Sand, Soil, Gravel and Paving in Dorset

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, for a day of fun and thrills at Corfe Mullen Carnival! First held in 1967, the Corfe Mullen Carnival is an excitement-packed day out with something for all the family to enjoy. We’re proud to announce that MB Wilkes are the Main Arena sponsors at this year's event! Mark your calendars for Saturday June 13th 2025, as the carnival extravaganza takes centre stage in Corfe Mullen Recreation Ground. The festivities kick off with a lively street procession from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Once you arrive at the event grounds, prepare to be captivated by an array of stands, competitions, and live performances starting at 1 pm. You especially won't want to miss the spectacular dog show. But there's more to the Corfe Mullen Carnival than just a day of fun. This year proceeds are helping local beneficiaries, the 2nd Corfe Mullen Scout Group and Corfe Mullen United Juniors Football Club. We hope everyone has an amazing time at the Carnival this year. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Throwing good money at materials that end up in landfill? There's a smarter way to build. So, why should you buy recycled aggregates rather than always reaching for brand-new materials? Whether you're tackling a driveway, laying drainage, or working on a larger landscaping project, the costs and environmental impact can quickly add up, and sourcing the right materials at the right price isn't always straightforward. Recycled aggregates offer a practical, cost-effective solution that more and more homeowners and contractors are choosing. At MB Wilkes, we supply a fantastic range of recycled aggregates in Dorset directly from our family-owned quarry, so you get quality materials and honest advice all in one place. Read on to find out why recycled aggregate could be the ideal choice for your next project. What Can Recycled Aggregates Actually Be Used For? Recycled aggregates are far more versatile than many people realise, making them a brilliant choice for a wide range of domestic and commercial projects across Dorset and beyond. Driveways and Pathways Recycled aggregate is a popular choice for driveways and paths, offering a solid, hard-wearing surface that handles regular foot and vehicle traffic with ease. It compacts well, drains effectively, and gives a neat, practical finish. It's a cost-effective alternative to virgin materials without any noticeable drop in performance. Drainage Projects One of the most common uses for recycled aggregate is drainage. Whether you're installing a soakaway, improving surface water management, or working on a larger drainage scheme, recycled material performs brilliantly. Its angular, irregular texture helps water filter through efficiently, reducing the risk of waterlogging in gardens, driveways, and construction sites. Sub-Base and Groundwork Before any surface goes down, you need a reliable foundation beneath it. Recycled aggregate is widely used as a sub-base material for patios, driveways, and construction projects because it compacts firmly and provides excellent load-bearing support. It's a practical, dependable option that gets the groundwork right from the start. Landscaping and Garden Projects Recycled aggregate isn't just for heavy-duty construction work. It works wonderfully in garden landscaping too, from filling raised beds to creating informal paths and borders. If you're looking for a low-maintenance, budget-friendly material that still looks tidy and well-considered, recycled aggregate is well worth exploring for your next outdoor project. The Environmental Impact of Using Recycled Aggregates Sustainability is something we all think about a little more these days, and the materials you choose for your project can make a real difference. Recycled aggregates are produced by reprocessing construction and demolition waste that would otherwise end up in landfill, which is a fantastic way to give existing materials a second life. By choosing recycled over virgin aggregate, you're also helping to reduce the demand for new quarrying activity, which in turn lowers the energy used in extraction and transportation. Less quarrying means less disruption to the natural landscape too. For contractors and homeowners alike, it's a practical way to reduce your project's carbon footprint without sacrificing performance or quality. At MB Wilkes, we're proud to offer recycled aggregate products that support a more sustainable approach to building and landscaping right across Dorset. SuDS Compliance Sustainable Drainage Systems, or SuDS, are increasingly required in new builds and renovation projects, and recycled aggregate plays a useful role in meeting those requirements. Its natural permeability allows surface water to drain through gradually, reducing runoff and the risk of localised flooding. For anyone navigating planning requirements around drainage, it's a genuinely practical material choice. Reduced Haulage Impact Sourcing your recycled aggregates locally makes a difference beyond just convenience. Shorter delivery distances mean fewer lorry movements on local roads, lower fuel consumption, and a reduced carbon footprint compared to importing virgin materials from further afield. Because we supply directly from our Dorset quarry, so you benefit from efficient, local delivery that keeps unnecessary haulage to a minimum. Additional Benefits of Buying Recycled Aggregates In