Slate chippings are an elegant, beautiful, and durable garden, driveway, border, and water feature choice. They withstand everyday wear and tear and are stylish in both contemporary and traditional settings, available in colors that harmonize well with vegetation and ground coverings.
Buy directly from the factory and you are guaranteed real value: fair prices, fresh stock, and small and large project capabilities. Direct purchases also provide improved stock visibility (i.e., what is available now versus what needs to be produced), speedier dispatches, and fewer disruptions. You save on margins and added-on markup by paying factory-gate prices with additional services you want, such as packaging or delivery.
In this article, we explore everything you need to know about slate chippings, including pricing formats, size and color guides, application depths, coverage tips, logistics, and the advantages of factory-direct purchase. Whether you’re a landscaper, retailer, or DIY enthusiast, this comprehensive guide equips you to make smart, cost-effective decisions.
- Quick Price Table: Sizes & Colors
- Slate Types, Sizes & Finish Options
- Coverage & Depth Planner
- Factory Rates vs Retail Prices: Transparent Comparison
- Quality & Testing (Trust Builders)
- Why Buy Direct from the Factory
- How to Buy from the Factory (Step-by-Step)
- Sizes & Colors – Detailed Price Matrix
- Recap of Benefits of Buying Direct
- Handy Reference: Quick-Glance Tables (Keep for Your File)
- Summary
- Key Takeaways
Quick Price Table: Sizes & Colors
Slate prices are usually quoted in tons, by bulk bag, or by small bag. Select the format that suits the size of your project and handling requirements.
Table: How are prices quoted (per ton, per bulk bag, per small bag)
| Quote Type | Typical Use Case | Notes |
| Per Tonne | Contractors, estates, and large landscaping | Best base rate for loose or bulk-bagged tonnage. |
| Per Bulk Bag (≈850–900 kg) | Medium projects, sites with forklifts/cranage | Clean handling, easier site staging; price reflects bag + pallet. |
| Per Small Bag (20–25 kg) | DIY retail, small touch-ups | The highest per-tonne cost is due to retail packaging and handling. |
Table: Size × Color × Factory Price × Retail Price × MOQ
(Ex-works factory prices are suggestive. These are retail prices (comparable market averages on the high streets).
| Size (mm) | Color | Factory Price / Ton (USD) | Typical Retail / Ton (USD) | MOQ (T) | Bulk Bag ≈ |
| 10–14 | Blue | 46.20 | 71.50 | 10 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 10–14 | Plum | 47.85 | 73.70 | 10 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 10–14 | Green | 47.85 | 73.70 | 10 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 10–14 | Graphite/Grey | 48.40 | 74.80 | 10 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 20 | Blue | 47.30 | 72.60 | 10 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 20 | Plum | 49.50 | 74.80 | 10 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 20 | Green | 49.50 | 74.80 | 10 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 20 | Graphite/Grey | 50.60 | 75.90 | 10 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 40 | Blue | 51.70 | 78.10 | 8 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 40 | Plum | 52.80 | 79.20 | 8 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 40 | Green | 52.80 | 79.20 | 8 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 40 | Graphite/Grey | 53.90 | 80.30 | 8 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 50–100 | Blue | 56.10 | 83.60 | 8 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 50–100 | Plum | 57.20 | 84.70 | 8 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 50–100 | Green | 57.20 | 84.70 | 8 | 0.85–0.90 T |
| 50–100 | Graphite/Grey | 58.30 | 85.80 | 8 | 0.85–0.90 T |
Note: Lower prices may apply for larger contracts or steady monthly call-offs.
Note on Bulk Bag Weight Equivalence
The mass of a bulk bag = 850 to 900 kg. To work out mentally, count 1 bulk bag as 0.85 tonnes.
Rule of thumb: 1 bulk bag will provide approximately 8-10 m 2 at 40mm depth (check coverage planner for more precise advice).
Slate Types, Sizes & Finish Options
Selecting slate is a matter of fit in appearance, performance, and cost. Here’s a friendly guide to decide.
