So, you’re embarking on an outdoor project.

Whether you’re creating a seating area, installing a new driveway or garden path, the chances are you’re going to need aggregates to do so. But the question is, with so many different types available for various applications, how do you know which is best for the task at hand?

Here, Grundy & Co outline the main types of aggregates and gravels you can buy and what they’re typically used for, allowing you to make an informed decision.

The different types of aggregate and their uses

• Gravel – made up of angular or rounded stones in various colours, gravel is a type of loose aggregate that has an attractive texture and can be used for groundwork such as gardens, paths and driveways.

This aggregate can be very off-putting for would-be criminals, as any movement from a car or person walking on top will produce a sound.

• Crushed brick – exactly as it says on the tin, crushed aggregate is composed of large pieces of crushed brick, concrete and ceramics. It’s the by-product of demolition projects, making it a cost-effective material.

This coarse aggregate is often used for landscaping and concrete projects, providing a base layer for asphalt roads (when topped with other hardcore aggregates, such as MOT Type 1).

• Coarse sand – sharp sand is general-purpose sand that’s mostly used for screeds and dry mix mortar for laying paving slabs.

Coarse sand has angular grains that create an interlock, providing additional strength for a base layer under paving stones, driveways and patios.

• Hardcore – materials that are strong enough to be crushed and compressed are typically classed as hardcore aggregates (i.e. gravel, brick, broken tiles, crushed rock, etc).

Aggregates like these are used to fill irregularities in excavations, providing a firm, level base for heavy surfaces to be laid atop. They also create a hardcode base under patios, paving, drives and artificial grass.

The pros and cons of using recycled aggregates

Recycled aggregates (also known as crushed concrete aggregates) are fragments and pieces of concrete buildings that are demolished or rebuilt.

At Grundy & Co, we wash these materials at our £2m sandwash plant to remove dirt and debris before they’re broken down into smaller pieces. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Using recycled building materials reduces the need for virgin aggregates to be created, therefore, using fewer natural resources and allowing us to charge less.

Recycled aggregates also conserve landfill space. Aside from reducing the need for new landfills, this also saves money.

Perhaps one of the most surprising benefits of these aggregates is that they create more employment opportunities in the recycling industry.

The only real drawback of using them is that the quality and workability of concrete may be reduced.

Purchase aggregate in bulk from Grundy & Co

Here at Grundy & Co, we are proud to supply a comprehensive range of recycled aggregates and have gained vast experience from working in the excavations industry.

Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective yet attractive aggregate to decorate your garden or pave the driveway, we’re confident we can help.

If you have any questions regarding the products we provide or the projects we have previously delivered aggregates for, be sure to get in touch. And if you’d like to order recycled aggregate in bulk for your project, give us a call on 0151 257 8816.