8 Jul

3 tips for the perfect outdoor dining space

When the sun is shining on long summer days, there’s nothing quite as enjoyable as a spot of al fresco dining. To really make the most of the opportunity, follow our top tips for creating the perfect outdoor dining experience.

Create a solid base with paving slabs

The key to any relaxing outdoor dining experience is an even, level base on which to place your table and chairs (we’ve all experienced the infuriating wonky, wobbly table). Paving slabs, large blocks of stone, are not only a great option for ensuring your dining table stays stationary, but they also look beautiful too, blending in seamlessly with the natural surroundings of your garden. Our extensive range of paving slabs at MB Wilkes include a variety of different materials and colours such as classic thin brown sandstone.

Add interest to your garden

Planting a variety of different flowers and foliage is a wonderful way to create a stunning backdrop to your outdoor dining area. Choose the plants carefully so that they reflect the style and mood of the garden you are trying to create. For instance, rows of pretty flowers in beds lined with large white pebbles create lovely neat lines for an ordered garden, whereas a scattering of wildflowers in a raised bed made from chunky railway sleepers suits a county theme. What’s more, you’ll be helping the local wildlife by providing a source of food and shelter.

Light up your garden at night

To ensure your al fresco dining experience doesn’t get cut short when the sun slips behind the horizon, consider installing lighting in your garden. From solar powered lanterns hidden between flowerpots, to a string of delicate fairy lights floating on a garden wall, the soft glow of outdoor lighting is not only practical but produces a beautifully warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Based in Dorset, MB Wilkes is among the UK’s leading supplier of a range of decorative stones, paving slabs, sands and gravel. For more information about any of our products and services, please get in touch with our friendly team today on 01258 857465.

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5 Jun

Why gravel driveways are the natural choice

Make a great first impression by choosing a classic gravel driveway for your home. Natural, versatile and attractive, gravel comes in a range of stone types, sizes and finishes. To name just a few available at MB Wilkes, you can opt for locally sourced Dorset limestone chippings, striking red granite to really make an impact, or the light golden tint of traditional shingle that has been approved by the National Trust. Recycled aggregate gravel It’s important to us at MB Wilkes to help the environment in any way we can, so we also offer a range of recycled aggregate gravel which has been made from crushed concrete or asphalt debris. Not only does this type of gravel create beautiful driveways but it also serves to protect our precious natural resources as it eliminates the need to dispose of waste building materials. A low maintenance driveway Quick and easy to install, at MB Wilkes we aim to deliver within 48 hours of your order, gravel driveways are simple to maintain, especially when compared to asphalt which needs to be power washed at least twice a year as well as a seal coating every two to five years to keep it looking its best. All you need to do is occasionally level the gravel (we recommend using the humble garden rake for this) and keep an eye out for any pesky weeds. Laying our purpose designed woven geotextile black sheeting before spreading can be a great help with stopping any unwanted plants poking up through your beautiful driveway. A natural layer of home security Aside from its natural attractiveness and practicality, gravel driveways also add an extra layer of security to your home due to the unavoidable ‘crunch’ made when walked or driven on. At MB Wilkes we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and unbeatable knowledge. To find out more about which type of gravel driveway will be your perfect choice, contact us today on 01258 857465 and one of our team will be happy to help.

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14 Mar

How to build steps with sleepers

Sleeper paths are great for all weathers, natural and look great in any garden. Our experts explain how to build steps from sleepers. If your garden is on multiple levels, steps are the best way to bridge the terrain. If you’re looking to create a path with some steps, sleepers can be a great material to use: read on to find out how. Step 1. Mark the sit and plan Start by using a builder’s line and pegs, fixing a parallel rectangle of where you’d like to build the steps from. Work out how many treads and risers you need; you’ll need to measure vertical and horizontal heights and distances of your flight of steps, so mark the back of the tread and hold one end of a long spirit level to the top of the peg. You will need to divide the vertical height by your riser height and use the tread-riser combinations chart to find the tread length you need. Step 2. Strip turf, mark treads and dig Use a spade to strip away the turf from your marked-out area. Use lines to mark out the back of the treads, setting back extra space so you have enough room to work. Shape out the steps with a spade. Dig a trench for the first sleeper. Drive in pegs levelled with a spirit level to mark the surface of your footing. Step 3. Concrete the footing and build steps The footing of your steps doesn’t have to be made of concrete but adding concrete to this part will mean that you have increased strength and density. Concrete the footing and add the sleepers up the path; you can add gravel to the steps if you’d like too if you have longer steps and gaps between each one. To find out more about the range of products we offer, from building materials and decorative stones to shingle & gravel and driveway materials, contact our team today on 01258 857465 or take a look at our special offers!

