Leading manufacturer and supplier of ready mix concrete, liquid screed and concrete pumps for the South West
  1. Home
  2. Ready Mix Concrete
  3. Types of Concrete Mix

Types of Concrete Mix and Their Uses

 

Concrete comes in many different forms, but can broadly be sorted into four categories: standard concrete, designated concrete, designed concrete, and proprietary concrete. There are a number of different grades within these categories.

The ‘best’ concrete to buy depends on the application you plan to use it for. Choosing the correct type is important because it ensures that your new build will be hard-wearing and stand the test of time.

Wright Readymix are one of the UK’s leading concrete specialists. We supply high-quality concrete solutions to the South West of England and South Wales, including ready-mixed concrete, liquid screed, and concrete pumps. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the different types of concrete, including their various strengths and applications.

Standardised Concrete

 

Standardised Prescribed Concretes (SPCs) are made with a prescribed quantity of materials issued by the British Standards body.

Relatively simple mixes, they are typically used for small scale jobs and mixed on site or obtained from a supplier. They have no strength guarantee or defined quality standards. There are five types:

Also known as wet lean mix concrete, this versatile mix is commonly used for a wide variety of non-structural applications.

Strength: Estimated at 7.5N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Drainage works
  • Backing
  • Haunching
  • Kerb bedding
  • Blinding
  • Cavity filling

A multipurpose mix used for unreinforced building and housing applications. When combined with a liquid screed finish, it is an excellent choice for house foundations and bases.

Strength: Estimated at 10N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Foundations for houses and extensions
  • Non-structural mass concrete
  • Unreinforced strip footings
  • Footings for fence posts
  • Small bases for patios
  • Drainage works
  • Blinding

Although ST3 is unsuitable as a wearing surface, it is frequently used for light domestic applications and bases. It can be used for internal floor slabs and house floors with no permanent finish flooring.

Strength: Estimated at 15N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Foundations for sheds, garages, greenhouses, and walls
  • Paving for patios
  • Trench filling
  • Blinding house floors

ST4 can be used as a wearing surface for light foot traffic. It is used for a range of domestic, industrial, and agricultural applications.

Strength: Estimated at 20N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Drain bedding
  • Benching to chambers
  • Unreinforced garage floors
  • Workshop and shed bases
  • Internal floor slabs

ST5 can be used in domestic, commercial, and agricultural projects, but only for light foot traffic applications.

Strength: Estimated at 25N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Foundations for columns and posts
  • Equipment storage spaces
  • Building ground floor slabs

Designated Concrete

 

Designated concretes are identified by their application, whether agricultural, industrial, or structural. They provide peace of mind that the chosen concrete will perform as needed, letting you skip the long process of specifying a designed concrete.

Providers of designated concrete must hold the appropriate level of product conformity certification, as approved by the BSI Standards Policy and Strategy Committee.

Designated concretes are sorted into General (GEN), Reinforced (RC), Foundation (FND), and Pavement (PAV) categories, each designed for a variety of applications.

General

 

GEN concrete is used for domestic and non-structural applications. It has a relatively low strength and durability level. The requirements specify a minimum quantity of cement to be included, but no water cement ratio.

Unless fully encased or covered,GEN concretes should only ever be used for internal applications.

GEN0 is a wet lean mix concrete often used in both commercial and housing projects.

Strength: Estimated at 7.5N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Domestic foundations
  • Cavity filling
  • Mass filling
  • Kerb bedding
  • Benching
  • Haunching

GEN1 is multifunctional concrete used for general building and housing applications.

Strength: Estimated at 10N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Foundations for conservatories, sheds, walls, and steps
  • Trench filling
  • Cavity filling
  • Mass filling
  • Blinding house floors
  • Kerbing
  • Drainage works
  • Haunching

GEN2 is perfect for domestic floors where no permanent finish will be installed, but carpeting or tiling will be.

