20mm Black Ice Chippings Bulk Bag (800kg)

Please note that due to their natural composition, the colour and aesthetics of these chippings are subject to variation. Before use, please wash the product to remove any layer of dust which may have accumulated during transport. 

What Is a 20mm Black Ice Chippings Bulk Bag? 

20mm Black Ice Chippings, often referred to as black ice gravel, are angular decorative stones, typically made from a mix of black basalt and light blue-grey marble. 

Their sharp edges and varied angles allow the stones to "key" into one another. One stone's point might settle into a crevice on another, or a flat face might butt up securely against another flat face. This creates a kind of matrix or bed where individual stones are much less likely to move independently when pressure is applied (like from a footstep or a car tyre). This makes them ideal for creating stable driveways, pathways, and neat garden borders.

When dry, they appear mostly grey and black, but when wet, the colours darken and the contrast between the tones becomes more pronounced. Often chosen for their clean, modern appearance, Black Ice Chippings are also low-maintenance and can be used with weed membrane to reduce upkeep in landscaped areas.

Supplied in a durable bulk bag, the 800kg quantity covers a generous area, reducing the need for multiple smaller bags and helping maintain consistency across your project.

Applications

• Garden walkways or pathways
• Driveways
• Ground cover
• Decorative borders and edging
• Water drainage
• Pebble dashing

Benefits

• Surface Stability: The angular form helps the chippings bind together.
• Visual Characteristics: The black, grey, and ice-blue mix offers a distinct appearance.
• Versatility: They can be used in various landscape designs.
• Low Upkeep: Generally, they require minimal maintenance once laid.
• Moisture Retention Aid: Like many stone mulches, they can help the soil underneath retain moisture.

Moisture Control 

When used as a ground cover in garden beds, borders, or around plants, 20mm Black Ice Chippings can contribute to soil moisture retention. They achieve this by forming a physical barrier over the soil surface, which reduces the rate of evaporation caused by direct sun and wind. By slowing this moisture loss from the soil, the chippings can help maintain soil hydration levels for longer durations, which may benefit nearby plants.

The characteristic angular shape of these chippings facilitates a degree of interlocking which helps to create a more stable surface layer compared to smoother, rounded aggregates. This can play a role in mitigating soil erosion by diminishing the impact of rain splash and by slowing the speed of surface water runoff.

Regarding rainwater management, particularly on sloped or uneven surfaces, Black Ice Chippings can influence surface water flow. Their permeable nature and textured surface encourage rainwater to spread out and infiltrate the topsoil more effectively. Puddles are less likely to form directly on the chippings' surface following light to moderate rainfall, which can help the underlying soil receive moisture more uniformly.

However, it is crucial to understand that while these chippings can improve surface permeability and how water initially interacts with the ground, they do not alter the fundamental drainage capacity of the underlying sub-soil. Significant water pooling or prolonged waterlogged conditions will persist in areas with inherently poor sub-soil drainage, regardless of the stone topping.

Installation Tips

• Prepare the Ground: Ensure the area where you plan to lay the chippings is properly levelled and free from weeds and debris.
• Edge Restraints: Use edge restraints, such as bricks or metal borders, to keep the chippings in place and prevent them from spreading.
• Weed Barrier: Consider using a weed barrier fabric beneath the chippings to minimise weed growth.
• Spread Evenly: Distribute the Black Ice Chippings evenly across the designated area to achieve a uniform appearance.

Black Ice Chippings Bulk Bag Vs Black Ice Chippings 20kg

Choosing between a Black Ice Chippings Bulk Bag and a Black Ice Chippings 20kg Bag depends on the scale of your project:

• Bulk Bag: Ideal for larger landscaping projects or commercial use, providing cost-efficiency and convenience for big tasks.
• 20kg Bag: Perfect for smaller residential projects, offering ease of handling and precise quantities.

Alternative Stones & Gravel 

• Golden Gravel - Offers warm, mixed golden, yellow, and brown tones; very popular for driveways and pathways.
• Limestone Chippings - Typically light grey or buff angular stones; creates a durable surface for paths and drives (note: can be alkaline).
• Plum Slate Chippings - Features flat, angular pieces in rich plum, purple, and blue hues; excellent for mulching, contemporary features, and paths.
• Blue Slate Chippings - Similar to plum slate but with predominantly cool blue-grey tones; ideal for modern garden designs, water features, and mulching.
• Bark Chippings - Organic option made from shredded wood bark; great for mulching, suppressing weeds and retaining moisture.
  
  

For further information about the product and delivery options, please speak to a member of our team.