Pebbles and Cobbles

The difference is size. Geologically pebbles measure 4mm to 64mm and cobbles 64mm to 256mm, though in landscaping any smooth, rounded stone over around 20mm is often called a cobble.

Scotch beach cobbles come from the beaches of the scottish highlands, where the sea and weather smooth them into round stones. Each bag holds a natural mix of greys, whites and earthy tones, which become richer when wet.

Pebbles and cobbles suit decorative borders, dry river beds, rockeries, water features and path edging. They also work as mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and around downpipes and drainage channels where water needs to soak away.

The 20-40mm cobbles give a neater finish for borders, planters and smaller water features. The 50-80mm cobbles make a bolder statement in larger areas, dry river beds and pond edges. Combining both sizes creates a more natural look.

Yes. The cobbles are smooth and rounded, with no sharp edges to damage a pond liner. Rinse them before use to stop dust clouding the water, and lay a protective underlay over any liner first.

Loose 20-40mm cobbles take light foot traffic but can roll underfoot, so the 50-80mm size is best kept for decorative areas. For driveways, cobbles perform best set in mortar over a prepared base. For a loose driveway finish, graded driveway gravel is more stable.

An 800kg bulk bag of 20-40mm cobbles covers approximately 8 to 10m squared at 50mm deep. The 50 to 80mm cobbles need around 75mm depth, so a bag covers approximately 5 to 6mm squared. Allow around 10% extra for uneven ground.

For borders and water features, lay cobbles loose over a weed control fabric. For paths and edging, set them in a bed of mortar made with sharp sand and cement, pressing each cobble in until around two thirds is buried.