Strength: Estimated at 15N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Trench fill foundations
  • Foundations for conservatories, sheds, and walls
  • Unreinforced strip footings
  • Unreinforced mass concrete fill
  • Paving for paths
  • Blinding

GEN3 can be used for light duty domestic foundations and applications. It can be used for domestic garage floors and to build unembedded internal floor slabs that will be covered by tiles, carpet, or laminate flooring.

Strength: Estimated at 20N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Foundations for houses, garages, and walls
  • Bases for driveways and sheds
  • Unreinforced bases and oversites for conservatories and greenhouses
  • Domestic garage floors (with no embedded metal)
  • Under paving for patios
  • Mass concrete fill
  • Trench fill foundations
  • Blinding

Designated Reinforced Concretes

 

Reinforced concretes are composites pre-stressed or embedded with steel. They are strengthened with added components to prevent cracking or corrosion.

Reinforced concretes have specified requirements for minimum cementitious content .and maximum water-concrete ratios. They are ideal for builds that will be exposed to highly demanding conditions.

RC25 concrete mixes can be used in parts of a building that require steel reinforcement.

Strength: Estimated at 25N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Lightly reinforced house or garage floors
  • Foundations, footings, and basement floors
  • Bases for sheds or outbuildings
  • Infill to insulated concrete formwork located above ground

This mix is suitable for mild exposure conditions, like pavements and driveways.

Strength: Estimated at 30N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Driveways, walkways, paths, stables, and patios
  • Internal areas for light foot and trolley traffic
  • Slabbing
  • Some reinforced foundations

RC28/35 is a strengthened concrete ideal for moderate exposure conditions.

Strength: Estimated at 35N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • External slabbing, column bases, walls, and beams
  • Garages and workshops
  • Livestock and crop storage floors
  • Piling
  • Tank fill

RC32/40 is suitable for moderate to high exposure conditions.

Strength: Estimated at 40N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Agricultural tracks and roads
  • Floors and walls for slurry and manure storage
  • Cavity infill to reinforced masonry
  • Farmyards
  • Factory floors

RC35/45 is appropriate for high demanding exposure conditions.

Strength: Estimated at 45N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Toppings for floors in parlours and dairies
  • Floors and walls for silage or grain stores
  • Stable floors

RC40/50 is the hardiest of reinforced concretes, making it suitable for severe exposure conditions.

Strength: Estimated 50N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • External yards
  • Heavy traffic areas
  • Stable floors
  • Toppings for floors in parlours and dairies
  • Floors and walls for silage or grain stores

Designated Paving Concrete

 

PAV1 and PAV2 concretes include freeze-thaw resistance and are intended for heavy-duty parking and drives. They are not suitable for power float finishes.

PAV1 mixes are frequently used for domestic pavement construction. They contain an additive that creates micro-sized air bubbles in the concrete, helping protect the surface from freeze-thaw cycles.

Strength: Estimated at 35N/mm2 on 28 days

Uses:

  • Domestic pavements, parking, and carports (where no de-icing salts are used)
  • Reinforced and unreinforced bases for workshops and houses
  • Reinforced and unreinforced hard standings
  • Paved areas such as walkways and patios
  • External paving
  • House driveways

PAV2 is a heavy-duty concrete suitable for commercial and industrial use. It is resistant to frost and can be used with de-icing salts.

Strength: Estimated at 40N/mm2 after 28 days

Uses:

  • Reinforced bases for commercial buildings and agricultural storage
  • Slabbing and paving with heavy vehicle and machinery traffic
  • External yards and roads subject to occasional de-icing salts
  • Heavy-duty outdoor driveways, pavements, and forecourts
  • Industrial external car parks
  • Mass concrete fills

Designated Foundation Concretes

 

As the name suggests, foundation concrete is used in foundations, specifically in those where the ground soil contains sulphates. Sulphates can cause normal concrete to soften, decay, or crack; foundation concrete is designed to withstand this deterioration.

