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When temperatures drop overnight, a bag of quality de-icing salt is one of the most useful things you can have to hand. Our white de-icing salt is a BS 3247-certified grit salt that gets to work quickly, lowering the freezing point of water on contact and stopping ice from taking hold on driveways, paths, patios and steps. It works as a pre-treatment applied the evening before a frost, and it tackles existing ice too. Whether you need a single 25 kg bag to keep your driveway clear or a full pallet to maintain a larger property or car park through the winter months, we have the right quantity at a fair price with fast delivery.
There is an important difference between the white de-icing salt we stock and the brown rock salt you might find at a builders merchant or DIY store. Brown rock salt is an unrefined mineral that contains clay and other natural impurities, which is why it leaves a brown residue on paths, steps and doorsteps that tracks into your home on boots and shoes. Our white de-icing salt is a refined product with a much higher sodium chloride content. It performs more consistently, leaves far less mess on hard surfaces and is a better fit for areas around the home where appearance matters.
De-icing salt works on any hard outdoor surface that is at risk of freezing. It is most commonly used on residential driveways and block paving, garden paths, stone patios and decking, and steps or entrances to the home. It is equally useful for business owners and landlords who need to keep car parks, service yards and pedestrian access routes safe and compliant throughout winter. For large areas or commercial use, a pallet order is the most cost-effective way to make sure you are never caught out when cold weather sets in.
The most effective approach is to apply de-icing salt before ice forms. A light, even spread across the surface on a cold evening will prevent ice from bonding overnight, making it much easier to clear in the morning if needed. Use a scoop, shovel or hand-held spreader to keep the layer consistent. Avoid piling it in one spot, as an even coverage works far better than a thick clump. If you are applying to existing ice, spread evenly and give it a few minutes to work before you start shovelling or sweeping. Try to keep run-off away from lawns and planted borders, as salt can harm vegetation.
Not sure which product is right for your situation? Our buying guide will help you find the right answer quickly. You might also want to take a look at our ice melt range for faster-acting options in very cold conditions, or our rock salt if you need a traditional coarse grit for larger outdoor areas.
De-icing salt, also called grit salt or road salt, is a natural mineral salt that melts ice by lowering the freezing point of water. It is effective from 0 °C down to approximately -5 °C and is the most widely used choice for driveways, paths and pavements. Ice melt is typically a fast-acting chemical compound (such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride) that works at lower temperatures and clears ice more quickly. It is better suited to extreme cold or situations where speed is critical, for example steps and entrance areas where a slip risk is high.
Yes, when used as directed, our white de-icing salt is safe for most common hard surfaces including tarmac, concrete and block paving. The key is not to over-apply: a thin, even layer does the job without leaving excess salt that could wash into planted borders or lawns. Salt can damage vegetation, so try to keep brine run-off away from grass edges and flower beds.
As a general guide, one 25 kg bag covers approximately 200 to 250 m² at a standard preventative spread rate of 100 to 125 g/m². A typical double driveway (around 40 to 50 m²) will use roughly 4 to 6 kg per application, so a single bag is enough for multiple treatments throughout a cold spell. For larger areas such as car parks, commercial yards or estate roads, pallet orders are a more practical and cost-effective choice.
The most effective time to apply de-icing salt is before ice forms, ideally in the early evening when sub-zero temperatures are forecast overnight. Pre-treating the surface prevents ice from bonding, making it far easier to clear in the morning. If ice has already formed, spread salt evenly and allow a few minutes for it to work before sweeping or shovelling.
The main difference is purity. White de-icing salt is a refined product with a higher sodium chloride content, which means it performs more consistently and leaves far less residue on surfaces, footwear and indoor flooring. Traditional brown rock salt is an unrefined mineral salt that contains more impurities (clay and minerals), giving it its characteristic brown colour. It is widely used for gritting roads and large outdoor areas where surface cleanliness is less of a concern.
Individual bags are despatched from our warehouse and delivered directly to your door. Pallet orders are delivered via a professional logistics network using a flatbed vehicle fitted with a pallet truck. The driver will place your order as close to your preferred location as safely possible, provided the ground is firm and accessible. You can specify a preferred drop-off point during checkout and if you have a tricky access situation, feel free to get in touch before ordering.