Slate Chippings – Flat vs Angular
| Type | Look & Feel | Best For | Pros | Considerations |
| Flat | Smooth, stackable flakes | Paths, seating areas, decorative borders | Comfortable underfoot; elegant finish | Can migrate on slopes without edging |
| Angular | Sharper, interlocking | Driveways, high-traffic paths | Locks together better; resists movement | Slightly more textured underfoot |
Common Sizes: 10–14 mm, 20 mm, 40 mm, 50–100 mm
| Size | Where It Shines | Why Choose It |
| 10–14 mm | Borders, pots, neat top dressings | Finer look; great color intensity |
| 20 mm | The all-rounder for paths & driveways | Most popular; balance of look and stability |
| 40 mm | Larger features, drainage zones | Chunkier texture; good water permeability |
| 50–100 mm | Gabions, water features, dramatic edging | Big statements; structural presence |
Color Options: Blue, Plum, Green, Graphite/Grey
- Blue: Cool and current; goes well with silver/steel.
- Plum: Rich-purple hues; beautiful with red brick and timber.
- Green: Mellow, nature, restful; harmonizes with planting.
- Graphite/Grey: Neat and modern; disguises dirt effectively.
Packaging Formats: Loose Loads, Bulk Bags, Small Bags
| Format | Typical Quantity | Good For | Notes |
| Loose Load | 10–30+ tonnes | Large sites, cost efficiency | Best per-tonne rate; tip-on delivery |
| Bulk Bags | ~0.85–0.90 T each | Medium jobs, tidy handling | Forklift/crane offload helps |
| Small Bags | 20–25 kg | DIY touch-ups | The highest per-tonne cost due to packaging |
Main Use Cases: Paths, Driveways, Borders, Water Features, Gabions
- Trails: Flat chippings are comfy; 20 mm is a good all-purpose choice.
- Driveways: Angular 20 mm to a depth of 40-50 mm preferred.
- Borders: 10 14 mm provides a smooth, tidy edge to planting beds.
- Water Features: A stately, natural, and textured drama of 40 mm and 50 to 100 mm.
- Gabions: Baskets and retaining walls are usually 50100 mm.
Pro tip: Place edging (steel, stone, or concrete) to ensure that slate is tidy and minimizes migration.
Coverage & Depth Planner
The right quantity saves time and money. Estimate using the rough formulas and tables given below.
Recommended Depth for Different Uses
| Application | Recommended Depth |
| Borders & decorative areas | 25–35 mm |
| Garden paths | 30–40 mm |
| Driveways & parking | 40–50 mm |
| Water features & gabions | 50–100 mm (depending on effect) |
Coverage per Bulk Bag and Tonne
(Approximate; density of slate and the shape of flakes may vary a bit.)
| Depth (mm) | Coverage per Tonne | Coverage per Bulk Bag (~0.85 T) |
| 25 | ~14 m² | ~12 m² |
| 30 | ~12 m² | ~10 m² |
| 35 | ~11 m² | ~9 m² |
| 40 | ~10 m² | ~8 m² |
| 50 | ~8 m² | ~6.5 m² |
Simple Calculation Method for Estimating Quantity
Tonnes = (Area in m² × Depth in mm) ÷ 1000
- Example 1 (Path): 20 m² at 40 mm → 20 × 40 ÷ 1000 = 0.8 T → 1 bulk bag.
- Example 2 (Driveway): 50 m² at 50 mm → 50 × 50 ÷ 1000 = 2.5 T → 3 bulk bags (add ~10% for settlement).
- Example 3 (Borders): 30 m² at 30 mm → 30 × 30 ÷ 1000 = 0.9 T → 1 bulk bag + 1–2 small bags for topping up.
Include 5-10 per cent overage against settlement, edging gaps, and irregularities in form.
Factory Rates vs Retail Prices: Transparent Comparison
Purchasing straight from the factory eliminates cost and complexity levels. You do not get Replays, your money is not spent on high-street presentation, sackman wages, and profiteering.
Why Factory Prices Are Lower
- No intermediaries: Quarry, Factory, and You.
- Effective packaging: Loose load and bulk bags minimize touchpoints.