FND2, FND3, and FND4 can be used in all types of un-reinforced foundations. Each is designed for a different soil type.

Strength: Estimated at 30N/mm2 after 28 days

Designed Concretes

 

As directed by European Standards, designed concretes are mixed to achieve a specific strength required for an application. Unlike standardised and designated concretes, they don’t specify the cement to water mix ratios.

Proprietary Concretes

 

Proprietary concretes are custom mixed by the producer for a specific application. They are used where high-performance or specific qualities are required. The producer will provide you with a performance guarantee.

 

Get a Quote From our Concrete Specialists 

 

Wright Readymix have been supplying premium concrete mixes to the South and Wales for over two decades. We can supply your project with ready-mix concrete of all types, as well as heavy-duty concrete pumps and equipment. No matter the size or scope of your project, you can rely on us for quality materials and a top-notch service.

Get a quote online or by calling us on 0117 958 2090. We’re happy to talk through your requirements and offer our recommendations on the best concrete type for your project.

Concrete Mixes FAQs

 

We suggest concrete mixes depending on application requirements and ground conditions. Contact a member of our expert team to discuss the details of your project and we will be able to suggest the best concrete mix to suit your needs.

This will depend totally on the size of your lay site. Use our useful concrete volume calculator to find out how much concrete mix you’ll require for your project.

If you do not have a credit account with us, then our preferred method of payment is by credit or debit card.

Cure time will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of concrete mix being used and external weather conditions, however, you should have at least between 1-2 hours in which to lay the mix. We will be able to advise you more accurately once we have more details, so don’t hesitate to contact us. 

All of our concrete delivery vehicles come with chutes that can deliver ready mix concrete up to approximately 2.4m away from the rear of the vehicle and 1.2m from the side. If your lay site has restricted access that would make delivery by normal means impossible, then one of our concrete pumps for hire would be able to transport the concrete to your lay site with ease.

The minimum width required for our vehicles is 2.7m or 8ft 10 inches. If you believe that entry to your site would be particularly tricky for one of our delivery vehicles, then we would be happy to arrange for one of our team to inspect your site beforehand. You can also request delivery through our mini pump, which is perfect for accessing lay sites that are too hard to navigate for larger vehicles.

If you wish to move the concrete mix yourself i.e. with a wheelbarrow or dump truck, then you should request your ready mix concrete at a lower slump. This will mean that it is drier and therefore easier to transport manually. Please let us know in advance if you wish for our concrete mixers to offload directly into your wheelbarrow, so that we can schedule appropriately.

Our delivery trucks remain on site for an allotted time of 30 minutes. If you require the delivery truck for longer than this time, then this may incur you a waiting time charge.

Yes – without tamping, vibrating, or compacting, air pockets would remain trapped inside the wet concrete mix. These air pockets could seriously weaken the overall structure of the concrete, making it weaker and less durable than it would be if the concrete was made denser. When reinforcing metal is used, this method also ensures that the concrete best bonds to the metal.

Concrete mixes can be harmful if not handled correctly. That is why we always suggest wearing the appropriate safety gear and following these guidelines when handling our ready mix concrete or liquid screed:

  • Fresh concrete or screed can cause burns to the skin and eyes, so wear protective clothing (impervious boots, goggles, gloves, long sleeves and trousers)
  • If concrete makes contact with your skin or eye, then wash it off thoroughly or rinse from your eye immediately.
  • Do not swallow. If any concrete mix is ingested, seek immediate medical advice.
  • Once finished, remove your clothing and wash it thoroughly before reuse.

     

We have a large fleet of delivery vehicles in a range of sizes and capacities (length + width + height = capacity):
6.5m + 2.5m + 4m = 4m3
7.5m + 2.5m + 4m = 6m3
8.7m + 2.5m + 4m = 7.5m3

We are the right people for you – let’s work together!
Contact us on 0117 958 2090 today to get a quote or to find out more.