addition to being a sustainable choice, there are other benefits of recycled aggregates that make it easy to see why so many homeowners and contractors are choosing them as their go-to material for all manner of projects. Significant Cost Savings As you might expect, the cost of buying recycled aggregate is more affordable than using brand new. It’s far less expensive to use recycled aggregate and if you buy local, you’re also saving money on transportation costs. You can save a lot of money by investing in recycled aggregate and there isn’t too much of a noticeable difference between buying new and buying second-hand. No Compromise on Performance A common concern is whether recycled aggregate is as reliable as new material. In most applications, including sub-base, drainage, and pathways, it absolutely is. Recycled aggregate is robust, hard-wearing, and fully capable of meeting the demands of everyday use. You get the performance you need at a price that makes far more sense for your budget. Readily Available and Quick to Deliver Sourcing materials shouldn't slow your project down. At MB Wilkes, we hold good stock levels of recycled aggregate, so you're not left waiting around. With our fully equipped fleet of tipper trucks and grab lorries covering Poole, Bournemouth, and across Dorset, we can efficiently deliver materials to you, keeping your project moving at a steady pace. Compliance and Planning For contractors working on formal projects, material specifications matter. Recycled aggregates frequently meet the same regulatory and engineering standards as virgin materials, making them a viable option where compliance documentation is required. Choosing a reputable, established supplier like MB Wilkes means you can have confidence in the quality and consistency of every load, which is exactly what specification work demands.   Why Choose MB Wilkes for Your Recycled Aggregate? We've been supplying quality aggregates from our family-owned quarry in Dorset for over 60 years, and recycled products have become an important part of what we offer. Here's why customers across the region trust us: Direct From Our Quarry: No middlemen, just straightforward pricing and consistent quality you can rely on every time. Competitive Prices: We keep our costs fair because we believe quality materials should be accessible to everyone, from homeowners to large contractors. Expert Advice on Hand: Not sure which recycled aggregate is right for your project? Our knowledgeable team is always happy to help you make the right call. Fast, Reliable Delivery: Our fully equipped fleet covers Poole, Bournemouth, and the wider Dorset area, getting materials to you when you need them. Flexible Quantities: Whether you need a small load or a bulk delivery, we can accommodate your requirements without any fuss. As one of the UK's leading suppliers of landscaping and aggregate products, we bring genuine expertise and a commitment to excellent customer service to every order, no matter the size. Get Your Recycled Aggregates in Dorset Choosing the right materials doesn't have to be complicated, and at MB Wilkes, we make the whole process as straightforward as possible. As a family-owned quarry supplying Dorset for over 60 years, we combine competitive prices with the kind of honest, helpful service that keeps our customers coming back time and again. If you're ready to place an order or simply want to talk through your options, give our friendly team a call on 01258 857465. Alternatively, you're welcome to get in touch via our contact form and we'll get back to you promptly. Whatever your project, we'd love to help you get it right.

Ever stood in your driveway with a tape measure, wondering if you're about to order way too much material or nowhere near enough? If the first question that comes to mind is “how much sub-base do I need?”, then hopefully this blog will have you covered. We're going to answer that question with a simple, reliable formula that takes the uncertainty out of ordering. And you can trust that we know what we’re talking about. At MB Wilkes, we've been supplying sub-base materials across the UK for over 60 years, offering both delivery and quarry collection so you can get exactly what you need, when you need it. Understanding Sub-Base and Its Uses Sub-base is the unsung hero of any solid construction project. It's the compacted foundation layer that sits beneath your finished surface, distributing weight evenly and preventing your driveway, patio, or pathway from cracking, sinking, or shifting over time. Skipping the use of sub-base materials can lead even the most beautifully laid paving to eventually fail. We recommend it for driveways, patios, garden paths, shed bases, and any foundation work where long-term stability matters, making it an essential first step in groundwork that simply can't be skipped. Common Types of Sub-Base Material When you're choosing between sub-base aggregates, the two main options you'll encounter are MOT Type 1 and MOT Type 3, each designed for different applications depending on the load requirements of your project. MOT Type 1 consists of crushed concrete or limestone, like our Type 1 Mendip, that's been carefully graded to create a dense, stable base when compacted. It's the workhorse of sub-base materials, ideal for driveways, heavy-duty patios, and any area that'll bear significant weight from vehicles or foot traffic. The angular particles lock together beautifully under compaction, creating a solid