Our Guide To Choosing The Right Aggregate For Your Project

Whether you’re working on a landscaping project, making your own garden beds or trying to create a quality concrete mix, choosing the right aggregates is key! These building materials are often overlooked, but we’re here to help you understand why aggregates are so important to your next project.

So, which aggregates are right for my construction project? If you’ve got burning questions regarding your aggregate choices, we’ve got the answers. Our blog dives into what aggregates are, the main types to be aware of, and which aggregates are right for your project! To find out more and make the best decision for the task at hand, keep on reading! 

What Are Aggregates? 

Aggregates, or construction aggregates, are essential materials that are used in a variety of construction projects. They are fundamental elements of building and constructing a range of structures that we see in our day to day lives! From creating roads and driveways to cement and flower beds, aggregates are a versatile part of many industries! 

Aggregates are a kind of granular particle, which are then applied in construction industries. They are the literal building blocks of construction projects and structures in our day to day lives. But, what are they? 

Aggregates are crushed materials, which are often quarried from the Earth. These natural materials are quarried or mined, before then being broken down into different sizes. After a careful screening and production process, aggregates are then delivered and rolled out to construction sites so that they can be used! 

Primary & Secondary Aggregates 

Aggregates can often be separated into primary or secondary categories depending on how they were processed. 

• Primary Aggregates - These aggregates come in the form of crushed rocks, sand and gravel. The key thing to note about primary aggregates is that they have come from naturally occurring environments. These environments might be river beds, the ocean floor or other places where rocks are naturally eroded. Primary aggregates would usually be found in home improvement projects, landscaping and the creation of certain buildings. 

• Secondary Aggregates - Secondary aggregates are the aggregates formed from quarrying or mining processes, or other industrial processes. These aggregates would most likely be found on construction sites, used for concrete, making asphalt, drainage and bulk filling. 

Recycled Aggregates 

Another key category of aggregates to be aware of are recycled aggregates. These construction materials are produced from crushed construction and demolition waste. They primarily consist of waste concrete, but they can also consist of other aggregate materials like sand and crushed stone. These recycled materials can be used for landscaping projects, pavements, curbing and even road construction. 

Main Types Of Aggregates 

We’ve already categorised aggregates to an extent, but there are also main types of aggregates to be aware of! These aggregate types all have different properties, making them better suited to different applications. 

Sand 

Sand aggregates are an extremely fine type of aggregate. They can be manufactured or naturally sourced. Using sand in construction projects is very common, as it helps to provide strength and stability to other materials such as concrete, asphalt and cement. Sand provides a very effective base layer, for level surfaces, as it is so fine. 

Because of its fine, yet strengthening nature, sand aggregates are very effective for landscaping projects as well as construction applications. It is a readily available aggregate that can be sourced sustainably too. 

Gravel 

Gravel is a naturally occurring aggregate that is formed from weathered or colliding rocks. It can also be quarried, in a similar way to crushed stone. Naturally weathered gravel produces angular shaped stones, which are very effective for concrete and road production. 

Gravel can also be found in a range of sizes. From coarse gravel to fine gravel, you may find these aggregates being used in a range of different applications. Gravel has good drainage properties, especially finer gravel, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. 

Crushed Stone 

Crushed stone, as the name suggests, is a type of natural stone aggregate, which is quarried and then crushed by machinery. These machines (crushers) break up larger stones into smaller pieces that can then be used for construction. The sizes of these fragments may vary, from larger pieces of stone down to tiny, finer pieces. 

Crushed stone is great for compacting, and provides a durable base for a range of construction projects. They are also great for long-term projects as a result of their durable nature. 

Concrete 

Concrete is a crucial part of creating our buildings and other structures, and is usually made up of a mixture containing cement, water and aggregates. Concrete can contain any of the aggregates we’ve mentioned above, as they all play a large role in reinforcing the concrete mixture. Coarse aggregates such as crushed stone and gravel are great for strengthening concrete mixes, whereas fine aggregates like sand are good for filling in the gaps in concrete mixtures, binding it together. 

Choosing The Right Aggregates For Your Project

As we’ve already discussed, aggregates can be used in a range of different ways! So, choosing the right materials for your project is crucial. Read below to learn more about the different ways aggregates can be used, and how to pick the right ones! 

• Concrete Mixes - As we’ve already touched on, aggregates are a crucial part of creating concrete mixes. They mix in with cement to create a robust structure. When choosing aggregates for your concrete mix, you may want to consider the durability, strength and workability of your mix before going forward. 

• Foundations & Base Layers - Aggregates are also very effective for foundations and base layers before a construction project gets underway. Crushed stone and gravel can be useful in providing strong, load bearing capabilities. Whereas sand, and finer aggregates may be used to create level surfaces by filling in the gaps in the concrete. 

• Roads & Paving - Road and paving construction often use aggregates like crushed stone and sand. Not only does the crushed stone provide strength and a durable base, but combined with the sand, these materials create a strong and stable base layer. For roads and paving, which are frequently used, creating a durable surface is vital. 

• Landscaping/Decorative Projects - Fine aggregates like gravel, and even crushed stones can be perfect for landscaping projects, as well as garden beds and other decorative applications. Decorative aggregates, and unique natural stones are great for landscaping and sprucing up garden projects. These stones can be used as decorative elements, or to support garden structures, without compromising aesthetics. 

Gravel aggregates have great drainage properties because of the small gaps in the stones, making them very effective for garden beds. Water is able to seep through these gaps, with a controlled flow, making them a great option for your garden. Your plants and trees can still get the hydration they need through gravel stones, which also maintain the look of your garden space. 



• Drainage - Larger aggregates, and gravel aggregates are great for drainage systems. Not only do they help to control the water flow, but they also prevent erosion on construction sites too. The small gaps in between these kinds of aggregates allows water flow to be slowed down effectively, improving the drainage on various sites. 

Quality Aggregates In Glasgow: W M Thompson & Sons Quarry Services

No matter what kind of construction project you’re working on, here at WM Thompson & Sons, we specialise in a wide range of quarry services, including quarry products, recycled aggregates and more. From landfill services to sustainable concrete solutions, no matter what the needs of your project are, we’re here to help. 

If you’re struggling to find the right aggregates in Glasgow for your project, WM Thomson & Sons are here to help. Our team can advise you on the best materials to help your project run nice and smoothly. For any further information regarding our services, or any enquiries, feel free to contact us today to find out more. Our team will be happy to help you find quality aggregates in Glasgow & more!