Want us to give you a call?
Concrete Volume Calculator
Submit
News
How to Use Aggregates in Hardscaping Projects
31st October 2024

Like any project, the quality of your hardscaping depends a lot on the materials you choose. The right materials will bring your vision to life with lasting beauty and durability, while the wrong ones can lead to disappointing results.

Aggregates - like sands, gravels, and stones - play a major role in hardscaping. They form the foundation of many outdoor designs and can make a huge difference in both appearance and longevity, so it's important to get the choice right.

At Wright Readymix, we've spent years helping people choose the right aggregates for all kinds of projects, and we know what works best. Read on for our guide to making the most of aggregates in hardscaping, plus some tips for picking the perfect type for your project!

1. Pathways and Walkways

Pathways are one of the first things people notice in a garden, so why not make them a standout feature? For a smooth, colourful look, consider using smaller stones like pea gravel - its mix of natural hues and soft texture creates a charming effect. If your path will see a lot of foot traffic, crushed stone is a sturdy option that compacts well, giving you a durable, stable surface that stays put.

Don't forget to add an edging material before laying down your chosen stones; this will keep everything in place and save you from having to rake it back into shape.

Recommended aggregates:

  • Gravel provides a stable, well-draining surface that's easy to walk on. Pea gravel gives pathways a natural look and is durable for foot traffic.
  • Crushed stone is a tough and reliable choice for high-traffic paths, providing a stable and attractive surface.

2. Patio Bases

If you want your patio to last, starting with a solid base is key! Aggregates are perfect for creating a stable foundation as they provide excellent drainage and prevent your patio from shifting or sinking over time.

A 4-6 inch layer of compacted aggregate works well to keep pavers or concrete level and steady. This method is especially helpful in areas with freeze-thaw cycles, as the aggregate helps reduce movement and keeps everything in place.

Recommended aggregates:

  • Limestone compacts well, creating a solid base that won't shift, which is essential for supporting pavers and patios.
  • MOT Type 1 is a mix of crushed stone and aggregate fines that forms a dense, level surface ideal for patio foundations.

3. Retaining Walls

Angular gravel and limestone make great backfill choices since the irregular shapes lock together, preventing movement and shifting. Using aggregate also helps with water drainage - an important factor to avoid water buildup and protect your wall from damage. For even more stability, consider adding a layer of fabric between the soil and aggregate.

Recommended aggregates:

  • Gravel is ideal as a backfill for retaining walls, as its angular shape helps lock it in place, supporting the wall while allowing water drainage to reduce pressure from soil.
  • Limestone also works well for backfill due to its compatibility and stability, helping prevent soil erosion around the wall.

4. Driveways and Parking Areas

Tough, rough aggregates like crushed granite or larger crushed stone are excellent choices for high-traffic areas like driveways and parking pads. They hold up well under heavy loads and compact tightly, making them resilient against weathering and regular vehicle use. To make sure your driveway stays smooth and free from ruts, start with a well-compacted sub-base layer of aggregate, followed by a top layer of smaller stones or gravel for a stable, long-lasting surface.

Recommended aggregates:

  • Crushed granite is durable and attractive - perfect for driveways that need to handle heavy loads.
  • Crushed stone adds solid structural support and helps prevent ruts and potholes.

5. Water Features and Drainage Solutions

Aggregates are a great choice for creating beautiful water features and managing landscape drainage. Stones like slate and pea gravel work wonderfully in ponds, fountains, and dry creek beds, adding a natural look while helping water flow smoothly to prevent stagnation. These stones are also excellent for French drains, guiding rainwater away to keep pathways dry and prevent soil erosion.

Recommended aggregates:

  • Slate brings a natural, decorative touch to water features.
  • Pea gravel is perfect for drainage solutions and helps prevent soil erosion.

