from UK quarries to reduce transport carbon footprint.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of decorative and practical landscaping applications.
• Colour Retention: Being a natural stone, the colour is inherent and will not fade significantly over time due to UV exposure, unlike some artificially coloured aggregates.

Installation Tips

• Prepare the area: Clear the designated area of any existing vegetation, debris, or rocks. Ensure the ground is level and free from any obstructions.
• Lay a weed membrane: Lay a permeable weed membrane over the prepared area. This membrane acts as a barrier to prevent weed growth and helps maintain a clean and tidy appearance. Trim the membrane to fit the desired shape.
• Add a base layer: For optimal stability and drainage, add a base layer of compacted hardcore or crushed stone. This layer provides a solid foundation for the chippings and helps prevent them from sinking or shifting over time.
• Spread the chippings: Carefully spread the blue slate chippings evenly over the prepared area. Use a rake or shovel to distribute them and achieve the desired thickness. Aim for a depth of around 3-5 centimetres for adequate coverage and visual appeal.
• Compact the chippings: Once the chippings are spread, use a tamper or roller to gently compact them. This step helps to ensure they are firmly in place and reduces the risk of displacement.
• Inspect and tidy up: Take a moment to inspect the area and make any necessary adjustments. Remove any excess chippings that may have accumulated on surrounding surfaces or edges to create a neat and clean finish.

For best results, it is recommended to consult with a professional landscaper or contractor who can assess your specific site conditions and provide tailored advice.