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31 Jan

5 types of aggregate and their uses

Whether you need stone or gravel, pebble or chipping, we have aggregates to suit your needs: read on for our expert guide Aggregate can be useful for a wide range of gardening projects, but with so many different types of stone out there, it’s important to know which types can be used for what in your project. Our aggregate experts break down the differences between different stone types, and how you could use them. Shingle Available in a number of different colours and sizes, shingle is great for driveways, pathways and landscaping. Shingle is rough, with each stone being markedly different, but its affordability makes it perfect for largescale commercial and residential projects. Scottish pebbles Scottish pebbles are rounded stones that lend themselves perfectly to water features, thanks to their smooth, shiny texture. They can vary in size and colour, though are often a mixture of greys, browns and pinks. Slate Slate is perfect for small areas. Its darker texture is great for contrasting against really bright plants, such as Japanese maples, and they look great either on driveways or even beside water features in your garden. Granite chippings If you’re looking for tough aggregate capable of dealing with heavy traffic, granite chippings are worth exploring. Granite can come in a variety of shades too, so you don’t have to prioritise substance over style. Honey marble As the name suggests, Honey marble is a yellow-tinted stone and is ideal for using in decorative gardening. It suits warm flowers nicely, but can be contrasted against grassy patches in your garden. To find out more about the range of products we offer, from building materials and decorative stones to shingle & gravel and driveway materials, contact our team today on 01258 857465 or take a look at our special offers!

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Most Recent Stories

9 Apr

Your Projects Brought to Life: Before and After Using Our Gravel

Selecting the right gravel for your property can significantly affect appearance, durability, drainage and maintenance. At MB Wilkes, we specialise in supplying and installing high‑quality primary sands and gravels - from decorative shingle and chippings to robust planings and crushed stone - tailored to the unique requirements of every customer. With decades of experience serving homeowners, property managers and businesses across the UK, we understand how material choice, particle size and finish can transform driveways, pathways, patios and more. In this blog, we’ll showcase some recent projects, with images courtesy of CW Stanley who executed the work using our products. With an array of options available, our aggregates will deliver lasting results, enhancing kerb appeal while offering excellent value for money. New Driveway in Merley, Wimborne What a difference a day makes! In Merley, Wimborne, CW Stanley transformed a tired tarmac driveway into a crisp, low‑maintenance surface in just one day. After removing the existing worn surfacing and installing a durable geotextile membrane for weed control and drainage, their team laid a neat charcoal block‑paving edge before spreading our 20 mm Dorset Limestone chippings. The result is an attractive, uniform finish that enhances kerb appeal, improves water runoff and eliminates patch repairs. The customer chose Dorset Limestone chippings for their hard‑wearing quality, natural appearance and cost‑effective longevity - a perfect solution for a hassle‑free driveway upgrade. A Mega Undertaking in Poole, Dorset A mega driveway transformation in Poole, Dorset, was completed in just 1.5 days using our 20 mm Ice Blue decorative gravel, laid over a geotextile membrane to ensure excellent drainage and weed suppression. Crisp concrete kerb stones neatly define the driveway’s boundary, while a smooth asphalt parking bay provides a practical contrast. The finished surface delivers striking kerb appeal, low maintenance and long‑term durability for two neighbouring properties. By combining MB Wilkes’ premium Ice Blue chippings with CW Stanley’s efficient installation, this project achieved exceptional value, performance and a standout aesthetic in record time. A Beautiful Result in Poole, Dorset What a beautiful frontage this is now! CW Stanley completed a stunning driveway transformation this week at a property in Poole, Dorset. After removing the old, uneven gravel and preparing a stable, compacted sub‑base with a geotextile membrane for superior drainage and weed control, crisp grey block paving was installed to define the driveway’s perimeter. Our 20 mm Polar Ice decorative chippings, were laid to a uniform depth, delivering a striking, low‑maintenance finish. The work significantly improved kerb appeal while extending and boosting practical performance - all achieved in minimal time, at exceptional value. A Tasteful Finish in Colehill, Wimborne In just two days, CW Stanley completed a tasteful driveway and frontage transformation at a property in Colehill, Wimborne. After removing old paving and uneven gravel, the team installed a compacted sub‑base topped with a geotextile membrane for superior drainage and weed suppression. Concrete block‑paving edging defines the perimeter, creating a neat, professional finish. Our team supplied 20 mm Quantock Grey decorative chippings, which were laid to a consistent depth to deliver a striking, low‑maintenance surface. The result is enhanced kerb appeal, excellent durability and a practical, value‑adding upgrade. Why Should You Choose MB Wilkes? When it comes to sourcing high‑quality aggregates, MB Wilkes stands head and shoulders above the competition. As a family‑owned sand and gravel quarry based in Dorset, we combine decades of local expertise with the largest product range on the market - from decorative gravels and garden stones to specialist sands, soils and construction materials. Our team of aggregate specialists possesses unrivalled knowledge, enabling us to recommend exactly the right material for any project, whether you’re a homeowner upgrading your driveway or a national developer specifying bulk supplies. MB Wilkes’ reputation for excellence extends across councils, utility companies, sports grounds and public landscaping schemes, reflecting our ability to deliver consistently outstanding service to clients of every scale. Thanks to our strong industry relationships, we offer competitive, transparent pricing without compromising on quality - meaning you benefit from premium materials at the best value. We also make waste disposal straightforward with our inert tip facility, while our versatile fleet of tipper lorries and grab trucks ensures precise, reliable deliveries direct to your site. Above all, our commitment to exceptional customer service means clear communication, punctual delivery and meticulous attention to detail from enquiry through to completion. Whatever your aggregate requirements, MB Wilkes guarantees the highest quality products, unbeatable expertise and complete peace of mind - all delivered from the heart of Dorset. Get in Touch With the Experts Ready to transform your project? Browse MB Wilkes’ full range of decorative aggregates, garden stones, sands and soils on our website and place your order in minutes. For personalised advice, competitive quotes or any enquiries, simply give our friendly team a call on 01258 857465 or complete our quick contact form. Whether you need delivery to your doorstep or guidance choosing the perfect product, we’re here to help - offering expert support, transparent pricing and reliable service across Dorset and beyond. Don’t wait - get in touch with MB Wilkes today and discover why we’re the UK’s leading supplier of high‑quality aggregates now.