Tips for Choosing the Right Aggregate

Not quite sure which aggregate is right for your project, or tackling something we haven't mentioned yet? Here are a few tips to help you decide:

  • Functionality: Each aggregate offers different benefits, so look into which would best suit your requirements. For example, crushed rock provides stability for load-bearing surfaces, while pea gravel adds a decorative touch.
  • Drainage Needs: Good drainage is essential in many hardscaping projects, so if needed, choose aggregates that help manage water flow and prevent pooling.
  • Aesthetic Preferences: Aggregates come in various colours and textures - pick the ones that match your design vision for a cohesive look.
  • Maintenance: For high-traffic areas, go for durable aggregates that require minimal upkeep, as this will save you time in the long run.

With these factors in mind, you'll find the perfect fit for your project!

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Wright Readymix

The right aggregate can turn any hardscape project into a stunning outdoor space. If you're looking for the high-quality gravels, sands, and aggregates you need to bring your design to life, Wright Readymix is here to help!

We have a huge range of premium, durable materials perfect for any project. Here's what we provide:

  • Sand
  • Gravel
  • Slate
  • Limestone
  • Ballast
  • MOT Type 1

We'll deliver exactly what you need, right to your site - securely packed in waterproof bags and unloaded exactly where and when you need them. Whatever project you have in mind, you can count on us to help make it a success.

Get a free quote online or give us a call at 0117 958 2090, and let's start creating your beautiful, lasting outdoor space today!

Read more
5 Money-Saving Reasons to Buy Gravel and Aggregates in Bulk
24th October 2024

Gravel, sand, crushed stone, and other aggregates are the foundation of countless construction projects - literally! With so many uses, you'll probably go through several tonnes before you're ready to cut the ribbon on your new structure. The only problem? If you're not careful, those costs can really add up.

Luckily, there's an easy way to save on aggregates without cutting corners: buying in bulk. And it comes with more benefits than you might think!

Read on to learn the top five reasons why bulk buying can save you money, plus some tips on what to do next.

1. Lower Delivery Fees

The biggest savings often come from cutting down on transportation costs. Many suppliers charge a flat fee for each delivery, no matter how much material you're ordering. By ordering in bulk, you can reduce the number of deliveries and avoid paying the same fee multiple times.

As a bonus, fewer trips mean you're using less fuel, which reduces your carbon footprint considerably - a great way to help your business meet its sustainability goals!

2. Reduced Labour Costs

Smaller, more frequent deliveries can often mean extra work, both with handling the materials and coordinating the logistics. When you buy in bulk, you save time and effort by cutting down on the number of times you have to unload and manage smaller batches. It also simplifies your scheduling and tracking, letting you focus your attention elsewhere.

3. Project Time Efficiency

Buying in bulk helps keep your project on track by having all your materials ready to go from the start - no need to wait for the next delivery or deal with interruptions as your team handles each new order. This keeps things running smoothly, prevents delays, and helps your project finish faster, saving you time and money in the long run.

4. Lower Cost Per Unit

Suppliers often lower the price per tonne when you order gravel or aggregates in bulk because it helps them save on packaging, handling, and delivery. Bigger orders mean less hassle for them, so they're able to pass those savings onto you with a discount.

Many suppliers also offer special bulk discounts to encourage larger orders. For example, ordering 50 tonnes of gravel can end up costing much less per tonne than if you were to order just 5 tonnes.

5. Less Waste

Bulk orders typically cut down on the need for extra packaging, which means less waste compared to ordering several smaller loads. This is better for the environment and saves you from having to deal with and pay for extra waste disposal.

Save on Bulk Gravel and Aggregates with Wright Readymix

Now that you're up to speed on the benefits of buying in bulk, the next step is simple - find the right supplier. The good news? You won't have to look far.

At Wright Readymix, we supply high-quality, cost-effective aggregates throughout much of the South, including Bristol, Avonmouth, and Weston-super-Mare. We have a huge range to choose from, including:

  • Sands
  • Gravels
  • Slates
  • Limestones
  • Ballasts
  • MOT Type 1 Hardcore
  • Grano Dust

All of our aggregates strike the perfect balance of quality, affordability, and versatility, making them ideal for almost any project you have in mind. Not sure which one's the right fit for your needs? Just ask!