- Forecastable supply chain: The more one can plan, the less surprising expenses are.
- Scale pricing: More significant orders open bulk prices.
Comparison Table with Savings Percentage
| Size & Color | Factory ($/T) | Retail ($/T) | Approx. Savings |
| 20 mm Blue | 47.30 | 72.60 | ~35% |
| 20 mm Plum | 49.50 | 74.80 | ~34% |
| 40 mm Green | 52.80 | 79.20 | ~33% |
| 50–100 mm Grey | 58.30 | 85.80 | ~32% |
Note: Varies depending on location, retailer, and season. Quotes given by factories are ex-works; delivery and taxes are extra.
Factors Affecting Final Price (Delivery, Taxes, etc.)
- Transportation distance and access (tipper to crane-offload)
- Packaging loose, bulk bags, small bags)
- Order quantity and frequency (one-off vs. call off)
- Taxes & duties (GST/local levies)
- Demands of colour/size (popular colours might come with a premium)
- Seasonality (surges in spring/autumn)
Quality & Testing (Trust Builders)
A good quality slate is reliable: it will not crumble under normal load, it does not crack when freezing up, and its color will not disappear when used under open sky. Our transparent process means consistency.
Screening & Grading Process
- Auxiliary crushing (where necessary) to even chip profile.
- Sieving in calibrated meshes to lock in target size bands.
- Cleaner installation via washing to reduce dust and fines.
- Visual QC to eliminate oversize or inappropriate fragments.
- Selection of random batches to verify the sustainability of compliance.
Durability and Strength Standards
- Hardness: Endures pedestrian traffic, light, and automobile traffic at recommended depths.
- Frost-thaw resistance: Do well in temperate and cold climates.
- Colourfastness: Pigments that are earth wax; no synthetic dyes.
Source and Quarry Details
- Provenance: Good quarries with uniform succession.
- Traceability: Batch records and size/color references.
- Sustainability: Mechanised crops and cogent transportation scheduling.
Natural Variation in Color and Appearance
Slate is a natural resource. Look out for variation in color, flake, and mica content. This inconsistency is included in the beauty of slate and adds to a more elaborate overall appearance. To obtain a consistent outcome:
- Purchase complete project amounts as a set.
- Blend tones by mixing several bags while laying.
- Use edgings to maintain the sharpness of lines.
Quality Snapshot
| Attribute | What You Get | Why It Matters |
| Consistent grading | Tight size bands | Smooth laying, predictable coverage |
| Low dust | Washed aggregates | Clean finish, less mess |
| Strong flakes | Durable underfoot | Longer-lasting paths/driveways |
| Colour stability | Natural mineral tones | Keeps projects looking fresh |
Why Buy Direct from the Factory
Direct buying is easy, cheap, and predictable.
Cost Savings & Bulk Discounts
- Superior base rates on ex-works pricing.
- Volume and schedule discounts.
- No retail mark-ups or small-pack mark-ups.
Fresh Stock & Custom Orders
- Access to new processed batches.
- Special size band option or color sorting special color (subject to MOQ).
- Continuity with project-based reservations.
Reliable Bulk Supply & Lead Times
- Ability to handle large time-sensitive orders.
- The sharing of realistic lead times.
- Preference given to long-term partners.
After-Sales Support and Consistency
- Installation instructions (depths, edging, base preparations).
- Care hints (weeding membrane, top-up planning).
- Same colour/size when reordering to expand.
Who Benefits Most?
| Buyer Type | Why Direct Works |
| Landscape contractors | Lower cost per tonne; dependable schedules |
| Developers & estates | Bulk continuity across phases |
| Retailers | Private-label bulk, better margins |
| Facilities managers | Predictable maintenance top-ups |
How to Buy from the Factory (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Share Your Requirements
Tell us:
- Use (path, driveway, border, water feature) and area (m 2).
- Depth you intend to lay (see Coverage Planner).
- Size and color preference (e.g., 20 mm Plum).
- Packaging (loose load, bulk bag, small bags).
- Delivery point and access limitations (width, crane required, time windows).
