9 Apr

Your Projects Brought to Life: Before and After Using Our Gravel

Selecting the right gravel for your property can significantly affect appearance, durability, drainage and maintenance. At MB Wilkes, we specialise in supplying and installing high‑quality primary sands and gravels - from decorative shingle and chippings to robust planings and crushed stone - tailored to the unique requirements of every customer.

With decades of experience serving homeowners, property managers and businesses across the UK, we understand how material choice, particle size and finish can transform driveways, pathways, patios and more.

In this blog, we’ll showcase some recent projects, with images courtesy of CW Stanley who executed the work using our products. With an array of options available, our aggregates will deliver lasting results, enhancing kerb appeal while offering excellent value for money.

New Driveway in Merley, Wimborne

What a difference a day makes! In Merley, Wimborne, CW Stanley transformed a tired tarmac driveway into a crisp, low‑maintenance surface in just one day. After removing the existing worn surfacing and installing a durable geotextile membrane for weed control and drainage, their team laid a neat charcoal block‑paving edge before spreading our 20 mm Dorset Limestone chippings.

The result is an attractive, uniform finish that enhances kerb appeal, improves water runoff and eliminates patch repairs. The customer chose Dorset Limestone chippings for their hard‑wearing quality, natural appearance and cost‑effective longevity - a perfect solution for a hassle‑free driveway upgrade.

Driveway in Merley Before

Driveway in Merley After

A Mega Undertaking in Poole, Dorset

A mega driveway transformation in Poole, Dorset, was completed in just 1.5 days using our 20 mm Ice Blue decorative gravel, laid over a geotextile membrane to ensure excellent drainage and weed suppression.

Crisp concrete kerb stones neatly define the driveway’s boundary, while a smooth asphalt parking bay provides a practical contrast. The finished surface delivers striking kerb appeal, low maintenance and long‑term durability for two neighbouring properties.

By combining MB Wilkes’ premium Ice Blue chippings with CW Stanley’s efficient installation, this project achieved exceptional value, performance and a standout aesthetic in record time.

Driveway in Poole Before

Driveway in Poole After

A Beautiful Result in Poole, Dorset

What a beautiful frontage this is now! CW Stanley completed a stunning driveway transformation this week at a property in Poole, Dorset. After removing the old, uneven gravel and preparing a stable, compacted sub‑base with a geotextile membrane for superior drainage and weed control, crisp grey block paving was installed to define the driveway’s perimeter.

Our 20 mm Polar Ice decorative chippings, were laid to a uniform depth, delivering a striking, low‑maintenance finish. The work significantly improved kerb appeal while extending and boosting practical performance - all achieved in minimal time, at exceptional value.

Old Gravel Driveway in Poole Before

New Gravel Driveway in Poole After

A Tasteful Finish in Colehill, Wimborne

In just two days, CW Stanley completed a tasteful driveway and frontage transformation at a property in Colehill, Wimborne. After removing old paving and uneven gravel, the team installed a compacted sub‑base topped with a geotextile membrane for superior drainage and weed suppression.

Concrete block‑paving edging defines the perimeter, creating a neat, professional finish. Our team supplied 20 mm Quantock Grey decorative chippings, which were laid to a consistent depth to deliver a striking, low‑maintenance surface. The result is enhanced kerb appeal, excellent durability and a practical, value‑adding upgrade.

Driveway in Colehill, Wimborne Before

Driveway in Colehill, Wimborne After

Why Should You Choose MB Wilkes?

When it comes to sourcing high‑quality aggregates, MB Wilkes stands head and shoulders above the competition. As a family‑owned sand and gravel quarry based in Dorset, we combine decades of local expertise with the largest product range on the market - from decorative gravels and garden stones to specialist sands, soils and construction materials.

Our team of aggregate specialists possesses unrivalled knowledge, enabling us to recommend exactly the right material for any project, whether you’re a homeowner upgrading your driveway or a national developer specifying bulk supplies.

MB Wilkes’ reputation for excellence extends across councils, utility companies, sports grounds and public landscaping schemes, reflecting our ability to deliver consistently outstanding service to clients of every scale.

Thanks to our strong industry relationships, we offer competitive, transparent pricing without compromising on quality - meaning you benefit from premium materials at the best value.

We also make waste disposal straightforward with our inert tip facility, while our versatile fleet of tipper lorries and grab trucks ensures precise, reliable deliveries direct to your site. Above all, our commitment to exceptional customer service means clear communication, punctual delivery and meticulous attention to detail from enquiry through to completion. Whatever your aggregate requirements, MB Wilkes guarantees the highest quality products, unbeatable expertise and complete peace of mind - all delivered from the heart of Dorset.

Get in Touch With the Experts

Ready to transform your project? Browse MB Wilkes’ full range of decorative aggregates, garden stones, sands and soils on our website and place your order in minutes. For personalised advice, competitive quotes or any enquiries, simply give our friendly team a call on 01258 857465 or complete our quick contact form.

Whether you need delivery to your doorstep or guidance choosing the perfect product, we’re here to help - offering expert support, transparent pricing and reliable service across Dorset and beyond. Don’t wait - get in touch with MB Wilkes today and discover why we’re the UK’s leading supplier of high‑quality aggregates now.

How Much Sub-Base Do I Need for My Project?

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.