Find trusted bulk, bagged, and decorative aggregate suppliers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Filter by region, aggregate type, and supply method.
UK Aggregate Types — Complete Guide
Aggregates are classified into three broad supply categories — bulk, bagged, and decorative — and by material type. Understanding which category you need will help you choose the right supplier from the directory above.
Type 1 / MOT Sub-Base
Crushed rock graded 0–40mm. The standard sub-base for driveways, paths, and road construction in the UK.
Sharp Sand (Concreting Sand)
Coarse, angular sand (BS EN 12620 Grade C). Essential for concrete, mortar, and render mixes. Do not substitute with soft building sand.
Ballast (All-In Aggregate)
Mixed sand and gravel (0–20mm). Ready to combine with cement — makes a 1:5 cement:ballast general purpose concrete mix.
10mm & 20mm Gravel / Shingle
Rounded or crushed stone chippings. 20mm is the standard coarse aggregate for structural concrete (BS EN 12620). 10mm suits decorative and drainage uses.
Limestone Chippings
UK’s most abundant crushed rock. Available in 6mm, 10mm, 14mm, and 20mm grades. Used for concrete aggregate, sub-base, and decorative driveways.
Granite Chippings
Hard, durable igneous rock. Higher strength and frost resistance than limestone — preferred for structural concrete, high-traffic areas, and Scottish / Welsh projects.
Decorative Slate Chippings
Welsh, Cumbrian, and Spanish slate in blue-grey, green, and purple tones. Used for garden borders, driveway decorative layers, and weed-suppression landscaping.
Recycled / Secondary Aggregates
Crushed concrete (RCA), crushed brick, and road planings. Meets BS 8500 and WRAP QA standards. Lower cost than primary aggregate — widely used for Type 1 sub-base replacement.
Topsoil & Screened Soil
BS 3882 compliant screened topsoil. Supplied bulk or in bulk bags. Used for garden levelling, landscaping, and growing medium for seeded areas after construction.
UK Aggregate Sizing Guide
All UK aggregates are sized toBS EN 13242(coarse aggregate) andBS EN 12620(concrete aggregate). Choosing the wrong size is a common and costly mistake.
- Size: 0–4mm; Name: Fine / Sand; Primary Use: Mortar, render, jointing; Standard: BS EN 12620; Notes: Sharp sand for concrete; soft for mortar
- Size: 6mm; Name: Pea Gravel / Fine Chippings; Primary Use: Decorative, pipe bedding, drainage; Standard: BS EN 13242; Notes: Good for resin-bound driveway topping
- Size: 10mm; Name: Standard Chippings; Primary Use: Paths, decorative gravel, drainage; Standard: BS EN 13242; Notes: Most popular decorative aggregate size
- Size: 14mm; Name: Medium Chippings; Primary Use: Driveways, decorative, drainage; Standard: BS EN 13242; Notes: Good for loose driveway surfacing
- Size: 20mm ★; Name: Coarse Concrete Aggregate; Primary Use: Structural concrete (BS EN 12620); Standard: BS EN 12620; Notes: Standard size for all C20–C40 concrete
- Size: 0–20mm; Name: Ballast / All-In; Primary Use: General concrete, foundations; Standard: BS EN 12620; Notes: Mix of sand and coarse — add cement only
- Size: 0–40mm; Name: Type 1 Sub-Base / MOT; Primary Use: Driveways, roads, sub-base; Standard: BS EN 13242; Notes: Compacts well — 150mm deep minimum
Rule of Thumb: Maximum Aggregate Size
For structural concrete, maximum aggregate size should be no more than one-third of the minimum dimension of the pour, and no larger than 75% of the minimum reinforcement bar spacing. 20mm is correct for virtually all domestic UK concrete work.
How to Order Aggregates in the UK
Ordering the right aggregate in the right quantity is straightforward when you follow these steps. Use the guides linked at the bottom of this page to get your precise volume before calling any supplier.