foundation that won't shift. MOT Type 3 (often called scalpings), such as Type 3 Limestone, is a finer material made up of smaller crushed stone and dust. While it still provides excellent compaction, it's typically used for lighter applications like footpaths, shed bases, or as a blinding layer over MOT Type 1. It's also brilliant for filling gaps and levelling surfaces before your final paving goes down. How Much Sub-Base Do You Need – The Simple Formula So, onto the question of “how much sub-base do I need for type 1?” The sub-base calculation couldn't be more straightforward. Take your area in square metres Multiply by your depth in millimetres divided by 1,000 Multiply that result by 2.2 to get the tonnes you'll need Equation: Area (m²) × Depth (mm ÷ 1,000) × 2.2 = Tonnes That 2.2 figure represents the density of compacted sub-base, converting your volume into actual weight for ordering purposes. Bear in mind that materials typically compress by 25–30% when a plate compactor is used. It is standard industry practice to add 5–10% extra to the final tonnage to account for uneven subgrades or spillage during the work. Alternatively, you might be asking “how much sub-base do I need for type 3?”. In short, the calculation remains the same, you simply adjust the density from 2.2 down to 1-8 – 2. Step-by-Step Calculation Example Let's work through how much sub-base you’ll need for a typical driveway measuring 20m² at 100mm depth. First, we calculate 20 × (100 ÷ 1,000) × 2.2, which gives us 20 × 0.1 × 2.2. That works out to 4.4 tonnes. Since our bulk bags typically hold around 850kg each, you'd need approximately seven bags to cover this area comfortably, allowing for a bit of overage during compaction and levelling and some wastage. Recommended Depths for Different Projects Understanding how much sub-base you need depends entirely on what you're building and the load it'll carry. Different applications require different foundation depths to perform properly over time. Driveways and Vehicle Access: Aim for a driveway sub-base depth of 150-200mm to support the weight of cars and regular traffic without settling or rutting. Patios and Footpaths: A patio sub-base depth of 75-100mm provides sufficient support for pedestrian use whilst keeping material costs reasonable. Shed Bases: Between 75-100mm works well for garden buildings and lighter structures that won't experience heavy loading. Heavy-Duty Applications: For commercial drives or areas with frequent heavy vehicle access, go for 200mm or more to ensure long-term durability. Ordering Your Sub-Base from MB Wilkes If you’re asking yourself, “how much sub-base do I need?” and you’re still unsure, we’ll be happy to advise you. Either way, ordering from us couldn't be easier. We offer bulk bag (850kg) deliveries for smaller residential projects like patios and paths, which are perfect when you need precise quantities and easy handling. For larger builds such as driveways or extensive groundwork, loose loads delivered by the tonne offer better value and faster coverage, letting you tackle substantial areas without constantly restocking materials. Our Sub-Base Material Options We stock a comprehensive range of sub-base materials to suit every application. Our MOT Type 1 limestone and crushed concrete options provide that rock-solid foundation for driveways and high-traffic areas, compacting down beautifully to create a level, stable base. For lighter projects, our MOT Type 3 scalpings offer excellent value while still delivering the compaction you need for paths and shed bases. Each material is quality-checked and ready to perform exactly as it should, giving you confidence in your groundwork from the very first layer. Delivery and Collection We deliver across our coverage area with flexible scheduling to match your project timeline. Minimum order quantities apply for delivery, so do give us a ring to discuss your specific requirements. If you're a trade customer or need materials immediately, you're welcome to collect directly from our quarry using our weighbridge service, which means you can load up and get straight back to site without waiting for delivery slots. Tips for Ordering the Right Amount Even with an accurate calculation, there are a few practical considerations that'll help you order the perfect quantity of sub-base aggregates for your project without ending up short or with too much leftover: Add 5-10% Extra: Compaction always uses more material than you'd expect, and uneven ground or small wastage during installation means a buffer ensures you won't run out mid-project. Round Up to Full Bags: If your driveway sub-base depth calculation gives you 4.4 tonnes, order five bags rather than four to account for variations in coverage. Consider Access: Tighter spots or areas with awkward levels might require more material for proper compaction, so factor in your site conditions. Account for Edging: Your patio sub-base depth extends slightly beyond the finished surface, so measure generously rather than cutting it fine. Get Your Sub-Base Delivered Today Now you've got the formula and know exactly what you need, it's time to get your project moving. Calculate your requirements, then give us a call on 01258 857465 or fill in our contact form to place your order. As one of the UK's leading suppliers with over 60 years of family-owned expertise, we deliver quality sub-base materials at competitive prices straight to your site. Order today and let's get your groundwork sorted.