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15 May

Summer Gardening Tips and Tricks

The summer months are a busy time for gardeners, as gardening offers a great opportunity to enjoy those long, warm days and evenings. Despite most of the planting of flowers and vegetables being done earlier in the spring, there is plenty to be done over the summer. May and June are ideal times for bedding plants to be planted out, raising foliage plants, and sowing several outdoor seed varieties, including Alstroemeria, Achillea, Arabis, Canterbury Bells, Coreopsis, Erigeron, Myosotis and Sweet William. Weather can be unpredictable during these months, so during May, you want to protect more vulnerable plants with a horticultural fleece, which you can remove in June. As the threat of frost should have passed by June, it is the ideal time to plant bedding plants grown under cover either into borders or into hanging baskets and containers. Late-flowering Annuals Throughout May, you should sow late-flowering annuals such as Nasturtiums under glass. You can expect them to flower from August onwards if you sow them in early May. You may also want to sow fast-maturing annuals, like Clarkias and Calendulas. You will be able to enjoy them blooming throughout the summer, which will add an extra splash of colour to your garden. Don't forget to add some water gel crystals and slow-release fertiliser to your compost when planting. Who doesn't love a Dahlia? Use your time in May to plant Dahlia bulbs, but protect them from slugs. This will also work with your regular gardening jobs of watering, mowing and weeding. Don't forget to spruce up your window boxes too. Check that you have enough topsoil before doing this to ensure a smooth and easy process. Tidy Up June is usually a time for you to dedicate a few minutes to tidying up parts of your garden. Dead foliage should be removed from spring flowering bulbs, excluding daffodils and tulips, which should be left a little longer to die back naturally. Trim or throw away any faded plants and keep on top of your weeding, with a particular focus on your borders and beds. Install Protection Fruits bushes and trees should be inspected carefully to check for pests and diseases and treated if necessary. Soft fruit bushes, such as currants and strawberries, should be protected by a fruit cage or netting to prevent birds from eating the fruit. Carrots should be protected from carrot fly, and cabbages from caterpillar damage by covering them with protective materials. If you are keeping some plants in a greenhouse to keep them safe, they need to be kept well-ventilated during the day as extreme variations in temperature could adversely affect the fruiting of tomato plants. In addition, tapping the flowers of greenhouse tomatoes will improve pollination. Uncover Fruit and Vegetable Strawberry bushes that have been kept under glass should now be uncovered so that pollinating insects can gain access to them. Vegetables such as brussel sprouts, cabbage, celery, courgettes, cucumbers, marrows, runner and French beans that have been grown in a greenhouse should also now be planted out. Don't forget to keep them hydrated and keep the soil as moist as possible. If you have vegetables like marrows, peppers, tomatoes and courgettes, ensure that these are hardened off before you look to plant them outside. Mow Grass Regularly May is the start of the mowing season, and you will need to mow your grass more regularly and ensure that your mower blades are kept sharp. Water Regularly May through September can be hot and dry, so remember to water plants regularly to avoid wilting. To aid drainage, a layer of gravel or shingle is a great solution that also offers a touch of style and texture to your garden area! Renovate Your Garden Summer is also a great time to landscape your garden by adding some raised plant beds using sleepers or even fitting a paved section to create the perfect space for garden furniture.