Work out Your Volume
Measure Length × Width × Depth. For Type 1 sub-base (driveways), a 150mm depth is standard. Add 10–15% for compaction loss and waste.
Convert to Tonnes
Multiply your volume in m³ by the aggregate’s bulk density. Type 1 ≈ 2.1 t/m³, gravel ≈ 1.8 t/m³, sand ≈ 1.7 t/m³, decorative stone ≈ 1.5 t/m³.
Choose Supply Method
Under 1 tonne → 25kg or bulk bags. 1–5 tonnes → bulk bags or small tipper. Over 5 tonnes → loose tipper delivery is most cost-effective.
Confirm Site Access
Tipper trucks need minimum 3.5m access width and a firm turning area. Check overhead cables. Bulk bags need a forklift or HIAB-equipped delivery vehicle.
Request Certificates
For any structural use, request a Conformity of Production (CE/UKCA) certificate confirming compliance with BS EN 12620 or BS EN 13242. Keep this for your Building Control file.
Book & Prepare
Book 24–48 hours ahead for domestic. For commercial, allow 3–5 days. Prepare a clear drop zone and have labour ready — tipper deliveries are fast and cannot wait.
UK Aggregate Tax — Important from 2025
The UK Aggregates Levy applies to commercially extracted rock, sand, and gravel in Great Britain — currently £2.03 per tonne (2025 rate). This is included in supplier pricing but worth confirming on quotes. Recycled and secondary aggregates are exempt from the levy — a significant cost advantage for large projects.
UK Aggregate Standards & Certification
All aggregates used in UK construction must comply with post-Brexit UKCA marking requirements, replacing CE marking for products placed on the market in Great Britain. Northern Ireland continues to accept CE-marked products under the Windsor Framework.
BS EN 12620 — Concrete Aggregates
Defines grading, cleanliness, strength, and durability requirements for aggregates used in concrete. All C10–C40 structural concrete aggregates must comply.
BS EN 13242 — Unbound Aggregates
Covers aggregates for sub-base, capping, drainage layers, and unbound road construction. Required for Type 1 MOT, drainage aggregate, and capping layers.
PD 6682 / WRAP — Recycled
Guidance for use of recycled and secondary aggregates in UK construction. WRAP’s Quality Protocol defines when waste-derived materials cease to be waste and can be used as products.
Always Ask for CE / UKCA Certificates
For any aggregate used in structural work, foundations, or Building Regulations-controlled projects, always request the supplier’s Declaration of Performance (DoP) confirming UKCA or CE marking to BS EN 12620 or BS EN 13242. A reputable supplier will provide this without question.
Need to Work out How Much Aggregate You Need?
Use our free city-specific concrete guides to estimate volume, bags, and cost — or use the aggregate density conversions above to convert m³ to tonnes.See all related guides below ↓
UK Aggregate Suppliers — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about buying, ordering, and specifying aggregates for UK construction and landscaping projects.
- Bulk aggregates:Delivered loose by tipper truck — typically 5–30 tonnes per load. Best value for large projects. No packaging waste. Requires tipping space on site.
- Bagged aggregates:25kg small bags (DIY), 850kg–1,000kg bulk bags (for medium jobs). Easier to handle and store. Higher cost per tonne but no minimum order.
- Decorative aggregates:Specially selected for appearance — consistent colour, shape, and size. Sold in 20kg bags or bulk bags. Used for driveways, gardens, and landscaping rather than structural work.
