26 Oct

An Introduction to Scalpings

Whether you're planning to construct a residential driveway or a large-scale commercial build, choosing the right materials is key to a successful project. There are thousands of different materials you can choose from, and it's not always easy knowing which will work best for your requirements.

Scapings are one such option. These small, rough stones are ideal for creating level sub-bases for driveways, paths, and patios, making them an excellent choice for a wide variety of building projects.

MB Wilkes is the leading supplier of 40mm scalpings in Dorset. In this guide, we explain where scalpings come from, why they’re useful, and how much you will need for your build.

Already know you need scalpings for your project? Buy high-quality scalpings online today!

 

What are scalpings?

Scalpings are essentially quarry waste. They are clay-contaminated stones that are removed when larger rocks are screened for quality. Whilst the concept of 'quarry waste' may not sound appealing, scalpings are actually the perfect material for evening out foundations - they are durable, versatile, and plentiful. Their low cost can also help you save significant money on your project.

 

What are scalpings used for?

Scalpings are largely used as a sub-base material during the construction of car parks, driveways, pathways, and foundations for buildings. They are a cheaper alternative to Type 1 aggregates.

When used in construction, scalpings work well to fill gaps within a bumpy foundation and provide an ideal base for paving and slabs.


What sizes do scalpings come in?

Scalpings are available in a range of sizes, including 40mm, 75mm and 100mm.

The size of scalpings refers to the size of the holes in the 'sieve' when they are separated from larger rocks at the quarry. The most popular choice is 40mm, as this is the size that best suits the majority of projects, both commercial and residential.

 

What amount of scalpings will I need?

The amount of scalpings you'll need is dependent on the size of your project. On average, 1 tonne of scalpings will cover 11.4m2 at 50mm thick.

If you’re not sure how much you’ll need, you can use our online calculator before buying.

 

Where can I buy scalpings in bulk?

At MB Wilkes, we stock fantastic quality scalpings for sale at low prices. We deliver to the entirety of Poole, Bournemouth, and Dorset, and can transport your scalpings in either bulk bags or loose.

No matter the type or scale of your project, we’ll get you what you need without hassle.

Buy scalpings online today!

To find out more about the range of products we offer, from decorative stones to driveway materials, contact our team today on 01258 857465.

