Aggregate Delivery in Central Scotland: Type 1 Hardcore, Type 2 and What to Order

Choosing the right aggregate affects how well a driveway, path, drainage trench or building project performs. The material needs to suit the job, arrive in the right quantity and be placed somewhere the delivery vehicle can reach safely.

We provide aggregate delivery across Glasgow, Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Falkirk and West Lothian. Materials are sourced through reputable quarry partners and delivered directly to site, subject to availability, access and an agreed delivery arrangement.

The minimum aggregate order is 5 tonnes.

If you are unsure whether you need Type 1 hardcore, Type 2, Type 3, whin dust or another material, send us the intended use, area, depth and postcode. We can discuss the practical option before a booking is agreed.

What aggregate do you need?

Different materials perform different jobs. The most suitable choice depends on whether you need a compacted base, drainage layer, bedding material, surface finish or concrete aggregate.

Type 1 hardcore

Type 1 hardcore is a well-graded crushed stone containing a mixture of larger pieces and fines. When spread and compacted, the material locks together to form a firm, stable sub-base.

It is commonly used beneath:

• Driveways and parking areas

• Patios and paths

• Concrete slabs

• Block paving

• Access roads and hardstandings

• Extensions and other construction work, where specified

The required depth depends on the ground conditions and the expected load. A pedestrian path may need less sub-base than a driveway used by cars or commercial vehicles. For structural work, the specification should come from your contractor, designer or engineer.

Type 1 is normally the first material to consider where you need a dependable, compacted foundation. It is not usually the final visible surface.

Type 2 aggregate

Type 2 is a graded aggregate generally used for general fill, bottoming and less demanding sub-base applications. It can be suitable for landscaping, paths and other areas where the performance requirements are lower.

It is not automatically a substitute for Type 1. If the area will carry regular traffic, support a slab or form part of a structural build-up, confirm the required specification before ordering.

Tell us what the material will support. This helps us discuss whether Type 2 is appropriate or whether Type 1 hardcore would be the safer choice.

Type 3 aggregate

Type 3 is an open-graded aggregate with fewer fines. The gaps between the stones allow water to pass through more easily.

It may be used for:

• Drainage layers

• Permeable paving systems

• French drains

• SuDS-related work

• Areas where free drainage is important

Type 3 is not intended to compact into the same dense, tightly bound surface as Type 1. That makes it useful for drainage, but not necessarily suitable as the primary load-bearing sub-base.

The design of a drainage system matters. Confirm the required grading and depth with the person responsible for the installation.

Other materials available

Our aggregate delivery service also covers several materials used for groundworks, landscaping, drainage and construction.

Whin dust

Whin dust is a fine crushed stone material, often used as a surface layer for paths, tracks and other areas where a compacted, bound finish is wanted.

It may be placed over a suitable Type 1 base. The final result depends on the ground preparation, edging, drainage and compaction. It is not the same as decorative gravel, so tell us how the finished area will be used.

Sands

Different sands are used for different purposes. Depending on the specification, sand may be required for paving beds, bedding layers, landscaping or general construction work.

Tell us whether you need sharp sand, building sand or another specification. If a particular product is required for a project, we will discuss sourcing and availability before confirming the delivery.

Pipe bedding

Pipe bedding aggregate is used around underground pipes and drainage installations. The correct size and cleanliness matter because the material needs to support the pipe without damaging it and allow the surrounding system to work as designed.

For utility, drainage or civil engineering work, provide the relevant material specification rather than ordering by a general description.

6 mm WP grit

6 mm WP grit is a small aggregate used for applications such as drainage, pipe bedding and other work where a fine, clean stone is needed. It may also be suitable for particular landscaping or surfacing requirements.

Confirm the intended use and required grading before ordering. Similar-sounding aggregate products are not always interchangeable.

Ballast

Ballast is a mixture of sand and gravel used with cement to produce concrete for suitable non-specialist applications, such as posts, small slabs and general building work.

The correct concrete mix depends on the project. Ballast should not be treated as a replacement for Type 1 beneath a slab or driveway. The sub-base and concrete perform different jobs.

Topsoil delivery

If you need topsoil delivery for raised beds, landscaping or ground preparation, include that requirement in your enquiry. Topsoil is different from quarry-sourced aggregate and may require separate sourcing and confirmation.

Tell us whether you need screened topsoil, general topsoil or another specification, along with the quantity and where it can be tipped. Availability depends on the material and delivery requirements.

