Clean, Sophisticated Garden stones
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Dolomite, Calcite
Other Name(s):
Polar white marble gravel, small white stones, white decorative gravel, white shingle stones, white gravel rocks, white marble gravel
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. Polar white gravel, also known as polar white, is a luxurious and versatile decorative aggregate that sparkles and glistens when drenched in sunlight. These stones can transform any garden into a bright, clean and contemporary-looking outdoor space, effortlessly.
This comprehensive encyclopaedia listing about polar white 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.
Polar White Gravel Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marble | 10-20mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Granite crystalline igneous rock
Colour
Brilliant white, cream and grey
Shape
Angular
Size Range
10-20mm (0.4-0.8")
20mm white gravel, polar white gravel 20mm, polar white marble gravel 20mm
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, such as polar white gravel, provide numerous benefits for gardening and landscaping design. These white stones for garden and landscaping design enhance aesthetic appeal, provide effective weed control, and ensure low maintenance. Their versatility makes them suitable for various design styles, from contemporary to traditional.
Polar white gravel offers a bright and clean look that can significantly enhance garden brightness, especially under sunlight. Its reflective quality adds a luminous effect to garden spaces and complements plant colours beautifully. When used in partial shade, they can visually lift the light in these areas, making the garden feel more spacious at the same time.
Applications
Polar white gravel is ideal for creating striking driveways, garden paths, borders, patios and water features. Its bright white colour and angular shape make it a popular choice for highlighting areas in the garden, such as borders or around plants, dry or wet.
In the following section, we list many common polar white 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 polar white gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that polar white 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.
- 2Play surfaces
- 3Aquariums (due to pH alkalinity).
- 4Acidic soil gardens in high-traffic areas which could lead to lime or dolomite leaching into the soil nearby.
Similar Alternatives to Polar White Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to polar white 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
buff, white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
golden brown | Flint | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pale yellow | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | |||
pink, peach, white | 14-32mm (0.6-1.2") | sub-angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
apricot | Quartzite | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | sub-angular | UK, USA | ||
buff, white | Limestone | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
When used with weed control fabrics, polar white gravel can significantly reduce the time spent on garden upkeep, with most work limited to raking and the infrequent removal of debris. Natural quarry materials also may have dust, which should be hosed off with water at the time of installation. For areas with heavy footfall, such as paths or footpaths, replenishment of gravel may be required over time to maintain depth and coverage.
Occasional power washing of the product is advisable to maintain the original colour and prevent algae or moss buildup, which can become a problem for this gravel, known for turning 'green'. However, we have detailed guides on how to clean white gravel, in our article: how to clean garden stones.
Purchasing Tips
When purchasing polar white 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, 20mm white gravel is typically used for driveways and ground cover, while smaller 10mm polar white gravel is better suited to footpaths.
Our gravel calculator will give you a quick and unbiased estimate for your project needs. It is one of the best and easiest ways to order the right amount without the risk of shortfalls or over-spending - all you need is a few measurements of the space. Ordering in loose loads or bulk bags is often more cost-effective than purchasing in smaller quantities, so calculating accurately can save time and money. Also, always ensure you consider the delivery aspects, especially the vehicle access to the site.
FAQs
Does white gravel stay white?
In general it does, depending on how much light hits during the day. However, it requires regular cleaning to maintain its brightness, especially in high-traffic areas, shade or under foliage.
What are bright white stones for gardening?
Bright white stones like polar white gravel are decorative aggregates used for decorative purposes in gardens and landscapes.
How to stop white gravel going green?
Polar white gravel remains white with proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and raking.
How do you get white stones white again?
Clean them with a vinegar and water solution, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage their natural shape or colour. There are cleaning agents for very stubborn, 'green' polar chippings.
What is white spar gravel?
White spar gravel is another name for a smaller type of polar white gravel, the decorative stone often used in garden design.