More general

3 Oct
How to choose the right sports sand for your playing surface
If you’ve ever tried to hit a golf ball out of a bunker or hopped, skipped, and jumped into a long-jump pit, you might have noticed the sand under your feet feels different from regular sand. That’s because it is - it’s sand that’s been specifically designed for use in sports and athletics. While it may make the inside of your trainers a bit gritty, sports sand serves two important purposes: it improves player performance, and it keeps surfaces in good playing condition. The specialists at M B Wilkes are experts in all types of sand, soil, and gravel. Let us walk you through everything there is to know about sports sand, so you can rest easy knowing that your club’s playing surface is in tip-top shape.   What makes sports sand different? Because it needs to provide an even, safe surface for sports to be played on, sports sand has key differences from the sand you find on the beach or on a construction site. Most sports sand goes through a special ‘cleaning’ process that removes clay, silt, dust, and other impurities. This creates a fine, smooth finish that’s perfect for recreational use. To provide you with a safe surface on which to play your sport, sports sand usually has: Smaller, finer grains for a softer surface Impurities removed by washing Air-filled porosity to provide excellent aeration and drainage Consistent grading These qualities make the sand super soft to walk on and quick to dry. It also won’t get stuck on your legs or feet as you run over it.   What makes high-quality sports sand? Not all sand is the same. Different types of sand have different sized grains, mixes, and consistencies, which make certain sands more suited for certain uses than others. Selecting the correct grade of sand for your playing surface is vitally important. The ‘grade’ of a sand refers to the size of each individual particle, ranging from the smallest and ‘finest’ to largest and ‘sharpest’. Each type has distinctly different qualities that are useful in different applications. You’ll find finer sand has less structure and more malleability, while sharp sand is strong but prone to cracks and lesions. Sport sand shouldn’t be either too sharp or too fine – you’ll find that a quality, washed sports sand will be between grades 30 and 45, placing it somewhere in the middle. Sand aids in the process of drainage, with each grade of sand having a different effect on the playing surface. For example, fine sand effectively seals up the playing surface if spread over the top layer, meaning you’ll struggle to get your pitch to drain. Sharp sands will destabilise the surface over time, negatively impacting the general makeup of the soil. This makes it even more important to remember the 30 to 45 grading. In order to get the best results out of your sand spreading, there are steps you should take to make sure you don’t cause unneeded damage to the grass. Post-match, it is recommended that you divot the pitch with a fork, as this aerates the surface after being compacted by players. It also allows you to spread the sand into the top layer of surface soil. If you’re looking for high-quality sand to use for sporting and recreation, make sure the sand is: Low maintenance, so it’s easy to lay and look after Naturally sourced, as sand from natural sources has fewer contaminants and is therefore of higher quality Washed clean of any unwanted particles for a smooth finish. Made of durable aggregate, so it can withstand even the toughest of sports.   Which sports sand do I need? The exact type of sand you should choose depends on what you’ll be using it for:   Sports sand for recreation Our imported washed sand is 0-2mm and ideal for surface dressing sports fields, rugby and cricket turfs, golf bunkers, bowling greens, goal mouths, and much more.   Specialist sports sand from M B Wilkes At M B Wilkes, Dorset’s leading supplier of sand and other landscaping supplies, we have a range of top-quality sports sands for you to choose from. Our naturally-sourced sports sand will create a soft, all-weather playing surface your sports club can rely on. Browse our range of sands to find the right type of you. Our team has the knowledge and experience to answer any questions you may have. Simply get in touch for help choosing the right sports sand for your playing field.
Read more
20 Aug
A guide to our grab hire and muck away services
Our reliable and affordable grab hire and muck away services make getting rid of your waste in Dorset quick and easy, whether that’s waste from your DIY project or large construction site! How our grab hire & muck away works To get started on disposing of your waste in one of the most efficient ways possible, simply give us a call today on 01258 857465 and tell our friendly team about your project and waste needs. We’ll advise you on which muck away service will be best for your requirements and then arrange a time and date to deliver your bulk bag to suit you. Once it’s full, we’ll come and collect it for you and take it away for recycling and disposal. Easy. Our grab away bulk bags are suitable for soil, hard core, brick rubble, sand, concrete and other mixed aggregates. For larger waste that isn’t easily moved, you’ll need our grab hire vehicles which are available in 4, 6 and 8 wheelers as well as our 10 and 20 tonne tipper lorries. Our grab hire & muck away services Our specialist grab lorries are able to collect large quantities of building, construction and garden waste in Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. You can use our muck away service for all sorts of waste, including: Sand, concrete and aggregates Building and landscaping materials Please note, we are not able to accept asbestos and other hazardous waste. Better than a skip! Did you know our grab hire service provides a much quicker, simpler and more cost-effective solution for waste disposal than skips? That’s because our trucks can hold much more waste than a skip so you can fill it with even more material while reducing the number of bags or collections needed. When you choose MB Wilkes for your muck away service, you can be sure we’ll arrive on-site at a time to suit you, collect your waste and drive away with minimum disruption and fuss. We can also deliver your order at the same time! To talk to a member of our friendly team about your waste disposal needs, get in touch today by calling 01258 857465 or send us a completed online enquiry form.
Read more
15 Oct
4 brilliant uses for garden sleepers
Are you thinking it’s time to refresh your garden but you’re not sure how to go about it? Garden sleepers are a simple, natural addition to any outside space that add interest, texture and substance. So, whether you have manicured acres or a cosy courtyard, discover four ways you can utilise sleepers to bring your garden to life. Create raised flowerbeds Attractive, durable and natural, hardwood garden sleepers are perfect for creating raised flowerbeds. Depending on how high you want the flower bed, simply stack the sleepers one on top of the other to reach the desired height and secure. For added interest, why not crate flowerbeds of various heights? Line pathways in your garden When you have sent time and effort curating the perfect lawn, the last thing you want is for someone to run all over it! Prevent unruly feet trampling your meticulously maintained grass by defining clear pathways with garden sleepers lining the edges. Not only will the raised sides provide a natural barrier between the path and the lawn but they will look beautiful too. Sleepers make beautiful steps For charming, rustic steps that are quick and easy to install, garden sleepers are a great alternative to concrete or paving. Use the sleepers to edge the step and fill it in with attractive gravel or decorative stones. Steps in your garden, either from decking or on a slope, not only help you navigate around safely, but also helps define the different areas of your garden.  Build your own garden furniture If you’re a dab hand at DIY, why not use garden sleepers to create unique and striking garden furniture? From a simple bench to a full alfresco dining set with table and chairs, the possibilities end only with your imagination. As a natural material, your gorgeous bespoke furniture will blend in seamlessly with your garden and provide a fantastic talking point at your next BBQ. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try building a garden swing!  Are you feeling inspired to add sleepers to your garden? From new pine sleepers to grade A reclaimed sleepers, you’ll find a great selection at MB Wilkes, Dorset’s leading supplier of landscaping materials and products. To learn more, contact us today on 01258 857465.
Read more

