Decorative Aggregates 101: Slate Chippings

Slate chippings are used in public and private garden spaces all across the country. These are versatile decorative aggregates that can be used to edge footpaths, create plant borders and more. Whether you have worked with slate chippings before or want to add slate chippings to your back garden – it’s only normal to have some questions. Today, we are answering some of the most frequently asked questions regarding these aggregates. What are slate chippings? Also known as slate aggregates, slate chippings are small, flat pieces of slate. Chippings are available in a variety of colours, adding a splash of colour and texture to any outdoor space. Large slate aggregate can also be used to fill gabions for walls and seating. Related: Types of Welsh slate chippings. Are slate chippings good for drainage? Slate chippings can help with drainage when used as a top layer in planters. Are slate chippings suitable for driveways? Slate chippings are not recommended for driveways as the slate will easily crumble under the constant pressure of the vehicle. Sharp chilling edges can also potentially damage tyres. We recommend creating gravel driveways instead. View our full range of decorative gravel. Related: Gravel driveway construction guide. Can slate chippings be used for patios? Slate chippings can be used for patios. However, these are most commonly used around plant borders, to fill patio gaps, create water features or to simply cover bare ground. What to put under slate chippings? We recommend ensuring the area underneath slate chippings is compacted and laid with geotextile membrane before laying slate chippings. Not only will a membrane layer reduce weed growth but will also stop chippings from working into the soil, making them last longer and be more stable. Can you put slate chippings on concrete? Slate chippings, or any other gravel for that matter, should not be added on top of concrete as these aggregates will move and create a mess. Aggregates need to lay on top of a more forgiving base – this includes a firm soil base or on top of membrane. How much are slate chippings? The price of slate chippings will depend on the type, colour, size and quality. At Mainland Aggregates, we supply a variety of high-quality slate chippings, including plum slate chippings, such as 20mm plum slate chippings, grey slate chippings, such as 40mm graphite grey slate chippings, and green slate chippings, such as 20mm green slate chippings. These are available in bulk bags or loose by the tonne. What are blue slate chippings? Blue slate chippings are popular slate chipping colour. These chippings have a plate and subtle blue shade when dry and feature a brighter and more striking colour when wet. We stock 40mm blue slate chippings and 20mm blue slate chippings. How much slate chippings do I need? The amount of chippings required will depend on the size of the area and the stone size. Our slate chippings bulk bags contain around 850kg of aggregates, which can cover approximately 10m2 of an area at 50mm deep. Contact us for more information and/or advice about garden slate chippings.