Your Long Rake Spar Questions Answered
Find the answers to common questions about Long Rake Spar’s aggregate offerings. Discover answers to your product-specific questions on each of our product pages.
About Your Projects
Can I buy your decorative aggregates in bulk?
How much aggregate do I need for my project?
Each outdoor project requires different amounts of aggregate, depending on the size and depth of the driveway, pathway or border and which aggregate product you choose. The key to buying the correct quantities is understanding the depth of material required. Accurate calculations to guide purchases prevent issues like visible weed membrane (caused by too little product) or pooling and displacement (too much product).
For a simple way to work this out, we’ve designed a gravel calculator that will take all of your measurements and get you an accurate calculation. If you’re still unsure, please contact us or speak to your local stockist.
What is the best aggregate to use for a driveway?
What is the best aggregate to use for a pathway?
Pathways need to be both stable and comfortable to walk on. Gravel and chippings in the 10-20mm range work well for this, as well as small (20mm or smaller) rounded pebbles.
For sloped paths with a gradient greater than 1:20, consider using stabilising grids to prevent material movement. Specialist pathway materials, like Goldpath, provide a compacted, even finish, making them ideal for well-trodden areas.
What is the best aggregate to use for water features and ponds?
Many of our aggregates become even more visually striking and impactful when wet, making them a fantastic choice for water features and ponds.
For fish ponds, avoid using marble, dolomite or limestone as they can alter water pH levels. We have specific fish-friendly products which carry the fish-friendly mark.
To protect pond liners, we recommend using smooth, rounded materials like pebbles or cobbles to prevent punctures.
What is the best aggregate to use for borders?
Decorative aggregates are a versatile option for borders and raised beds. Combining chippings, pebbles, cobbles and boulders can create stunning visual interest and texture. To brighten up shaded areas, consider using lighter-coloured aggregates to reflect light and lift the space.
About The Way We Work
Are Long Rake Spar aggregates washed?
Many of our premium aggregates are meticulously washed to remove fine particles and silt. This results in a cleaner, more vibrant finish. Washed aggregates provide an immediate polished appearance, perfect for outdoor projects where aesthetics are a priority.
For those opting for unwashed products, a simple rinse after laying can achieve a similar effect. As the water flows through, the fine particles naturally settle underneath the surface, leaving a clean and uniform top layer.
Whether you choose washed or unwashed, both options offer excellent functionality and appearance, depending on your project needs.
How do Long Rake Spar import aggregates to the UK?
Long Rake Spar is the largest importer of specialist decorative aggregates in the UK. A selection of our imported products are sourced by road via bulk tippers from various European locations, while large volume, core products are imported by sea in bulk shipments. We currently have four dock and production sites across all corners of the UK.
Discover more about our facilities and processes here.
How sustainable is Long Rake Spar?
Sustainability is at the heart of the Long Rake Spar business as we work toward becoming a carbon-neutral company by 2030. The company is committed to various sustainable practices, including eco-friendly packaging, transportation, operations and sourcing. We are also delighted to hold a PlanetMark Business Certification.
Long Rake Spar was also awarded the ProLandscaper Supplier Sustainability and BioDiversity of the Year Award in late 2025.
Find out more about our sustainability efforts here.
How do I find my local Long Rake Spar stockist?
To help you easily purchase Long Rake Spar products, you can find a stockist here.
How do I find more Long Rake Spar resources?
The LRS Hub has plenty of exclusive resources to support your merchant business. When you sign up to the hub, you gain access to high-quality media, brochures, data sheets and extra marketing support.
About Your Delivery
How quick is your delivery time?
We’re a committed partner in your growth, helping you to increase decorative aggregate sales. That’s why we are an industry leader for delivery times, with orders to merchant yards throughout the UK typically being delivered in 5 to 7 days.
Can you guarantee your aggregate products are in sufficient stock?
Yes. We maintain extensive stock levels to ensure product availability for our customers, holding over 125,000 tonnes and £8 million worth of aggregates across our network of dock and production sites throughout the UK. This substantial inventory means we can fulfill orders promptly and reliably year-round.
For specific stock enquiries or to check availability of particular products, please get in touch with the expert Long Rake Spar team.
Do you offer loose loads?
Loose loads of our aggregate products are available upon request. Please contact the sales team to put in your request. Our team can advise on building your load, as full and half loads are maximised to ensure the best economy for our customers.
Who do you supply to?
Due to the nature of our business, we only supply our decorative aggregates to builders’ merchants, with stockists around the UK supplying our aggregates. You can find your local stockist here.
Can’t Find The Answer You’re Looking For?
For more specific questions, please get in touch with the Long Rake Spar team who will be happy to assist.