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What are Aggregates?

Aggregates what exactly are they? In this post we’re going to explore what they are, how they’re used in construction and what makes a great quality aggregate.

Some would describe aggregates as just rocks, but there’s much much more to them than that. The broader explanation is that they are materials extracted from quarries etc. and they include sand, crushed gravel and stone.

When combined with other materials they can create compound materials such as concrete and cement amongst other things used heavily in construction and throughout the daily lives of consumers.

What is Aggregate Used For?

Aggregates are used for roads, bridges, buildings, pavements and much more! They’re integral to almost all building and construction projects and these key components make a huge difference.

A Few of The Main Areas Aggregates Are Used Are:

1. General Construction – Concrete is heavily used in this process and one of the key components of concrete is aggregate materials. Whether it’s visible or not, tens of thousands of buildings and structures such as Bridges utilise concrete in their construction.

2. Roads – Aggregates are used to provide the base layer for most roads, or the top layer for unpaved roads. This provides a solid surface to pave over for bases or as the top level over unpaved surfaces.

3. Railways – Tracks use aggregates across the country and around the world, the material you see the tracks sitting on is usually aggregates.

4. Decoration – Aggregates are often used in gardens and for decorative purposes.

How Much Aggregate is used in the UK?

A truly massive volume of aggregates are used in the UK with the British Geological Survey estimating that in 2017 sales of aggregates were 176.3 Million Tonnes.

This comprised 114.5 Million Tonnes of Crushed Rock and 61.8 Million Tonnes of Sand and Gravel.

Visualising that is extremely difficult however the largest cruise ship in the world weighs in at 236,857 Tonnes meaning you would need more than 750 to have an equivalent weight. 

Picking the Right Aggregates and How Tyne Tees Crushing Can Help:

Using the correct aggregate for your construction job is very important and we have the skill and experience to help you make the right choice every time.

We have a very high customer satisfaction rating due in part to our expert knowledge & customer service.

Why Choosing the Right Supplier Matters:

Tyne Tees Crushing provides a wide range of materials for capping, road construction, footpaths and numerous other building projects. The quality of the aggregate that is supplied can affect the quality, look and durability of the finished project.

Given this, finding the right supplier who understands your project and your needs is essential.

It is also important that you choose a company that works to high standards in every aspect of their business and that provides materials that conform to current European and UK standards.

The Types of Aggregates we Supply:

Type One Aggregate – Which conforms to highways clause 803. This type of aggregate is often used as leveling material. It’s also known as sub-base and can be used for construction jobs, and beneath paths, drives, patios, etc.


6F5 Capping
– This is a mixture of crushed brick and concrete with a particle size from 125mm down to dust. It can be used as a bulk filler or capping layer.


Single Size Aggregates
– Are available, please contact us to find out more information.

Road Planings – As dug or screened.

Our aggregates can be used within adoptable works. This means they are ideal for use by local authorities and construction companies working on new builds and roads/footpaths.

Our recycled aggregates are of the highest quality and conform to the relevant UK and European standards. Other aggregates besides those listed above are also available. Please contact us if you have a specific requirement and we’ll do what we can to help.

Why Choose The Same Company For Plant Hire And Aggregate Supply?

Depending on the size of your company and the project that you are undertaking, you may find that you need to hire some or all the heavy equipment that you need to complete the work. This equipment is not cheap to hire and requires skilled, trained operators to ensure its correct and safe use on-site. Given this, securing your equipment from a professional and experienced supplier is vital. But why consider hiring your heavy equipment from your building aggregate suppliers?

Firstly, dealing with fewer suppliers is easier, reducing the risk of delays and downtime while waiting for machines, operators or materials to arrive. Secondly, it also means that you are hiring machines that are designed to deal specifically with the aggregates and other materials that you are using. Finally, the result will be that you are working with operators who understand the nature of the aggregates. This means we can feed back to the aggregate suppliers if there are any unforeseen issues.

Learn More:

To learn more about the aggregates that we supply take a look at our page here.

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