5 Types of Aggregate and Their Uses
Aggregate is one of those materials most people have used without thinking too hard about what it actually is. Whether it's gravel on a driveway, sand in a concrete mix, or chippings around a planted border, it's the backbone of more projects than most people realise.
The problem is that aggregate covers a lot of ground, and picking the wrong type can mean poor drainage, a mix that doesn't set, or a finish that looks wrong. At MB Wilkes, we've been supplying aggregates from our Dorset quarry for over 60 years. In this blog, we showcase five of the most used types, so you can decide which one is right for your project. And you can explore many more options on our website.
Five Aggregates Worth Knowing About
Each of the aggregates below has its own set of properties and best-fit applications, so here's a practical breakdown to help you choose the right material for your project.
Slate
Slate is one of the most versatile aggregates we stock, equally at home as a decorative mulch around planted borders and as a practical drainage material. Its angular shape allows water to pass through freely, which makes it a sensible choice anywhere you need both good drainage and a clean, attractive finish.
We supply slate in three colours and two sizes, so there's a combination to suit most projects:
Black Slate 20mm and 40mm
Blue Slate 20mm and 40mm
Plum Slate 40mm
Sand
Technically classified as a fine aggregate, sand behaves differently to coarser materials but is no less essential to a well-executed project. It is commonly used as a bedding material for paving and block paving, as well as in concrete mixes and render. Sharp sand and building sand serve different purposes, so the right type will depend on your application. If you're not sure which grade suits your project, our team can point you in the right direction.
Limestone
Limestone is a versatile aggregate used in a variety of construction and landscaping applications. It is commonly used as a sub-base material for driveways and pathways, as well as in drainage projects. Its durability and availability in different grades make it a practical choice for both residential and commercial projects.
Granite Chippings
Granite chippings are one of the toughest aggregates available, making them a strong choice for driveways and areas that take regular heavy traffic. The material compacts well and holds its shape under load, which means it tends to stay put rather than migrating to the edges over time. Granite also comes in a variety of shades, from grey to pink, so the practical benefits don't have to come at the expense of appearance.
All In Ballast
All In Ballast is a mixed aggregate containing a blend of sand and gravel in varying particle sizes. It is most commonly used in concrete mixes, where the combination of fine and coarse material helps produce a strong, workable mix. It also works well as a general fill and is a cost-effective option for groundwork and construction projects where a precise, single-grade aggregate isn't required.
Why Choose MB Wilkes for Your Aggregates?
We've been supplying sand, gravel and aggregates from our quarry in Dorset for over 60 years. That means the materials we sell are ones we know inside out, not products we've simply added to a catalogue. As a family-run business, we take our reputation seriously, and that shows in the quality of what we supply and the service that comes with it.
We offer competitive prices, supply to trade and domestic customers across Poole, Bournemouth and the wider Dorset area, and we're happy to talk through your project before you order.
Get in Touch
To find out more about the range of products we offer, from building materials and decorative stones to shingle and gravel and driveway materials, get in touch with our team today on 01258 857465 or fill our online contact form.
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "BlogPosting",
"mainEntityOfPage": {
"@type": "WebPage",
"@id": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/blog/article/5-types-of-aggregate-and-its-uses#/"
},
"headline": "5 Types of Aggregate and Their Uses",
"description": "Aggregate is one of those materials most people have used without thinking too hard about what it actually is. Whether it's gravel on a driveway, sand in a concrete mix, or chippings around a planted border, it's the backbone of more projects than most people realise.",
"image": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/files/thumbs/5b2b193b-fff0-4566-a2b4-c289b138dc2c_w650_h400.jpg?1787069702",
"author": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "MB Wilkes",
"url": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/"
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "",
"logo": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": ""
}
},
"datePublished": "2026-08-18",
"dateModified": "2026-08-18"
}
Read more
