Specialist Materials
Specialist Materials - Designer & Engineer Specified
These materials are often specifically specified products by designers or engineers. Whilst they are not all unique, specialist materials require more planning and calculating to make sure you have the right amount of material delivered to your site.
Specialist Material Categories
Ecco Products Grid Systems
Ground Reinforcement • Grass Protection • Parking Areas • Access Roads
Gabion Stone
Retaining Walls • Landscaping Features • Erosion Control • Architectural
Play Surfaces & Equestrian Products
Safety Surfaces • Riding Arenas • Playground Materials • Horse Ménage
Self Binding Gravel
Pathways • Driveways • Natural Binding • Low Maintenance
Special Decorative Gravel
Premium Gravels • England & Wales Sources • Unique Colors • Designer Choice
What We Supply
Designer Specified
Willis & Ainsworth can supply most gravel from all across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland for your designer or architect specified projects.
Planning & Calculation
Expert advice on material quantities, coverage rates and installation requirements to ensure your project success.
Specialist Material Benefits
Professional Specification
Materials meeting exact designer and engineer requirements
Expert Calculation
Accurate quantity planning to avoid waste or shortages
Wide Sourcing Network
Access to materials from across England and Wales
Technical Support
Guidance on installation and application methods
Applications
Customer Reviews
"Expert calculation service" • "Sourced exact specifications" • "Professional planning" • "Saved time and money"
Get Expert Advice on Specialist Materials
Contact our specialists for planning and calculation assistance:
Gabion Stone - Decorative & Environmentally Friendly
Gabion Stone is used in Gabion Baskets usually for large retaining walls. It is a more decorative and environmentally friendly product than using other methods to create a retaining wall. It can also be used in Rockeries and as River Bank protection. Gabion is available in both Granite and Limestone material.
Gabion Stone Materials
Granite Gabion Stone
Durable • Weather Resistant • Various Colors • Long Lasting
Limestone Gabion Stone
Natural Appearance • Cost Effective • Light Colors • Versatile
Primary Applications
Gabion Baskets & Retaining Walls
Large retaining wall construction using gabion baskets filled with stone. More decorative than traditional methods.
Rockeries
Creating decorative rockery features in gardens and landscaping projects.
River Bank Protection
Environmentally friendly erosion control and river bank stabilization.
Gabion Stone Benefits
Decorative Appeal
More attractive than concrete or block retaining walls
Environmentally Friendly
Natural drainage and habitat creation opportunities
Structural Strength
Excellent load-bearing capacity for retaining applications
Versatile Use
Multiple applications from structural to decorative
Common Uses
Customer Reviews
"Perfect for retaining walls" • "Environmentally friendly solution" • "Excellent quality stone" • "Great decorative option"
Get Expert Advice on Gabion Stone
For gabion stone quantities and advice:
Play Surfaces & Equestrian Products - Safety First
Willis & Ainsworth can offer a range of Play Surfaces & Equestrian Products to help you enjoy your play areas safely. We can supply nearly all these materials in loose tipped loads and bulk bags available for larger orders of 10 bags or more.
Play & Equestrian Surface Categories
Playground Surfaces
Safety Certified • Impact Absorbing • Various Depths • Child Safe
Equestrian Arena Surfaces
Riding Arenas • Ménage Materials • All-Weather • Professional Grade
Stable & Yard Materials
Stable Flooring • Yard Surfaces • Drainage Materials • Horse Safe
Safety Mulch & Bark
Play Bark • Safety Mulch • Certified Standards • Soft Landing
Flexible Supply Options
Loose Tipped Loads
Ideal for large projects such as school playgrounds, riding arenas, and commercial play areas. Cost-effective for bulk requirements.
Bulk Bags (10+ Bags)
Available for larger orders of 10 bags or more. Perfect for projects requiring controlled placement and measured quantities.
Applications
Safety & Benefits
Safety Certified
Materials meet relevant British and European safety standards
Impact Protection
Cushioning surfaces to reduce injury risk from falls
Weather Resistant
All-weather materials suitable for year-round use
Professional Quality
Commercial grade materials for long-lasting performance
Customer Reviews
"Safety certified materials" • "Perfect for schools" • "Excellent equestrian surfaces" • "Flexible delivery options"
Order Safe Play & Equestrian Surfaces
For expert advice on play and equestrian surfaces:
Self Binding Gravel - Specialist Mix for Rustic Surfaces
Self Binding Gravel is a specialist mix of gravel used to create a rustic driveway or path. The materials tend to be limestone based products however there are some flint and granite versions available. We offer recognised products such as Breedon self binding gravel as well as other unique products such as Coxwell self binding gravel.
Self Binding Gravel Types
Limestone Based
Most Common Type • Natural Binding • Buff & Golden Colors • Traditional Appearance
Flint Versions
Regional Variations • Hard Wearing • Specific ApplicationsDurability • Color Variations • Premium Choice • Long Lasting
Featured Self Binding Products
Breedon Self Binding Gravel
Recognised brand of self binding gravel. Premium limestone-based product with excellent compaction properties for driveways and pathways. Whilst we don't have listings for these products we can supply them.
Coxwell Self Binding Gravel
Unique product offering distinctive appearance and performance. Ideal for rustic and heritage projects requiring authentic materials.
Applications
Self Binding Gravel Benefits
Natural Compaction
Self-binds when compacted to create a firm, stable surface
Permeable Surface
Allows water drainage, reducing surface water runoff
Low Maintenance
Minimal upkeep required once properly installed
Rustic Appearance
Natural look perfect for traditional and rural settings
Installation & Coverage
Self binding gravel requires proper sub-base preparation and correct compaction for optimal performance. Typical coverage is 10-12m² per tonne at 50mm depth. Our team can advise on quantities and installation methods for your specific project.
Customer Reviews
"Perfect rustic finish" • "Excellent compaction" • "Expert quantity advice" • "Heritage approved"
Get Expert Advice on Self Binding Gravel
For advice on types, coverage and installation:
Willis & Ainsworth can supply most gravel from all across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Decorative Gravel usually refers to any gravel, pebble or shingle that is used for a driveway, path or planter. Although some of these materials are very pretty they can be considered expensive.
Please see our Local Gravel page for more materials.
Gravel Matching
Please use the images provided to try and match or choose what you are looking for. If you are unsure then please feel free to bring a sample into the office with you and we will do our best to match it for you.
Samples
We have many samples of Decorative Gravel that are available. However due to the variation in sizes and different products that are available we are unable to stock samples of everything.
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