- Type 1 / MOT sub-base:2.1 tonnes per m³ (loose), compacts to ~1.8 t/m³
- Sharp sand:1.6–1.8 tonnes per m³
- Ballast (all-in):1.8–2.0 tonnes per m³
- 20mm gravel / shingle:1.6–1.8 tonnes per m³
- Limestone chippings:1.7–1.9 tonnes per m³
- Granite chippings:1.9–2.1 tonnes per m³
- Decorative slate:1.3–1.5 tonnes per m³
- Topsoil (screened):0.9–1.2 tonnes per m³
MOT Type 1 (0–40mm crushed limestone or granite)
- Lay to a minimum 150mm compacted depth for domestic driveways
- 200mm for heavy vehicles (vans, 4x4s, light commercial)
- Compact in 75mm layers with a plate compactor — never lay more than 100mm in one pass
- Recycled Type 1 (RC6F5) is a cost-effective alternative — check it has WRAP Quality Protocol certification
- Type 2 sub-base is acceptable for lightly loaded domestic paths and patios
- Type 1 MOT sub-base:£28–£42 per tonne
- Sharp sand:£32–£48 per tonne
- 20mm gravel / shingle:£35–£55 per tonne
- Ballast (all-in):£30–£45 per tonne
- Limestone chippings:£35–£52 per tonne
- Granite chippings:£42–£65 per tonne
- Recycled Type 1:£18–£28 per tonne
- Decorative gravel (bulk bag):£80–£150 per tonne
- Current rate:£2.03 per tonne(2025) — applies in England, Scotland, and Wales
- Paid by the quarry operator and passed on through the supply chain
- Should already be included in any supplier quote — check if quotes are “ex-levy” or “inclusive”
- Exempt materials include:recycled aggregates, secondary aggregates, aggregate used as industrial minerals (e.g. for cement), and aggregate extracted for non-aggregate purposes
- Northern Ireland has a separate aggregates levy arrangement — confirm with NI suppliers directly
- Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA)can be used up to 20–50% replacement of primary aggregate in concrete, depending on exposure class
- Not permitted in C40+ structural mixes, pre-stressed concrete, or exposed aggressive environments (XS, XD, XA classes)
- Permitted for C25 and below in most domestic applications — confirm with your structural engineer
- Supplier must provide a WRAP-compliant Quality Protocol certificate for the RCA
- Recycled Type 1 (RC6F5) is fully accepted as sub-base under Specification for Highway Works and is the most common recycled aggregate use in UK construction
- Step 1:Length (m) × Width (m) × 0.15 (150mm depth) = m³ (loose volume)
- Step 2:m³ × 2.1 = tonnes required (Type 1 bulk density)
- Step 3:Add 15% for compaction loss — multiply by 1.15
- Example:5m × 3m driveway = 15m² × 0.15 = 2.25m³ × 2.1 = 4.7t × 1.15 =5.4 tonnes to order
- Always compact in maximum 75mm layers — never tip and drive over without compacting first
- Sharp sand (concreting sand):Coarse, angular, gritty texture — for concrete mixes, paving bedding (BS EN 12620 Grade C). High strength, low water absorption.
- Building sand (soft sand / bricklaying sand):Fine, rounded, smooth texture — for mortar, bricklaying, and plastering only. Too weak and fine for concrete.
- Never substitute building sand in concreteit dramatically weakens the mix and causes shrinkage cracking
- Ballast (all-in aggregate)combines sharp sand and 20mm gravel — the most convenient option for small concrete pours when ordering from a builders’ merchant
- Both types come in 25kg bags and bulk bags from all major UK builders’ merchants
- Tarmac Aggregates50+ UK quarries and depots, England, Scotland, and Wales
- Breedon GroupUK-wide including Northern Ireland operations
- Hanson / Heidelberg MaterialsNational network, strong in sand and gravel
- Aggregate Industries / HolcimNational quarry operations, specialist drainage
- Aggregates DirectOnline bulk bag and tipper delivery across England, Scotland, and Wales (1–3 day delivery)
- Decorative AggregatesOnline specialist, 20kg and bulk bags to all UK mainland postcodes
- Jewson / Travis Perkins500–600+ branches; collect same day or next-day delivery
For additional concrete quantity and estimating resources, you can also visit ConcreteCalcs.com.