Ballast & Gravel

What we supply

• All-in ballast20 mm down sand and gravel mix for concrete.
• 10 mm and 20 mm gravelClean graded gravel for concrete, drainage and paths.
• Pea gravelRounded small gravel for pipe bedding and soakaways.
• ShingleFor drainage layers and backfill.
• Decorative gravel and chippingsColours and sizes for paths and gardens.
• Bulk bags and small bagsTo suit quantity and access.

Sizes and specifications

Bulk bag	Around 850 kg (varies by supplier)
Concrete aggregate standard	BS EN 12620
Approximate density	1.5 to 1.8 tonnes per m³

Sizes and standards are typical for the UK market; exact figures depend on the manufacturer and are confirmed on your quote.

Common uses

• Site-mixed concrete
• Drain bedding and surround
• Soakaways
• Paths and driveways

Choosing ballast and gravel

Ballast or separate sand and gravel?

All-in ballast is convenient for general concrete. For more control over the mix, use separate sharp sand and gravel.

Gravel size

20 mm gravel suits concrete and drainage layers; 10 mm and pea gravel suit bedding pipes and paths.

Decorative areas

Lay decorative gravel over a weed membrane and a firm base so it does not sink.

How it arrives on site

Bulk bags are usually lifted off by crane where access allows; tell us where they can sit and whether the ground is firm. We agree the drop point and offload method when we price your order. Read more about how delivery works.

How much do you need?

A base 3.6 × 1.8 m and 150 mm deep is 0.97 m³ of concrete. At 1:5 with 5% extra that is about 2.23 tonnes of all-in ballast and 16 bags of cement. Try the concrete calculator

Ballast & Gravel: questions

How much ballast for a cubic metre of concrete?

Roughly 2 to 2.2 tonnes of all-in ballast with about 15 bags of cement at a 1:5 mix. Our concrete calculator works out your slab or footing.

What is all-in ballast?

A mix of sharp sand and gravel up to 20 mm, ready to combine with cement for concrete.

What gravel do I bed drainage pipes in?

Pea gravel or a similar clean single-size gravel is commonly used around underground pipes.

How much gravel do I need for a path?

Multiply the area by the depth (often 40 to 50 mm for decorative gravel) to get cubic metres, then allow about 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre.

Do you deliver ballast in bags?

Yes, bulk bags for most jobs and small bags for small quantities or tight access.