How to work out the quantity

A basic quantity estimate uses three measurements:

1. Length

2. Width

3. Required depth

Multiply these together to calculate the approximate volume in cubic metres:

Length × width × depth = cubic metres

For example, a 10 metre by 4 metre area with a planned 150 mm layer has a volume of:

10 × 4 × 0.15 = 6 cubic metres

You then need to allow for the material’s approximate density and for compaction. Type 1 hardcore is delivered loose but becomes denser after it is spread and compacted. The amount required will also depend on the existing ground, excavation depth and whether the stated depth is loose or compacted.

For this reason, a calculated figure is a planning guide rather than a guaranteed final quantity. Contractors may have their own material schedule, and structural or drainage work should follow the project specification.

Our aggregate delivery minimum is 5 tonnes. If your calculation is close to the minimum, send us the dimensions and material type so we can discuss the practical order quantity.

Delivery access matters

A grab lorry needs more space than a small delivery vehicle. Before requesting aggregate delivery, check the route from the public road to the unloading point.

Our grab lorries are approximately:

• 9.5 metres long

• 2.6 metres wide

• 3.65 metres high when empty

The actual working space also needs to account for the crane arm and the area required to tip or place the material.

Tell us about:

• Narrow entrances and lanes

• Low bridges, trees or overhead cables

• Steep slopes or soft ground

• Weight restrictions

• Gates, walls and parked vehicles

• Restricted turning space

• Drains, paving or surfaces that could be damaged

• The distance from the lorry to the tipping area

A photograph, postcode and approximate entrance measurements are useful. Access is assessed against the actual job, and the driver makes the final safety decision on arrival.

The material also needs a prepared place to go. Keep the unloading area clear of vehicles, tools and people. If the aggregate must be placed in more than one location, explain this before the delivery is arranged.

Deliver aggregate and remove excavated soil together

You may need material delivered while also needing excavated soil removed. In that situation, our combined aggregates delivery and soil collection service may be suitable.

The arrangement can include:

• Quarry-sourced aggregate delivered to site

• Agreed inert excavated material collected

• One coordinated visit, where quantities, capacity and access allow

This can reduce additional transport planning because the delivery and collection are considered together. There is no additional aggregate transport charge where the delivery fits the agreed collection visit. Material and collection charges still apply, and extra journeys are quoted separately.

The collected material must be agreed in advance. Suitable inert material may include soil, topsoil, gravel, stone, bricks, concrete and rubble. Mixed general waste, hazardous waste and contaminated material are not included in the standard service.

This is also where inert waste disposal needs to be considered. Tell us where the material came from and what it contains. We confirm whether it is suitable for collection and disposal before the work is agreed.

Pricing and the enquiry process

Grab-hire prices start at £220 + VAT for a typical load. Prices can only increase from that starting point based on factors such as location, access and disposal requirements. A full grab load can carry up to 16 tonnes, subject to the material’s density, vehicle limits and safe loading.

Aggregate-only orders have a separate transport price, which we confirm before booking. The aggregate minimum is 5 tonnes.

The process is straightforward:

You can request a free estimate in seconds through our website. Send the information you have, even if you are still checking the final quantity. We can discuss the next step.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum aggregate delivery?

The minimum order is 5 tonnes. Smaller quantities are not included in the standard aggregate delivery service.

Is Type 1 hardcore suitable for a driveway?

Usually, Type 1 is the standard sub-base material for a driveway, but the required depth depends on the ground and expected traffic. Confirm the build-up with your contractor before ordering.

Can Type 2 replace Type 1?

Not always. Type 2 may suit general fill or lighter applications, but Type 1 is normally preferred where a stronger compacted sub-base is required.

Can you deliver aggregate and remove soil on the same visit?

Yes, this may be possible where the quantities, vehicle capacity, access and timing allow. The combined arrangement must be agreed before booking.

Do you provide inert waste disposal?

We collect and dispose of suitable agreed inert materials through the appropriate disposal route. Tell us what the material contains before arranging collection.

Do you deliver across Central Scotland?

We cover Glasgow, Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Falkirk and West Lothian, subject to postcode, availability and safe access. Send the actual delivery address so we can check the request.

Order the right material for the job

Type 1 hardcore provides a compacted sub-base. Type 2 can suit general fill and lighter applications. Type 3 allows better drainage. Whin dust, sands, pipe bedding, 6 mm WP grit and ballast each have more specific uses.

The correct order starts with the intended use, quantity and delivery conditions.

Tell us the material, tonnes, postcode and access. We will discuss the practical delivery option with you.