Aggregate

Aggregate products are a popular choice within landscaping and construction. At Howarth Timber & Building Supplies we stock a wide range of attractive decorative aggregates and high-quality construction aggregates including Hanson aggregates.

What is aggregate?

Aggregate is a term used for materials such as sand, gravel, crushed stone and decorative stone. Aggregates are commonly used across building, landscaping and groundwork projects, with different types suited to different applications.

What aggregate do I need?

Choosing the right aggregate depends on your project. From creating a compact sub-base for a driveway to mixing mortar or improving drainage, different aggregates are designed for different applications.

Use the guide below to help choose the most suitable option.

What is the difference between Building Sand, Sharp Sand and Kiln-Dried Sand?

Different types of sand are suited to different applications, so it is important to choose the right one for your project.

Building Sand

• Best suited to bricklaying, pointing and mortar.
• Has a fine texture that helps create a smooth, workable mortar mix.
• Ideal for applications where good workability is required.

Sharp Sand

• Commonly used for paving, screeding and some concrete applications.
• Has a coarser texture than building sand.
• Suitable where a firmer, more stable bedding material is required.

Kiln-Dried Sand

• Used to fill the joints between block paving.
• Has a very fine, dry texture that allows it to settle into narrow paving joints.
• Should not be used as a substitute for sharp sand underneath paving.

Although all three are types of sand, they should not be treated as interchangeable. Choosing the right sand for the application helps give the finished project the required strength and stability.

What is Type 1 Aggregate?

MOT Type 1 is a well-graded granular sub-base material commonly used beneath roads, driveways, patios and paths. It compacts to create a strong and stable base for the finished surface. Type 1 refers to a material specification rather than one single raw material, so its exact composition can vary. Always check the individual product information when selecting your aggregate.

If you're unsure which aggregate is right for your project, contact your local branch and our team can help you choose the most suitable product.

How much aggregate do I need?

The amount of aggregate you need depends on the size of the area being covered and the depth at which the material will be laid.

Measure the length and width of the area to calculate its surface area, then consider the recommended depth for your chosen aggregate and application.