Aggregates are most often used around the home for driveways, patios, paving, garden paths, shed bases, garden office bases and decorative landscaping.
They help create strong foundations, stable surfaces, better drainage and attractive garden finishes. The right aggregate depends on whether the project needs to prioritise strength, water movement, compaction, levelling or appearance.
For most home projects, aggregates fall into three broad groups:
- Structural aggregates, such as MOT Type 1 and crushed concrete
- Bedding and mixing aggregates, such as sharp sand and ballast
- Decorative aggregates, such as gravel, slate chippings, Cotswold stone and granite chippings
What aggregates are used for driveways?
Driveways usually use MOT Type 1 as a compacted sub-base, with 20mm gravel, limestone chippings, granite chippings or Cotswold stone as the visible surface.
The sub-base gives the driveway strength, while the top layer provides the finished look and helps with drainage. For areas used by cars, the surface aggregate should be hardwearing and large enough to stay reasonably stable under tyres.
| Aggregate type | Appearance / description | Estimated cost per bulk bag |
|---|---|---|
| MOT Type 1 | Crushed stone with fine particles; compacts into a firm structural sub-base | £55–£85 |
| Crushed concrete | Recycled crushed material; practical rather than decorative | £45–£80 |
| 20mm gravel / shingle | General-purpose driveway gravel with a natural mixed-stone look | £60–£95 |
| Limestone chippings | Angular crushed stone, often grey, white or buff; hardwearing surface finish | £80–£160 |
| Granite chippings | Hard decorative chippings, often grey, black, silver or pink | £100–£180+ |
| 20mm York Cream Chippings | Pale cream or buff decorative stone; traditional driveway appearance | £90–£160 |
What aggregates are used for patios and paving?
Patios and paving usually use MOT Type 1 for the sub-base and sharp sand or grit sand as a bedding or levelling layer.
Even when the finished surface is paving slabs, sandstone or block paving, the aggregate layers underneath are what help keep the patio stable. A poor base can lead to movement, dips, uneven slabs and drainage problems.
| Aggregate type | Appearance / description | Estimated cost per bulk bag |
|---|---|---|
| MOT Type 1 | Compactable crushed stone used below patios and paving | £55–£85 |
| Sharp sand / grit sand | Coarse, gritty sand used for bedding and levelling paving | £55–£85 |
| Ballast | Sand and gravel mix, mainly used for concrete | £55–£85 |
| Crushed concrete | Recycled compactable material for budget-friendly sub-base work | £45–£80 |
| Joint filling aggregate | Small, fine crushed stone used by brushing over laid paving to fill in gaps with a durable, water permeable jointing layer | £5–£10 per small bag |
What aggregates are used for garden paths?
Garden paths commonly use 10mm gravel, 20mm shingle, slate chippings, Cotswold gravel or self-binding gravel.
For light foot traffic, decorative gravel may be enough when laid correctly. For busier paths, bin routes, shed access or wheelbarrow use, a compacted sub-base helps stop the path sinking, spreading or becoming uneven.
| Aggregate type | Appearance / description | Estimated cost per bulk bag |
|---|---|---|
| 10mm gravel / pea shingle | Smaller stones with a neat, softer appearance underfoot | £65–£110 |
| 20mm gravel / shingle | Larger gravel, more stable for general path use | £60–£95 |
| Slate chippings | Flat decorative chippings, usually blue, plum, green or grey | £110–£180 |
| Cotswold stone | Pale cream or buff stone, good for traditional garden paths | £90–£160 |
| Self-binding gravel | Fine compactable aggregate that forms a firmer natural path surface | £120–£220+ |
| MOT Type 1 | Used underneath paths where extra stability is needed | £55–£85 |
What aggregates are used for a shed or garden office base?
Shed and garden office bases usually use MOT Type 1, crushed concrete, sharp sand, ballast or 20mm gravel, depending on the base type and size / weight of the shed.
