Aggregates are essential materials used across construction, groundwork, landscaping, road construction and other infrastructure projects. From crushed stone aggregate and granite to sand, gravel and recycled materials, different types of aggregates have properties that make them suitable for specific applications.
TARS supplies a wide range of virgin and recycled aggregates, sands, stone and topsoil for projects across Essex and Suffolk. But which material is right for your project? In this guide, we explain the different types of aggregates available and their most common uses.
Table of contents (click a title to jump to a section):
- What are aggregates and what are they used for?
- Types of aggregates supplied by TARS
- How do you choose the right aggregate?
- Virgin and recycled aggregates
- Order aggregates from TARS
What are Aggregates and what are they used for?
Aggregates are granular materials used to create stable surfaces, foundations and construction materials. They can range from fine materials such as sand and granite grit to coarse aggregates, including larger stone and crushed concrete.
The right aggregate will depend on the requirements of your project. Some materials are suitable for drainage, while others are used for sub-based, driveways, concrete, paving, landscaping and general groundwork.
TARS supplies both virgin and recycled materials, providing options for a variety of construction and groundworks applications.
Types of Aggregates supplied by TARS
Different projects require different aggregate sizes, materials and properties. Below, we’ve outlined the main aggregates and loose materials supplied by TARS, and their common uses.
2/6mm Granite Grit
2/6mm Granite Grit is a small, durable and versatile aggregate suitable for landscaping, driveways, garden paths and construction projects. Its 2-6mm particle size provides excellent stability and compaction while allowing water to drain through, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, drainage and decorative landscaping.
Common uses: Pathways and driveways, drainage systems, landscaping and decorative uses, base for paving or hardscaping, erosion control.
10mm Stone
10mm Stone is a round or angular aggregate, washed through our Bruce Wash Pod and processes through screeners to remove fines. Its clean, consistent size allows water to drain through easily, making it suitable for construction applications such as drainage, pipe bedding, footpaths and general groundwork rather than decorative use.
Common uses: Drainage, pipe bedding, footpaths and landscaping.
20mm Stone
20mm Stone is a round or angular coarse aggregate, washed through our Bruce Wash Pod and processed through screeners to remove fines. Its larger particle size provides stability while allowing water to drain through, making it suitable for drainage, driveways, ground preparation and general construction projects. Colour may vary.
Common uses: Drainage, driveways, ground preparation and landscaping.
10mm Ballast
10mm Ballast is a mixture of sand and smaller stone, making it suitable for construction where the materials need to bind together effectively. It is commonly used in concrete and groundwork projects. Ballast can also be used to fill voids or create firm, even sub-base for a variety of construction projects.
Common uses: Driveways, shed bases, wall footings, fence posts, kerbs and path edges.
20mm Ballast
20mm Ballast is the go-to material for strong concrete. This combines sharp sand with 20mm stone to create a material commonly used in concrete and construction. The mixture binds effectively when combined with cement and other materials. It is suitable for a range of groundwork applications, although its sand content means it is not intended primarily as a drainage aggregate.
Common uses: Concrete, construction and groundwork.
Type 1 Granite
Type 1 Granite is a crushed aggregate containing fines that help it compact to create a strong and stable sub-base. It is commonly used beneath roads, footpaths, driveways and other surfaces where a durable foundation is required. It is particularly suited to projects where the finished road surface needs to support regular traffic or heavy loads.
Common uses: Roads, driveways, footpaths, haul roads and sub-bases.
Type 1 Crushed Concrete
Type 1 Crushed Concrete is a sustainable, cost effective aggregate made from 100% recycled construction materials and meeting MOT Type 1 specifications. Its strong, stable composition compacts tightly to create a reliable sub-base for driveways, paths, patios, roads and hardstanding across domestic and commercial projects.
Common uses: Roads, driveways, footpaths, hard standings and sub-bases.