Most Recent Stories

17 Jun
MB Wilkes sponsor local Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival
Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival is an annual event that aims to bring the local community together around fun, food and music. It is held on the Recreation Ground at the centre of Lytchett Matravers on Saturday 28th June from 2pm – 10pm For MB Wilkes, sponsoring the festival is a great way to give something back to the community and enjoying a fun day out. What’s on at the Festival Starting at 2pm there is the Fun Dog Show with categories such as waggiest tail and handsome dog, plus a few competitive aspects including obedient, recall and retrieval exercises, plus a barn hunt trainer demonstration and some pooch parquor. Family entertainment starts over by the Village Hall with the bouncy castle village and features the Aqualights Pom & Twirl troop parade and Nikkis Little Play Café dance and play by the big stage from 3-4pm. The music festival kicks off at 4:30pm hosted by the great Heather Williams and includes an open mic session. The evening’s entertainment includes Holly-Jay and the Muscovy, The Red Hot Dorset Naga, a Red Hot Chilli Peppers tribute band, and headliners Flynns arcade, a local rock & pop band that will have you dancing until 10pm. And of course, there is lots of food and drink to sample, including the Scout Hut Cream Teas, and lots of craft stalls to peruse. The festival has always been a great community day. Entry is free and you can take a look at the event page for more information about what to expect on the day! MB Wilkes – Local, Family-Run Business At MB Wilkes, we love being a part of the local community, and as a family-run quarry we're always looking for ways to get involved in events across Dorset. Our business centres around supplying aggregates and building materials throughout the county, supplying gravel, sand, stones and topsoil across different industries. To hire our services, or find out more about what we do, give us a call on 01258 857465 or send us a message via our contact form.
Read more
3 Jun
MB Wilkes sponsor local West Moors festival
Westival is an annual event that is aimed at bringing the local community together, held in the centre of West Moors on Fryer Field from 12pm - 4pm. For MB Wilkes, sponsoring Westival is a great way to give something back to the community. We're looking forward to a fun day out; plus, we'll be bringing some fun activities for families to get involved with! Activities at Westival Throughout the afternoon there will be loads of things for family to do at Westival, with live music, entertainment, games, ferret racing and fairground rides – to name a few. MB Wilkes will be sponsoring the shade gazebos situated near the music truck – the perfect location for us to be a central part of the action! We'll also be bringing two large MB Wilkes lorries along to the event, giving little ones a chance to sit in the cab. Plus, children will also be able to take away their very own hi-vis vest, complete with branded MB Wilkes logo! Each year the event is a real hit, and we can't wait for another excellent afternoon of activities and fun. Entry to Westival is free and you can take a look at the event page for more information about what to expect on the day!   M B Wilkes – Local, Family-Run Business At MB Wilkes, we love being a part of the local community, and as a family-run quarry we're always looking for ways to get involved in events across Dorset. Our business centres around supplying aggregates and building materials throughout the county, supplying gravel, sand, stones and topsoil across different industries. To hire our services, or find out more about what we do, give us a call on 01258 857465 or send us a message via our contact form.
Read more
29 May
Gravel Driveways: Pros, Cons, and Choosing the Right Type
Is your driveway due for an upgrade, but you’re unsure where to start? Imagine a clean, attractive entrance to your home, edged with colourful plants and crunching softly underfoot. If that sounds like your kind of welcome, a gravel driveway could be exactly what you need. Whether you're dealing with cracked concrete, surface puddles, or just want something with a bit more character, we understand the challenge. This guide covers the pros and cons of gravel driveways, shows you how to choose the right one, and gives practical tips to keep it looking fantastic. At MB Wilkes, we supply high-quality materials and expert advice to help you every step of the way in creating a modern gravel driveway. The Upsides of Gravel Driveways When it comes to practical, stylish drive solutions, gravelled driveways tick a lot of boxes. They’re affordable, easy to maintain, and endlessly customisable. With so much