20mm Non Decorative Pea Shingle/Gravel Bulk Bag (800kg)

Colours vary from grey to brown and cannot be chosen at point of sale. If you'd like a decorative stone, please consider one from our range of colourful stones and chippings. 

What Is 20mm Pea Shingle? 

Pea shingle, also known as pea gravel or pea stone, is a practical aggregate composed of small, smooth, rounded pebbles that have been naturally shaped and weathered over time.

This non-decorative material gets its name from the rounded shape of its stones, which are similar in form - though typically larger - than garden peas, with diameters usually ranging from 15mm to 20mm.

The stones are commonly found in natural shades of grey and brown, although colour variations may occur between bags due to their raw, quarried origin.

Overall, 20mm pea shingle is a cost-effective alternative to decorative gravel, offering wide utility where appearance is secondary to performance. Its free-draining nature makes it ideal for a range of practical, ground-based applications, including drainage systems, pipe bedding, landscaping, and erosion control.

Weight may vary by +/- 5%. 

Colours vary from grey to brown.

Applications

• Drainage Systems: Ideal for supporting water flow in French drains, soakaways, and general drainage solutions.
• Pipe Bedding: Commonly used as bedding for perforated pipes in drainage systems, ensuring sufficient water flow and protecting pipes from damage.
• Backfilling Drains: Provides backfill material for drain trenches, improving drainage and water management.
• Garden Beds and Landscaping: Works as a natural weed suppressant and helps manage water flow in garden beds, reducing soil erosion and water pooling.

Using Pea Shingle for Weed Control

• Light Deprivation: Like all plants, weeds require sunlight for photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light into energy for growth. A layer of pea shingle acts as a mulch, blocking sunlight from reaching the soil. This prevents dormant weed seeds from germinating and stunts the growth of any that may have already sprouted.
• Physical Barrier: The depth and weight of a layer of pea shingle present a significant physical obstacle for emerging weeds. While particularly robust and established perennials may eventually find their way through, the majority of common annual weeds will struggle to push through the tightly packed stones.
• Poor Germination Environment: Wind-blown weed seeds that land on the shingle are exposed to the elements and lack the necessary contact with moist soil to sprout successfully. The shingle itself dries out quickly, further reducing the chances of germination.

While effective, using pea shingle alone is not a 100% foolproof or permanent solution for weed control. Over time, weeds can and likely will begin to appear.

To maximise the weed-suppressing benefits of pea shingle, consider:

• Using a Weed-Suppressant Membrane: Before laying the pea shingle, it is highly recommended to install a high-quality, permeable weed-suppressant membrane over the prepared soil. This fabric allows water and nutrients to reach the soil but acts as a robust barrier against even the most determined weeds.

Shingle 20mm Benefits

• Free Draining: Smooth, rounded pebbles allow water to flow easily through the gaps between them, preventing waterlogging.
• Non-Compacting: Doesn't compact easily, ensuring long-term effectiveness without the need for regular upkeep or replenishment.
• Versatile Applications: Ideal for drainage, landscaping, pipe bedding, and erosion control.
• Low Maintenance: Once laid, pea shingle requires minimal attention, making it a convenient choice for many outdoor projects.

20mm Shingle Weight

Customers should also note that the weight of the product supplied will vary along with the colour. 

The bag size and quality will always be the same but, due to varying levels of moisture in the shingle, some bags might weigh more than others.