The Benefits of Decorative Aggregates

Greengate's, your local builder's merchant, is recognised as being Lancashire's premier supplier of decorative aggregates. With over 25 different options available, you're sure to find the ideal type, texture and colour of decorative aggregate to suit your intended project.

Decorative aggregates are extremely versatile and, as well as having the ability to completely transform the aesthetic of a garden or other outdoor space, also bring with them a host of practical benefits. In this edition of Greengate's blog, we'll be looking at some of the many uses and advantages of decorative aggregates.

• Better Drainage. Good drainage is key in preventing ponding and flooding in the garden, which is especially important during the autumn and winter when rainfall reaches its peak. Water can freely migrate through decorative aggregates, where it is harmlessly absorbed by the porous ground underneath. 
• Reduced Maintenance. Once decorative aggregates have been correctly laid, they require very little maintenance to keep them looking and functioning perfectly. This frees up your time to focus more closely on the core maintenance requirements of your garden. 
• Pond Landscaping. As well as bringing beauty and interest to your garden, a pond can also be big support for local wildlife; once again, this can be especially important during the winter. Decorative aggregates can be used in an infinite variety of ways for pond landscaping, including to add visual appeal and structure as well as both softening and defining edges. You can even use them below the water line after thorough washing. 
• Driveways. A generic, visually unappealing driveway can be transformed with decorative aggregates. Even when used to cover extensive areas, the aggregates are one of the most cost-effective options for surfacing driveways. Best of all, they create a superlatively satisfying crunching sound as you drive over them! Be sure to lay the aggregates on a firm hardcore base and install edging to keep them in place. 

Check out Greengate's website to discover our complete collection of decorative aggregates, which includes spar, bark, moonstone, granite, Scotch pebbles, silica sand, slate, gravel and more. For further information on choosing the best type of decorative aggregate for your project, do not hesitate to contact our expert technical team.