Pea Gravel Pure as the Driven Snow
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Classification:
Stone landscaping material and construction aggregate
Geological name(s):
Dolomite
Other Name(s):
White spar chippings, pea gravel white, white spar, white spar stones, white spar pebbles, white spar decorative stone, spar chippings, polar white dashing
Overview
Welcome to the only encyclopaedia for decorative aggregates and landscaping materials. White spar gravel, also known as mini white pea gravel, is a premium-priced and hard-wearing crushed marble aggregate that sparkles when reflecting the sunlight. These small white stones are primarily used for pebble dashing and resin bonding applications. However, they can also be used to transform garden areas effortlessly into bright, clean, and contemporary-looking outdoor spaces.
This is a comprehensive encyclopaedia listing is specifically about mini white spar gravel, a hardscape and construction aggregate ranging in size from 3-8mm. It presents information such as the aggregate's specifications, benefits, applications and incompatibilities as a landscaping material. It is also a portal to many DIY-friendly resources, including a list of 'similar to' alternatives, articles for inspiration that cover fundamental design principles, as well as a variety of easy-to-follow, step-by-step project instructions for building your own hardscaping features.
Specifications
material | colour | shape | sizes | fall safety | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marble | 3-8mm |
durability | fish friendly | eco friendly | degradability | ph | diy friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-degradable | Alkaline |
Material
Sedimentary rock
Colour
White with subtle grey and buff tones
Shape
Angular
Size Range
3-8mm (0.11-0.33")
Polar white dashing 3-8mm, polar white spar 3-8mm
Fall Safety
Unsuitable for play surfaces
Price
Premium
Durability
High
Fish Friendly
No
Eco-friendly
Yes
Degradability
Non-degradable
pH
Alkaline
DIY-Friendly
Yes
Benefits
Decorative aggregates, like white spar gravel, offer numerous benefits for garden and landscape design. These small, white spar stones offer low-maintenance solutions, such as providing effective weed control, water retention and excellent drainage. They are aesthetically pleasing and durable to boot, making them ideal for various outdoor projects.
White spar gravel enhances the beauty of any space with its clean, crisp appearance. Its reflective quality brightens shaded areas and creates a striking contrast with greenery and other landscaping elements.
Applications
Mini white spar gravel products are particularly suited to tasks requiring very small white stones, specifically pebble-dashing, resin-bonding and resin-bound applications. Examples include resin driveways or a resin-bound pathway. While it's too small to use as a loose-fill gravel driveway, mini white pea gravel is still very versatile and great for adding bright colour and attractive textures to landscaping features, from decorative pot plant toppings to garden paths and stunning garden borders.
In the following section, we list many common 3-8mm white spar chippings' uses, although the number of potential applications for any aggregate is almost limitless. 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 white pea gravel include:
Unsuitable For
The following list represents the kinds of applications that white spar gravel may not be suitable for:
- 1Aquascaping due to the alkaline effect on water pH posing harm to aquatic life.
- 2As an alkaline agent, they may be unsuitable for acid soil gardens and, therefore, may not be suitable for use as a ground cover around plants and trees unless they are suited to alkaline soils. It's best to check with suppliers before making any choice.
- 3Areas 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.
Similar Alternatives to White Spar Gravel
The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to white 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
buff, white | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | |||
pink, blue, grey | Marble | 6-20mm (0.4-2") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
pale yellow | 5-20mm (0.2-0.8") | angular | UK, USA | |||
red, white, black | Blend | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU | ||
golden, brown | Flint | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | rounded | UK, USA | ||
white | Marble | 10-20mm (0.4-0.8") | angular | UK, USA, EU |
Under £80
£80-£120
£120-£150
£150-£200
£200-£300
£300+
Maintenance
White pea 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 white pea 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. 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 white spar gravel bulk bag or ordering in loose loads can offer better value than purchasing in smaller quantities, although it usually comes in 25kg bags. 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.
White Pea Gravel Resin Bonding Coverage Guide
White spar gravel generally comes in 25kg sizes, and a 25kg bag will usually cover 1.25㎡ at 12mm thickness. The following information applies on a per bag basis.
You will also require ~800g UV stable resin and ~ 1g of resin activator per 25kg bag.
FAQs
What is white spar gravel made of?
White spar gravel is primarily made of calcium carbonate-rich limestone, known for its white and grey tones.
What are the uses of white spar gravel?
It is used in driveways, pathways, and garden borders and as a top dressing in plant pots, enhancing aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Where can I find white pea gravel?
White pea gravel is available at most landscape and garden supply stores, as well as through various online retailers.
How do I maintain white spar gravel?
Regular cleaning, raking, and use of a weed membrane are crucial to maintaining its appearance and preventing weed growth.
Is mini white spar gravel suitable for driveways?
No, it's not ideal for driveways due to its size, which leads to the gravel spreading to undesirable areas and getting stuck in tyre treads. However, when bonded with resin, white spar can be used to dazzling effect!