Once you've picked your aggregate and told us how much you need, we'll pack everything in sturdy, waterproof bags, deliver it right to your site, and even unload it exactly where you need it - hassle free.

Ready to get started? Get a free quote online or give us a call on 0117 958 2090 today!

Read more
5 Key Benefits of Using Professional Screed Delivery Services
30th September 2024

Liquid screed is the perfect way to create a smooth, level surface, whether used on its own or as a base for tiles, carpet, or hardwood. However, the end result largely depends on the quality of the materials and how well it’s applied. While it might seem quicker or cheaper to handle screed preparation and delivery yourself, opting for professional services can offer huge benefits that directly contribute to your project's success.

Still on the fence about using professional screed delivery services? Here are five key reasons why going with the pros is the right choice for your next project!

1. Greater Efficiency

One of the biggest challenges for builders and contractors is keeping projects on schedule. Delays can come from many places, including how soon your screed is ready for use. Professional screed delivery services, like those from Wright Readymix, are designed to eliminate these delays and make this process as smooth as possible.

Thanks to our state-of-the-art mixing equipment, we at Wright Readymix can mix your liquid screed to your precise specifications and deliver it directly to your site, ready to use right away. This cuts out downtime from on-site mixing and takes the guesswork out of the equation - just perfectly mixed screed, exactly when you need it!

2. Consistent Quality

When mixing screed manually or on-site, there's always a chance of inconsistencies. Even minor differences in the water-to-cement ratio or aggregate quality can result in weaker screed, leading to cracks or uneven surfaces over time. Professional screed providers minimise this risk by using advanced equipment and expertise to make every batch perfectly consistent.

At Wright Readymix, we take pride in delivering a precise mix every time. Our liquid screed is carefully formulated to meet strict quality control standards, guaranteeing uniformity and durability for your project. This level of precision results in a flawless, long-lasting finish.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

While it might seem like mixing and delivering screed yourself could save money, it often ends up costing more in the long run. This is because mistakes in the mix or during application can lead to expensive rework, wasted materials, and delays. Professional screed delivery reduces these risks and cuts down on unnecessary costs.

At Wright Readymix, we don’t just supply the screed - we also offer full application services if needed. Our all-in-one approach saves you the hassle of hiring multiple contractors and helps prevent costly delays, saving you money overall.

4. Advanced Equipment and Expertise

Professional screed delivery services offer more than just the materials - they bring expertise. With the experience to handle a wide range of specifications and screed types, including both bonded and unbonded, they help you avoid costly trial-and-error and wasted materials.

At Wright Readymix, we’ve spent years working with contractors and developers across the South, so we understand the unique demands of different projects. Our specialised knowledge and equipment allows us to deliver the best possible results. We can also offer valuable advice, helping you sidestep common mistakes that come from inexperienced preparation and installation.

5. Improved Site Safety

Safety is always a top priority on any construction site. Mixing screed in-house can bring unnecessary risks, from heavy lifting during manual mixing to the dangers of handling raw materials. By partnering with a professional screed delivery service, you can avoid many of these hazards.

At Wright Readymix, we take care of the mixing off-site, and our delivery trucks are equipped with pumps to safely and efficiently transport the screed directly to where it's needed. This reduces site disruptions, cuts down on manual labour, and creates a safer working environment for your team.

Get a Free Quote on Professional Liquid Screed Services in the South West

Need a reliable screed solution for your project? Wright Readymix’s screed delivery and installation services can help you achieve the smooth, durable finish you’re looking for, on time and within budget. Get a free quote online or call us on 0117 958 2090 today!

Read more
Which Aggregate Should You Use for Your Construction Project?
06th August 2024

Aggregates are the unsung heroes of construction. These sturdy, granular materials provide the bulk and strength that turn concrete and asphalt into durable building blocks. Without them, our roads, bridges, and buildings simply wouldn't stand the test of time.

