Striking Contrasts in Landscape Design

By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Blend
Other Name(s):
Multi mix gravel, multi gravel, multi-coloured gravel, multi mix chippings
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Multi spar gravel, also known as multi mix gravel, is an economical and hard-wearing decorative aggregate known for its distinctive appearance and versatility in outdoor design. Known for its unique blend of black, white, grey and red stones that provide radiant and colourful elements and effortlessly transform any landscape into a bright and stylish outdoor space.
This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about multi spar gravel, a hardscape and construction aggregate. It details the product's specifications, accompanied by photographs, and outlines its benefits, applications, and incompatibilities as a landscaping material. Additionally, this entry serves as a gateway to a wealth of DIY resources, with a list of comparable alternatives, articles offering design inspiration and fundamental principles, and a collection of straightforward, step-by-step instructions for constructing your own hardscaping features.
Multi Spar Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stone | 6-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Marble, granite and basalt
Colour
Black, white, grey and red
Shape
Angular

Size Range
6mm - 20mm (0.3-0.8")
Multi spar 8-11mm, multi spar gravel 10mm, multi mix Spar gravel 20mm, 20mm multi mix chippings
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Mid
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No

Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes

Benefits
Decorative aggregates like multi spar gravel offer a multitude of benefits in garden and landscape design. They are excellent for creating visually appealing spaces, enhancing texture, and adding colour diversity to gardens and paths. Their use in landscaping not only transforms the aesthetic but also contributes to practical aspects like drainage and weed suppression.
Multi spar gravel's unique blend of colours and durable nature makes it an ideal choice for creating distinctive, long-lasting and low-maintenance garden designs. Its varied colour palette complements a wide range of garden themes, which vary from rustic to contemporary, adding a natural yet polished look to any landscape.
Applications
The different brands of multi spar gravel products, such as 'multi mix gravel', 'multi gravel,' 'multi-coloured gravel' and 'multi mix chippings' are highly versatile. They are generally composed of the same stones, making them suitable for various applications in landscaping and garden design; for example, alpine garden themes. Multi spar gravel is commonly used for pathways, driveways, borders, and as ground cover in garden beds. The gravel's unique colour variations and durability make it a popular choice for creating visually striking and low-maintenance, outdoor spaces.
In the following section, we list many common multi spar gravel uses. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.

Inspiration and Informational Articles
DIY-Friendly How-To Guides
Other Applications
Some other excellent applications for multi spar gravel include:

Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that multi spar gravel may not be suitable for:
- 1Areas with fine plantings: If you have creepers or low-growing plants in your garden gravel can make it harder for these plants to thrive, as it may interfere with their root systems as they try to grow.
- 2Erosion control: On steep slopes or areas with significant inclines, the loose nature of the gravel can make it prone to movement which can be problematic on slopes.
- 3Play surfaces
Similar Alternatives to Multi Spar Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to multi spar gravel. They may offer you a more suitable variation on the primary colour, a more economical option, or a close substitute for cases where the base material may be unsuitable for the project you are creating, e.g. limestone is not fish-friendly, where slate is.
Name | Colours | Material | Size | Shape | Availability | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
gold, brown, beige | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA | |||
peach, pink, cream | 16-32mm (0.7-1.3") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
pink, grey | Blend | 6-20mm (0.1-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
white, grey, blue | Blend | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
black, grey | Blend | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance

Multi spar gravel is generally low maintenance, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to raking and the occasional removal of debris. It is recommended to occasionally power wash the product in order to maintain its original colour and prevent the buildup of algae or moss. Natural quarry materials may also have dust which should be washed off with water during installation. For areas with heavy foot traffic, such as paths or footpaths, replenishing the chippings may be necessary over time to maintain depth and coverage.
For more on how to clean gravel, read our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips

When purchasing multi spar gravel, consider the size options 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. Also, consider the different sizes; for instance, multi spar gravel 20mm are typically used for driveways, while smaller multi spar gravel 10mm is better suited to footpaths.
Our gravel calculator will give you a quick and unbiased estimate for your project needs just by taking a few measurements of the space. It is one of the best and easiest ways to order the right amount and helps avoid shortfalls or over-spending. Purchasing a multi spar gravel 20mm bulk bag or ordering in loose loads can offer better value than purchasing in smaller quantities. Therefore, calculating accurately can save both time and money. It is also important to consider the delivery aspects, including vehicle access to the site. Additionally, you should check stock availability and factor in VAT and transportation costs if applicable.
FAQs
What is multi mix gravel and how much does it cost?
Multi spar gravel is a naturally occurring stone aggregate known for its distinctive multi-coloured appearance and is widely used in landscaping and garden design. The cost of multi spar gravel varies depending on the quantity and delivery method. It's generally considered mid-priced among decorative aggregates prices.
Can multi spar gravel be used around fish ponds?
No, multi spar gravel is not generally fish-friendly and cannot be safely used in and around fish ponds and other aquatic settings, unless the supplier can confirm otherwise.