Stone dust – what is it, and what can it be used for?

Stone dust is crushed granite in a very fine fraction – typically 0-2 mm or 0-4 mm. The stones are crushed so finely that the material is almost like flour. Our stone dust is carefully selected and comes from Sweden and Norway.

Because stone dust contains many fine grains, it binds well and packs hard when compacted or watered. This makes it a stable, weed-suppressing material.

• Between paving and block paving: Stone dust fills and packs very well in the joints and therefore suppresses weeds. It is a popular alternative to joint sand.
• Under granite chippings: A layer of approx. 3 cm of compacted stone dust gives a firm, even base so the chippings do not move. Ideally choose stone dust in the same colour as the chippings. Read more in our guide to granite chippings.
• On paths and walkways: Stone dust gives a firm, even surface that needs minimal maintenance. See how to build a path in How to create a garden path.
• On petanque and tennis courts: Stone dust is used as a surface on courts where the surface must be firm and even.
• Under block paving: Stone dust can also be used as a bedding layer under paving.

We have stone dust in five colours, so you can match paving, chippings and the style of the house:

• Grey stone dust (0-2 mm) – perfect between paving or under grey granite chippings.
• Black stone dust (0-2 mm) – perfect under black granite chippings.
• White stone dust (0-4 mm) – for white granite chippings or light footpaths and garden areas.
• Red stone dust (0-4 mm) – under red granite chippings or on petanque courts.
• Yellow stone dust (0-8 mm) – slightly coarser and perfect for walkways with minimal maintenance.

For joints between paving, the fine 0-2 mm fraction is best, as it is easy to sweep into even narrow joints.

1. Make sure the paving is dry: Stone dust is easiest to sweep in when both paving and stone dust are dry.
2. Spread the stone dust: Tip the stone dust onto the paving and sweep it diagonally across the joints with a soft broom.
3. Vibrate: Run a plate compactor with a rubber mat over the paving so the stone dust packs down into the joints.
4. Repeat: Sweep in more stone dust and vibrate again until the joints are completely full.
5. Sweep off the excess and water lightly so the stone dust settles.

Top up the joints as needed – typically after the first winter. Read more about laying paving in How to Prepare the Base for Paving.

Both stone dust and joint sand can be used in joints between paving. Joint sand is a fine, dry sand that is easy to sweep in. Stone dust contains more fine grains, which bind and pack harder in the joints – making the joints more stable and harder for weeds to grow in. That is why stone dust is often the best choice for patios, driveways and walkways.

See more advice in our guide to weed control.

If the stone dust is used as a layer – e.g. under granite chippings or on a path – calculate it like this: area × layer depth. An area of 20 m² with 3 cm of stone dust needs 20 × 0.03 = 0.6 m³ = 600 litres.

Joints require far less. How much depends on the joint width and paving size – the smaller the paving and the wider the joints, the more stone dust.

See more calculation examples in How much gravel, sand and soil do I need?, or use our quantity calculator. We deliver stone dust in bulk bags directly to your address – read more about delivery.