going for them, it’s easy to see why gravel is such a popular material. Here’s why a stone driveway might be the right choice: Affordability: One of the most cost-effective surfacing options. You’ll save money on both materials and installation. Low Maintenance: No need for sealing or power washing. A simple rake and occasional top-up is often enough. Visual Versatility: From rustic Cotswold chippings to sleek basalt, there's something to suit every home. Weather Resistance: Gravel holds up beautifully in both scorching sun and frosty winters. Added Security: The crunch of tyres or footsteps on gravel can help alert you to visitors (welcome or not). Explore our wide range of driveway gravel, shingle and pebbles to discover your perfect match. The Drawbacks of Gravel Driveways Now, let’s look at the other side. While modern gravel driveways offer plenty of perks, they’re not entirely hassle-free. It’s worth considering the cons of gravel, as this could very well highlight a possible dealbreaker that might make an alternative option more appealing. Dust: Especially in dry conditions, dust can kick up with passing vehicles. This can settle on cars, windows, and nearby plants. Stone Shifting: Over time, gravel can migrate and form dips, ridges, or even bare patches. Weed Growth: Weeds can push through the surface if not properly managed. Loose Stones Underfoot: Smaller gravel pieces can get caught in shoes or dragged into your home. Not Ideal for Snow or Ice: In winter, clearing snow or ice from a gravel surface is trickier than with tarmac or paving. Popular Gravel Types for UK Driveways At MB Wilkes, we stock a variety of types of gravel for driveways and more. We have decorative aggregates that suit different styles and needs, such as blue slate. Blue Slate has a subtle grey-blue tone that shifts with the light, making it ideal for a cool, contemporary stone driveway. Shingle is the classic choice, offering a golden hue with flecks of black and white. It blends beautifully with traditional and countryside homes. Or you might opt for Red Granite which stands out with a bold, warm terracotta tone. It’s hard-wearing and perfect for high-traffic areas. Another great option is Cotswold Chippings with their creamy gold finish, great for softening the look of a property and adding that rural charm. Or there’s Recycled Gravel, which is the sustainable option. Made from crushed concrete or asphalt, it’s eco-conscious, tough, and still great-looking. You can view our full gravel range here and see which style works best for your driveway. How to Choose the Right Gravel for Your Driveway With so many options, narrowing down your ideal gravel takes a bit of thought. Here’s what we recommend considering when weighing up the pros and cons of gravel driveways: Size Matters: Larger stones (e.g. 20mm) are better for driveways as they lock together more securely. Match Your Home’s Style: Go for something warm and natural for cottages, or a clean grey for modern looks. Consider Durability: High-traffic areas need tougher, more compact gravel like red granite or basalt. Think Drainage: Most gravelled driveways are naturally permeable, but layering properly ensures no puddling. Still unsure? Get in touch for tailored advice – we’re happy to help you choose. How to Maintain Your Gravel Driveway Even the most low-maintenance option needs a bit of care. If you’re wondering how to make a gravel driveway solid, it’s all about regular upkeep. Rake it often to keep the stones evenly distributed. Keep a bag or two of the same gravel on hand to fill in any low spots. And make sure to stay on top of weeds by using a membrane underneath and treating growth as it appears. Whether you prefer a rustic feel or a modern gravel driveway, proper maintenance will keep it looking fresh for years.   Get in Touch and Start Planning Your Modern Gravel Driveway Ready to transform your driveway with a beautiful new finish? At MB Wilkes, we’re here to make it easy. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing surface, we supply everything you need – including expert advice, small load collections, small load delivery, and a full range of gravel types to suit any look. We’ve been family owned for over 60 years, and we’re proud to be one of the UK’s leading names in landscaping materials. Great service, top quality products, and competitive prices come as standard. To speak with our friendly team, give us a call on 01258 857465 or send us a message via our contact form. We’d love to help you design a modern gravel driveway that looks fantastic and lasts for years.
Read more

This site uses some unobtrusive cookies to store information on your computer. By using our site you accept our Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy.

 ×