Step 2 – Get a Detailed Quote
In your quotation, include:
- Unit price (per tonne/bag) ex-works.
- Cost of packaging (bulk bag/pallet, where applicable).
- Freight choice and price (or ex-works deliveries).
- Dispatch plan and lead time window.
- Terms of payment and expiration.
Step 3 – Choose Logistics Option (Loose Load or Bulk Bags)
| Option | Pros | Considerations |
| Loose Load (Tipper) | Lowest per-tonne cost; fast discharge | Needs space to tip; not ideal for tight sites |
| Bulk Bags (Palletised) | Clean handling; place near work zones | Slight premium for bags and pallet network |
| Mixed | Optimise by area: bulk for main, small bags for touch-ups | Requires a coordinated delivery plan |
Step 4 – Delivery & Offloading Process
- Loose loads are tipped in a designated area on hard standing.
- Bulk bags – delivered on either a flatbed or curtain-sider; offloaded with crane/HIAB or forklift.
- Drivers are adhering to site safety requirements (PPE, banksman where necessary).
- Note bag counts, color, and size upon arrival; contact the supervisor immediately with discrepancies.
Step 5 – Aftercare and Storage Tips
- When storing, keep the bags covered and on a level surface to prevent waterlogged bags.
- Install a weed control membrane under slate (optional, but lowers maintenance).
- The possibility of doing a top-up during the first season after heavy use, such as settling the surface, can occur.
- Clean up walkways by sweeping periodically.
Sample Order Timeline
| Day | Activity |
| 0 | Enquiry with size, color, quantity, and delivery address |
| 1–2 | Quote shared; confirm and pay |
| 3–5 | Production/packing & dispatch booked |
| 5–10 | Delivery window (depends on distance and load type) |
Sizes & Colors – Detailed Price Matrix
Low prices assist you in comparing combinations at a glance. We will customize rates on project-specific quotes (e.g., mixed colors, split sizes, or call-off schedules).
Price Table for All Sizes and Colors
(All prices are ex-works and approximate; subject to confirmation. Bulk bag = 0.85-0.90 T.)
| Size | Color | Factory / Tonne (USD) | Factory / Bulk Bag (USD) | Small Bag (20–25 kg)* (USD) | Typical Retail / Tonne (USD) | MOQ |
| 10–14 mm | Blue | 46.20 | 40.15 – 41.80 | 1.76 – 1.98 | 71.50 | 10 T |
| 10–14 mm | Plum | 47.85 | 41.25 – 42.90 | 1.87 – 2.09 | 73.70 | 10 T |
| 10–14 mm | Green | 47.85 | 41.25 – 42.90 | 1.87 – 2.09 | 73.70 | 10 T |
| 10–14 mm | Graphite/Grey | 48.40 | 41.80 – 43.45 | 1.93 – 2.15 | 74.80 | 10 T |
| 14–20 mm | Blue | 46.75 | 40.70 – 42.35 | 1.82 – 2.04 | 72.60 | 10 T |
| 20 mm | Plum | 49.50 | 42.90 – 44.55 | 1.98 – 2.20 | 74.80 | 10 T |
| 20 mm | Green | 49.50 | 42.90 – 44.55 | 1.98 – 2.20 | 74.80 | 10 T |
| 20 mm | Graphite/Grey | 50.60 | 43.73 – 45.38 | 2.04 – 2.26 | 75.90 | 10 T |
| 30–50 mm | Blue | 51.15 | 44.00 – 45.65 | 2.09 – 2.31 | 77.00 | 8 T |
| 40 mm | Plum | 52.80 | 45.10 – 46.75 | 2.15 – 2.37 | 79.20 | 8 T |
| 40 mm | Green | 52.80 | 45.10 – 46.75 | 2.15 – 2.37 | 79.20 | 8 T |
| 40 mm | Graphite/Grey | 53.90 | 45.93 – 47.58 | 2.20 – 2.42 | 80.30 | 8 T |
| 50–100 mm | Blue | 56.10 | 48.13 – 49.78 | 2.31 – 2.53 | 83.60 | 8 T |
| 50–100 mm | Plum | 57.20 | 48.95 – 50.60 | 2.37 – 2.59 | 84.70 | 8 T |
| 50–100 mm | Green | 57.20 | 48.95 – 50.60 | 2.37 – 2.59 | 84.70 | 8 T |
| 50–100 mm | Graphite/Grey | 58.30 | 49.78 – 51.43 | 2.42 – 2.64 | 85.80 | 8 T |
*The price of small bags can prove suggestive; small-pack prices range widely with retailers as well as geography.