Road Plannings
Road Plannings are an eco-friendly, cost effective recycled material produced when the surface of roads and footpaths is removed during resurfacing. They provide a durable and practical solution for creating sub-bases and hard surfaces, making them suitable for hard standings, haul roads, paths and other groundwork applications.
Common uses: Hard standings, haul roads, paths and sub-bases.
Reject Stone
Reject Stone varies between 40mm and 150mm in size and is processed through screeners to produce a 40mm+ size without any fines. This larger stone material is suitable for a range of groundwork and construction applications. It can provide an economical option for ground preparation, filling and other projects where large quantities of stone are required. The suitability of Reject Stone will depend on the requirements of the individual site and application.
Common uses: Ground preparation, filling and general groundwork.
Sharp Sand
Sharp Sand is a coarse, gritty sand commonly used in construction and groundwork. Its angular particles allow it to bind effectively with cement and other materials, making it suitable for concrete, floor screeds, paving and other applications. It can also be used where a coarser sand aggregate is required.
Common uses: Concrete, screeding, paving and construction.
Soft Sand
Soft Sand is a fine sand commonly used for building and masonry applications. Its smooth texture makes it suitable for mixing with cement to create mortar for bricklaying and block work. It can also be used for rendering and other applications where a fine sand aggregate is required.
Common uses: Mortar, bricklaying, block work and rendering.
BS3882 Topsoil
High-Grade Topsoil is a nutrient-rich, fully screened growing medium made from high-quality natural soil. Ideal for planting, turfing, beds, boarders, vegetable lawns and final grading. It provides a fertile base that supports healthy root growth and strong plant development for both domestic and professional landscaping projects.
Common uses: Planting, turfing, lawns, beds, boarders and landscaping.
Screened Topsoil
Screened Topsoil is a practical, cost effective option for larger landscaping and groundwork projects. Screened to remove oversized debris, it is ideal for bulk applications including filling, leveling grading and general ground preparation. A versatile choice for homeowners, landscapers and contractors where a premium growing medium is not required.
Common uses: Filling, leveling, grading, embankments and landscaping.
How do you choose the right aggregate?
Choosing the right aggregate depends on how the material will be used and the requirements of the project. Consider factors such as the required strength, particle size, drainage requirements and whether the material will form part of a finished surface or a sub-base.
For example, Type 1 aggregates and crushed concrete are commonly used for stable sub-bases, while 10mm and 20mm stone can be suitable for drainage and landscaping. Sharp Sand and Soft Sand have different uses within construction, while Topsoil is intended for planting, turfing and landscaping.
If you are creating a driveway, road, pathway or hard standing, the appropriate pavement materials and sub-base will depend on the ground conditions, expected loads and finished surface.
Virgin and recycled aggregates
TARS supplies both virgin and recycled aggregates, giving customers a choice of materials for different construction and groundwork requirements. Recycled options such as Type 1 Crushed Concrete and Road Plannings can provide practical alternatives for suitable projects, while virgin materials such as granite, limestone, stone and sand are available for a wide range of applications.
Choosing the right material can help ensure your project has the required stability, drainage and durability.
Order aggregates from TARS
TARS supplies and delivers locally sourced virgin and recycled aggregates across Essex and Suffolk. The range includes stone, sand, ballast, type 1 materials, crushed concrete, road plannings and topsoil for construction, groundwork and landscaping projects.
If you’re unsure which aggregate is suitable for your project, speak to the TARS team for advice on the right material for your requirements.
Need aggregates for your next project? Get in touch with TARS today.
About the Author
Total Aggregate Recycling Solutions Ltd (TARS) are a family-owned and run business with over 30 years of experience and growth in the haulage and recycling industry. We supply our customers with innovative waste recycling solutions.
We supply and deliver locally sourced virgin and recycled aggregates to domestic and commercial customers across the Essex, Suffolk, Cambridge and Norfolk.
If you’d like to learn more about our services, please get in touch with our friendly service team by visiting our contact page or by calling us on 01206 307030.
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