A Must-Have for Modern Garden Design
By Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Scientific Name:
Calcite (dolomite variations)
Other Name(s):
White marble chippings, white gravel, marble chippings, white granite chippings, white shingle
Overview
This encyclopedia listing aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the features, benefits, and diverse applications of white chip stones, also called polar white chippings, a form of decorative aggregate. These chippings are known for their unique look, with beautiful white marble and quartz reflecting shimmering light, capable of brightening up even the darkest corners of any garden.
On this page, you will find links to additional resources that cover design basics, inspirational ideas, and tutorials for numerous projects where polar white chippings can effortlessly transform your garden into a contemporary outdoor space.
Specifications
Size Range
3mm-20mm polar white chippings (1/8 ” – 3/4 “)
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play areas
Price
Mid-priced decorative aggregate
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-Friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates like white stone chip, for their pristine and refined appearance, not only add visual appeal to garden landscapes but also serve practical functions such as weed suppression and moisture retention. The reflective quality of white stones amplifies sunlight, brightening shaded areas and accentuating the greenery.
The specific benefits of white chip stones include their ability to create a clean and modern look while reflecting heat during warmer months. Their bright, neutral colour makes them a popular choice for highlighting features in the garden, such as borders or water features.
- Inhibits weeds
- Improves drainage
- Hard-wearing
- Eco-friendly, sustainable
- Low-maintenance
- Moisture retention
- Versatile all-rounder
- pH alkaline
- Quick space transformation
- Unsafe for aquatic life
- Root protection
- Easy to lay
Applications
Using polar white chippings for garden design is popular because they are a durable and natural solution for weed suppression, compaction and drainage. Moreover, their natural sparkle adds light to areas by reflecting light, making them even more visually beneficial for use on paths and driveways. Using white chippings in the following applications will generally provide the benefits mentioned above.
In the following section, we list many of the common polar white chippings uses, although it is not an exhaustive list. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article is available from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic.
Informational & Inspirational Articles
- Pathways
- Driveways
- Ground cover
- Water features & ponds
- Path Edging
- Rockeries
- Stone mulch
Decorative borders
- Planters and pot plants
- Terrariums and indoor plant decor
- Pebbledashing
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
- Ground cover: How to lay stone chippings
- Stone Chippings Pathway: How to lay a gravel path
- Driveways: How to build a stone chippings driveway
Need to work out how many slate chippings your project needs? Try our free gravel calculator.
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for polar white chippings include:
- Base for terrace, patios or outdoor seating areas
- Erosion control and preventing soil erosion
- Art and crafts
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that white chippings are not suitable for:
- 1White chippings are unsuitable for french drains because they deteriorate over time.
- 2Aquascaping
- 3Play surfaces
- 4Too expensive for use as a sub base.
Maintenance
Polar white stone chippings are generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath, with most work limited to the occasional removal of debris. To maintain the original colour and prevent algae or moss buildup, occasional power washing is advisable. Natural quarry materials also may have dust, which should be washed off with water at the time of installation.
Reviving the stones’ brightness requires washing with bleach, vinegar or a commercial cleaner. Occasional topping up with fresh chippings helps to maintain appearance and depth. For more on how to clean stone chippings, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing white chip stones, consider the size and quantity necessary for your project. Where available, it is cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone’s colour and quality against your design requirements.
Polar white gravel 20mm bulk bags often provide better value than small bags, particularly for large areas. However, loose loads are the most economical way to purchase. Also, be sure to check on the delivery options and ensure the supplier can accommodate your postcode.
Using our gravel calculator is one of the best and easiest ways to get the right quantity – all you need is just a few measurements.
FAQs
What are marble chippings good for?
Marble chippings are excellent for adding decorative touches to gardens creating eye-catching paths and borders, and they also serve well in water features due to their reflective quality and beauty.
Can you use white spar for drainage?
Yes, white spar or white stone chips may be used for drainage. Their irregular shapes allow water to pass through, making them a practical option for areas requiring efficient water dispersion.
What do you put under white spar?
It’s recommended to lay a weed membrane under white spar marble chips to prevent weed growth and to keep the stones clean and in place.
Does white gravel stay white?
White gravel can maintain its colour if maintained properly. Regular cleaning and occasional replenishment of the stones can keep them looking bright and white.
What are bright white stones for gardening?
Bright white stones, such as polar white chippings or white spar, are used for their aesthetic appeal in gardens, highlighting areas with their sparkling clean look.
How do you get white stones white again?
To get white stones white again, wash them with water and a mild detergent. For tougher stains, a diluted bleach solution or chemical cleaner may be used before thorough rinsing.
There are many other varieties of stone chippings available for your project. Check out them out!