The most effective method is to lay a weed control membrane directly on cleared, levelled ground before spreading your stones. The membrane blocks light from reaching weed seeds in the soil below. Cut holes in the fabric where plants are growing through. Stones alone, without a membrane, will slow weed growth but will not prevent it entirely, particularly once organic matter starts accumulating on the surface over time.
Garden Gravel, Chippings & Decorative Stones for Landscaping
Decorative stones are one of the most practical and versatile materials in any landscaping project. MacBlair stocks a range of aggregates suited to everything from driveway resurfacing and garden path edging to border dressing, water features, and rockery builds. Available in manageable poly bags and bulk bags for larger areas, the range covers the main types most used across Northern Ireland gardens.
The types available include:
- Gravel and chippings in various grades, from fine decorative gravels to coarser aggregate
- Slate chippings in blue, grey, and plum tones
- Pebbles and cobbles for water features, pond edging, and border accents
- White and golden quartz for contemporary planting schemes
- Rockery stones for raised beds and feature planting areas
Beyond appearance, these materials offer real functional value. Laid at the right depth over a weed control membrane, decorative stones suppress weed growth, improve surface drainage, and require almost no upkeep once installed. Unlike organic mulch, stone does not break down, which means coverage holds season after season. For driveways and paths, gravel with a suitable sub-base compacts well and handles foot and vehicle traffic without shifting excessively. Pair stones with garden walling or sleepers to define planting zones or create terraced borders with clean, structured edges.
Stone size matters. Smaller grades like pea gravel work well in tight borders and around plants, while larger cobbles and chippings suit open driveways or wide paths where visual weight is needed. MacBlair also carries soil, compost and bark for mixed planting beds where stone and organic materials are used together. Order online for delivery across Northern Ireland, or collect from the MacBlair branch.
Decorative Stone FAQ's
For decorative borders and flower beds, a depth of around 5cm is generally sufficient to suppress weeds and give good coverage. For driveways and paths, aim for at least 5–8cm to handle foot traffic and light vehicle use without the surface thinning out. Topping up every few years keeps the finish looking fresh, particularly in high-traffic areas where stones can spread or compact down.
Angular chippings and gravel tend to perform better on driveways than round pebbles, as the angular edges lock together and resist spreading underfoot or under tyres. Popular choices include golden gravel, slate chippings, and grey crushed stone. A well-compacted sub-base underneath is just as important as the surface material, so make sure the ground is prepared properly before laying.
Multiply the length by the width of the area in metres to get the square meterage, then factor in your desired depth. As a rough guide, a bulk bag of around 800–850kg will cover approximately 8–10 square metres at a 5cm depth. For smaller jobs, 20–25kg poly bags give you more control over quantities. It is always worth ordering slightly more than your calculation to account for uneven ground or areas that need a little extra coverage.
Yes, in most cases decorative stones work well around plants and can actually benefit them by retaining soil moisture, moderating soil temperature, and reducing weed competition. Avoid piling stones directly against plant stems or tree trunks. For plants that prefer acidic conditions, be mindful that certain stone types such as limestone chippings can gradually raise the soil pH over time, which may affect sensitive species.