Helpful Notes
- Bulk bag prices are inclusive of bag + palletisation.
- Split-color loads can be accommodated (load plan and MOQ requirements).
- Pricing can be frozen on multi-phase projects by an agreed fixed-term call-off.
Minimum Order Quantity per Size
| Size Band | MOQ | Rationale |
| 10–14 mm, 14–20 mm, 20 mm | 10 T | Popular grading; efficient run sizes |
| 30–50 mm, 40 mm | 8 T | Larger grading, slower throughput |
| 50–100 mm | 8 T | Oversized selection and handling |
Recap of Benefits of Buying Direct
- Relative lower cost per tonne using factory-gate (ex-works) pricing.
- Quality certification with screening, grading, and longevity tests.
- Great sizes (1014 mm to 50100 mm) and color range (Blue, Plum, Green, Graphite/Grey).
- Options: flex pack, loose loads, bulk bags, small bags.
- Trustworthy deliveries, suitable delivery time, and transparent logistics.
- Assistance on planning and installation tips, as well as coverage and maintenance.
Contact for Best Rates
Whether you need a multi-site rollout as a contractor or want to stock private label as a retailer or repaint a driveway as a homeowner, buying direct means better value and more control.
Give us the location, depth, dimension, color, and delivery address- we will prepare a line-by-line quote so you can see exactly how much each of your dollars has been used.
Handy Reference: Quick-Glance Tables (Keep for Your File)
A) Depth vs. Coverage (Fast Check)
| Depth | 1 Tonne Covers | 1 Bulk Bag Covers |
| 25 mm | ~14 m² | ~12 m² |
| 30 mm | ~12 m² | ~10 m² |
| 40 mm | ~10 m² | ~8 m² |
| 50 mm | ~8 m² | ~6.5 m² |
B) Use-Case Guide
| Use Case | Best Size | Notes |
| Borders | 10–14 mm | Clean finish; great color pop |
| Paths | 20 mm | Comfortable and stable |
| Driveways | 20 mm (angular) | 40–50 mm depth for interlock |
| Water Features | 40 mm / 50–100 mm | Natural look; weight keeps it anchored |
| Gabions | 50–100 mm | Structural and bold |
C) Logistics Selector
| Site Access | Recommended Delivery | Why |
| Wide, open site | Loose tipper | Fast + lowest cost |
| Urban/tight | Bulk bags (pallet/HIAB) | Place exactly where needed |
| Mixed areas | Combination | Optimise by zone |
Summary
This complete buyer’s guide to factory-direct slate chippings gives you the tools to plan confidently and buy wisely. From bulk rates and per-bag prices to use-case size recommendations, we’ve broken down all key considerations.
You’ve seen how factory-gate pricing eliminates unnecessary markups, how packaging and logistics options vary, and how project-specific advice (like recommended depth and overage) ensures smoother installations
Key Takeaways
- Factory-direct slate chippings start at just $46.20/ton—with typical retail markups exceeding 30%.
- Available sizes include 10–14 mm, 20 mm, 40 mm, and 50–100 mm to suit borders, driveways, gabions, and more.
- Colors offered: Blue, Plum, Green, and Graphite/Grey—each with its own aesthetic charm.
- Packaging formats range from loose loads and bulk bags (0.85–0.90 T) to small 20–25 kg bags.
- Coverage calculators, use-case charts, and delivery guides are all included to make planning easier.
Feel free to get in touch for a free consultation, quote, and get a detailed understanding from our experts here at Petros®. Visit https://petrosstone.com/ or call +91-8446360361 and WhatsApp
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