Picking the right aggregate is key to a successful build, but with so many options, it can be tough to know where to start. Luckily, that's where we come in!

At Wright Readymix, we have years of experience working with aggregates of all kinds. Below, we'll look into some of the most common types and where they work best.

What Types of Aggregates Are There?

There are a huge variety of aggregates out there, but a few are used more often than others. Let's take a closer look:

Sand

Sand is a finely grained material with countless uses, especially in mortar, concrete, and plaster.

The type of sand makes a big difference. Sharp sand drains well, making it ideal for outdoor projects like patios and driveways, while softer sand is better suited for indoor jobs like plastering and bricklaying.

Used for: Concrete, mortar, plaster, grout, asphalt, playgrounds, and sandboxes.

Gravel

Gravel is made up of small, smooth stones. Its excellent drainage makes it a popular choice for driveways, paths, and drainage systems. It also forms a sturdy base for roads and buildings.

The size and shape of the gravel can matter. Larger, rough stones are best for supporting heavy loads, while smaller, rounder gravel looks better and is easier on the eye.

Used for: Road base, drainage systems, concrete, asphalt, driveways, walkways, and decorative gardens.

Slate

Slate is renowned for its toughness and timeless beauty. It's a popular choice for roofs, landscaping, and decorative accents. When crushed, slate can be mixed into concrete or used as a stylish topping for paths and patios. Its natural colours and varied textures bring a unique character to outdoor spaces.

Used for: Flooring, countertops, wall cladding, paving stones, garden paths, and patios.

Limestone

Limestone is a versatile natural material with a wide range of uses. Its strength and malleability make it a common ingredient in concrete and asphalt, while its durability allows it to be used for building walls and floors.

Different types of limestone have varying properties, with some particularly suited to withstand the rigours of coastal or riverbank environments.

Used for: Cement, concrete, asphalt, building blocks, building facades.

Ballast

Ballast is a mixture of sharp sand and small stones or gravel. This combination creates a rough, coarse material that is strong and durable. By adjusting the proportions of gravel and sand, builders can tailor ballast to suit various concrete needs.

Used for: Concrete, drainage layers, or sub-bases.

Which Aggregate Should You Choose For Your Project?

There are a few important things you need to consider when choosing the perfect material for your project:

  • Purpose: What's the primary function of the material? Will it form the bedrock of your structure, provide a practical surface, or boost the aesthetic appeal of your space? Clearly defining the material's role will guide your choices.
  • Load-bearing capacity: Assess the weight the material will support. Whether it's the weight of your home or the occasional vehicle, understanding the load is crucial for selecting a material with sufficient strength.
  • Drainage: Consider the material's ability to handle water. If your project needs effective drainage, opt for materials that allow water to flow through freely. For areas prone to moisture, choose materials resistant to water absorption and freezing.
  • Appearance: Visual appeal matters. Think about the desired look and feel of your project. Do you prefer a natural, rustic look, or a modern, sleek aesthetic? The material's colour, texture, and size will contribute to the overall ambiance.

By carefully considering these factors and seeking expert advice, you can create a project that's both practical and pleasing to the eye.

Premium-Quality Aggregates, Delivered to Your Site

You've nailed down the perfect aggregate. Now, let our team deliver it!

Wright Readymix offers a wide range of bulk-bag aggregates to suit any project. Here's why you should choose us: 

  • We offer a wide range of 17 high-quality aggregates, from fine sands to sturdy limestone chippings, to suit any project. Once you've selected your ideal aggregate, we'll handle the rest.
  • Our convenient bagging and delivery service makes sure your materials arrive protected and ready to use. We'll deliver right to your site and carefully unload them in your preferred spot.
  • Unsure which aggregate to choose? Our expert team are happy to help - just get in touch!

Ready to get started? Get a free quote online or call us on 0117 958 2090. We're committed to making your project a breeze!

Read more