Essential Aggregates Explained

We know that taking on a building project can be a real challenge, so to make your life easier here's a short explanation to ensure you get the right product for your project.

Particles smaller than 10mm diameter are generally considered fine aggregates; with anything larger a coarse aggregate. Both materials are used in the making of mortar and concrete. Fine aggregate varies in colour depending on t’s origin, while ‘washed’ or ‘clean’ aggregate contains far fewer impurities that can diminish the adhesive qualities and even stain the mixture.

Ballast:
A ‘one-stop-shop’ blend of fine aggregate, larger stones and gravel, ballast is ideal for general concreting work where the exact proportions of aggregates have not been specified.

Crushed Stone:
The coarsest aggregate, crushed stone is exactly what it says on the tin: Large pieces of crushed stone & gravel. Used as a base for hard-landscape surfacing and concrete.

Gravel:
Gravel consists of graded stone and can be used in concrete, as a surface for driveways & paths, or to aerate soils and improve drainage.

Sharp Sand:
Extremely coarse sand with moderately large particles, sharp sand can be used to make a hard, durable mortar as well as being a key component in concrete mixes.

Building Sand:
A very fine textured sand, most commonly used in mixes for laying blocks and bricks.

We sell a huge range of essential sands and aggregates, make sure you take a look here if you're looking at starting a new project.