The aggregate layer helps create a level, stable foundation beneath slabs, timber frames, gravel grids, concrete pads or other base systems. For heavier garden offices, the base needs more strength and preparation than a small garden shed.
| Aggregate type | Appearance / description | Estimated cost per bulk bag |
|---|---|---|
| MOT Type 1 | Compactable crushed stone, ideal for a firm base layer | £55–£85 |
| Crushed concrete | Recycled sub-base material, useful for larger base areas | £45–£80 |
| Sharp sand | Coarse sand used for levelling slabs or bedding layers | £55–£85 |
| Ballast | Sand and gravel mix used when mixing concrete | £55–£85 |
| 20mm gravel | Often used with gravel grids or as a drainage layer | £60–£95 |
What decorative aggregates are used in gardens?
Decorative garden aggregates include slate chippings, Cotswold stone, pea gravel, granite chippings, limestone chippings and decorative gravel.
These materials are used where appearance matters as much as function. They provide stability, drainage and visual appeal. They can improve borders, front gardens, seating areas, paths, planters and low-maintenance landscaping schemes.
| Aggregate type | Appearance / description | Estimated cost per bulk bag |
|---|---|---|
| Slate chippings | Flat, angular pieces; popular in blue, plum, green and grey tones | £110–£180 |
| Cotswold stone | Warm cream, buff and honey tones; traditional garden style | £90–£160 |
| Gravel / Shingle | Small rounded stones with a softer, informal look | £80–£130 |
| Granite chippings | Hard angular stone; modern grey, black, silver or pink finishes | £100–£180+ |
| Limestone chippings | Angular stone, often grey, white or buff; practical and decorative | £80–£160 |
| 10mm gravel | Finer gravel for borders, pots, paths and smaller decorative areas | £65–£110 |
| 20mm gravel | Larger stones for borders, front gardens and general landscaping | £60–£95 |
How do you choose the right aggregate for a home project?
Choose the aggregate based on the job: MOT Type 1 for strength, sharp sand for bedding, ballast for concrete, gravel for drainage and decorative stone for appearance, for example.
The easiest way to avoid mistakes is to think about the layer you are building. A hidden base layer needs strength and compaction. A laying layer needs to be level and workable. A visible top layer needs to look good, drain well and suit the amount of foot or vehicle traffic.
- MOT Type 1 for compacted sub-bases
- Sharp sand for bedding and levelling paving
- Ballast for concrete mixes
- 20mm gravel or shingle for driveways, drainage and general landscaping
- 10mm gravel or shingle for lighter paths and decorative garden areas
- Slate, granite, limestone or Cotswold stone for decorative finishes
- Crushed concrete for practical, budget-conscious sub-bases
- Self-binding gravel for firmer natural-looking paths
FAQs
What is the most useful aggregate for home projects?
MOT Type 1 is one of the most useful aggregates for home projects because it forms a strong compacted base. It is commonly used beneath patios, driveways, paths and shed bases. For visible garden areas, decorative gravel, slate chippings and Cotswold stone are more suitable.
Is gravel the same as aggregate?
Gravel is a type of aggregate, but not all aggregates are gravel. Aggregates can include sand, ballast, crushed stone, shingle, limestone, granite, slate chippings and recycled sub-base materials.
What is the best aggregate for a driveway?
The best driveway build-up usually includes MOT Type 1 underneath and 20mm gravel, limestone or granite chippings on top. The sub-base gives strength, while the surface aggregate provides the finished appearance and drainage.
What aggregate should I use under paving slabs?
MOT Type 1 is commonly used as the sub-base under paving slabs, with sharp sand or grit sand used as the bedding layer. This helps create a stable, level surface and reduces the risk of movement after installation.
What is the best aggregate for a low-maintenance garden?
Slate chippings, Cotswold stone, pea gravel and decorative gravel are popular choices for low-maintenance gardens. They cover bare soil, reduce muddy areas and create a cleaner finish, especially when laid with a suitable weed membrane.
