20mm Blue Slate Chippings Bulk Bag (800kg)

Product Overview

20mm blue slate chippings produced from natural slate quarries in Wales.

Crushed and carefully screened to a nominal 20mm size, these chippings have a flat, angular profile that allows each piece to interlock when laid. This natural “locking” action creates a firm, stable surface that resists shifting underfoot, unlike rounded aggregates which tend to move or roll.

Their structure also maintains excellent drainage, preventing surface water from pooling. This makes them highly practical for garden paths, driveways, beds, and borders, as well as for decorative ground cover where both function and appearance matter.

Blue slate offers a shifting spectrum of cool tones, from light grey-blues through to deeper blue shades with occasional green or metallic accents. 

In dry conditions the surface appears muted and subtle, but once wet it transforms into a rich, dark blue-grey. This contrast adds movement and seasonal interest, making it a versatile choice for year-round landscaping.

Beyond appearance, the slate is permeable, helping water drain through easily; durable, resisting frost and heavy rain; and low maintenance, needing only occasional raking or top-ups. Unlike organic mulches, it does not rot or decompose, ensuring a long-lasting surface.

Features & Benefits

• Cool blue-grey colouring: Delivers a clean, contemporary finish, distinct from the warmer plum tones.
• Natural colour variation: Flecks of green or metallic sheen add texture and visual interest.
• Flat slate shape: Provides a smoother finish underfoot, particularly suitable for pathways and walkways.
• Free-draining aggregate: Supports natural drainage and reduces the risk of surface water pooling.
• Durable natural stone: Withstands weather cycles, including frost and heavy rainfall, without breaking down.
• Weed suppression with membrane: Reduces regrowth when used with a permeable geotextile fabric.
• Low-maintenance surface: Requires only periodic raking and occasional top-ups to retain appearance.
• 20mm nominal size: Angular particles interlock for greater surface stability than rounded gravel.
• Cost-effective in bulk: Bulk bags reduce cost per m² compared with smaller pack sizes.
  
  

Applications

• Garden borders and mulching: Decorative cover that suppresses weeds, conserves moisture, and insulates roots.
• Paths and walkways: Stable, free-draining surface for light foot traffic in gardens and landscaped areas.
• Rockeries and alpine gardens: Complements stone features and provides free-draining cover suitable for alpine planting.
• Water features and ponds: Enhances edges and surrounds with colour variation (wash before placing near water).

Installation Guidance

• Prepare and level the base: Remove vegetation, stones, and debris, firming the ground to reduce later sinking.
• Install edging restraints: Use boards, metal strips, or kerbs to prevent migration and keep paths neat.
• Lay permeable weed membrane: Blocks light to minimise weed growth while allowing water to drain freely.

Compliance & Performance

• Material specification: Crushed Welsh slate, angular in form, 20mm nominal size, with natural colour variation.
• Performance characteristics: Permeable aggregate resistant to frost and rain, suitable for decorative landscaping applications.