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27 Mar

How to use decorative stones in your garden

Decorative stone is a term that encompasses a wide range of materials, including gravel, pebbles, and slate. They are a fantastic way to add interest and texture to your garden. Each type has its own benefits. Therefore, you should consider these when deciding which decorative stone to use in your garden. In this blog, our landscaping experts at MB Wilkes, Dorset’s leading supplier of decorative stones, share a breakdown of each type of decorative stone and what they’re best used for. Pebbles Smooth and round pebbles are formed when a stone's rough edges are slowly eroded by running water. As such, they will look perfectly at home as part of a garden water feature. We recommend using colourful pebbles like our 14-20mm Scottish pebbles for an authentic feel. Due to their rounded surface being safe to walk on barefoot, these decorative stones make good garden pathways, and when combined with landscape fabrics like our woven geotextile, you can prevent weeds from growing underneath. Pebbles can help prevent soil degradation and eroding too, making them great to enhance the top of potted plants. Pebbles and decorative stones also make for beautiful and natural borders for flower beds. If you are laying a pathway, contrasting coloured pebbles in the garden is a fantastic way to make a style statement all across your garden. Additionally, you could also use different colours to differentiate the various sections of your garden from each other. Avoid using pebbles on driveways because they are so smooth they will move and shift under the heavy weight of a vehicle. This will cause the driveway to deteriorate quickly. Slate Slate is a fine-grained, metamorphic rock that splits easily into thin slabs. Much sharper and larger than pebbles, slate is perfect for decorating borders. For example, our black slate would make for a dramatic and modern accent to a path, pond, or patio. Slate also makes for poor driveway material, as there is always the chance that a sharp piece could slice open your tyre. It is also a relatively brittle material, so putting it under constant stress from heavy cars will cause it to crumble over time. This will lead to the build-up of dust, which could inhibit drainage. Stone Paving Decorative stones aren't just limited to pebbles and rocks. Natural stone paving is the perfect material for creating gorgeous and perfectly flat patios where you and your loved ones can enjoy many BBQs and garden parties together. We stock lots of different paving slabs in a range of colours, textures and finishes, so you're sure to find one to suit your style. Gravel & Shingle Gravel is made up of loose rock fragments. Gravel and shingle are grippy, durable stones, making them excellent choices for driveways and paths. In fact, they are one of the cheapest driveway options available. Outside of filling in the uneven surface now and then, driveway gravel is largely maintenance-free and has no chance of cracking or sinking like asphalt or concrete. Choose a gravel like our golden shingle for a classic driveway look or opt for something a bit different with our luxurious limestone or elegant blue slate. Gravel and shingle are very good at draining water. If your garden is habitually waterlogged and causing your plants and flowers to suffer, installing a French drain using gravel or shingle will help the water drain harmlessly away. Shingle will also work in any water feature you might have, enhancing the sound of the water falling. Opting for our rainbow shingle will also boost its overall appearance too. Premium decorative stones from M B Wilkes Whether you're looking to build a rustic path or driveway, improve drainage, or simply beautify your garden, our decorative stones offer limitless possibilities. Browse our wide range of premium decorative stones to find the perfect type for your garden. You'll be spoilt for choice at MB Wilkes, as our range of landscape materials, pebbles and decorative stones is the best in Dorset. If you have any questions about our products, don't hesitate to get in touch - contact us online or call us on 01258 857465.

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