40mm Blue Slate 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 are 40mm Blue Slate Chippings?

40mm Blue Slate Chippings are naturally quarried pieces of slate, typically graded to a size range of approximately 30mm to 50mm, with 40mm being the average. Unlike rounded gravel, slate chippings have a naturally flat, angular, and irregular shape due to the way slate layers and breaks. 

This characteristic flat profile allows them to interlock somewhat when laid, providing a more stable surface than rounder aggregates and reducing movement over time. 

The colour can vary slightly between batches, often containing subtle hints of plum, green, or brown.

Applications

• Decorative Borders and Edging: Creates striking borders around flowerbeds, trees, shrubs, or along the perimeter of your house.
• Garden Pathways and Trails: Provides an attractive and stable surface for garden paths. While 40mm can be used, 20mm blue slate chippings might be more comfortable for high-traffic walkways.
• Driveways: Suitable for low-traffic driveways, offering a contemporary alternative to traditional gravel or paving. The flatter profile helps reduce scattering compared to rounded aggregates.
• Mulching: Decorative and functional mulch for raised beds, planters, and general planting areas, suppressing weeds and retaining moisture.
• Ground Cover: Ideal for covering large areas, especially in modern or minimalist garden designs where planting is less dominant.
• Filling Gaps: Can be used to fill gaps between paving slabs, adding a cohesive finish to patio areas.

Benefits

• Distinctive Look: Showcases a beautiful blue-grey colour which becomes more vibrant and rich when wet. 
• Versatile Sizing: 40mm size is large enough to provide adequate coverage and make a visual impact, yet still manageable for various applications.
• Longevity: Slate is a hard-wearing and durable material, resistant to fading, adverse weather conditions (frost, sun, rain), and degradation. 
• Weed Suppression: When laid to an adequate depth (typically 50mm) over a weed control membrane, the chippings overlap - limiting light penetration and inhibiting weed growth.
• Moisture Retention: Natural mulch alternative, helping to insulate the soil below and reduce water evaporation, keeping plants healthier, especially during drier periods.
• Low Maintenance: Once laid, slate chippings require very little ongoing care. Occasional raking to level out disturbed areas and rinsing to refresh the colour are usually all that's needed.

Design and Aesthetics

• Natural Variation: Offers visual interest with natural colour and texture variations - no two pieces are exactly the same, adding depth and richness to any landscape.
• Enhances Contrast: Provides a stunning contrast against green foliage, timber features, or light-coloured paving, making other garden elements stand out.
• Wet vs. Dry Finish: Offers dynamic aesthetics - appears softer and lighter when dry, more vibrant and polished when wet.