Hardscaping and construction projects demand quality aggregates that can withstand elemental forces. Using subpar aggregate is like building on quicksand—the stone rapidly erodes, undermining structural integrity.

At Oran Transport, we supply only premium recycled and virgin aggregates ideal for every project. This guide covers the top options for landscaping and construction needs. Learn about each aggregate’s strengths so you can choose the ideal stone to fulfill your vision.

1. Sand

Sand is one of the most versatile aggregates used in construction and landscaping. Builders often use sand as an essential ingredient in concrete mixes. Masons utilize it to lay brick and stone. For landscaping, sand provides excellent drainage and aeration for lawns, gardens, and artificial turf.

We offer building sand, soft sand, and sharp sand:

• Building sand – A general-purpose sand used extensively in the construction industry for making concrete and mortars. It has a coarse texture that binds well.
• Soft sand – Very fine sand that compacts well but also drains effectively. Often used for children’s play areas.
• Sharp sand – Coarser sand with a pronounced gritty feel. Excellent for rendering concrete, flagstone patios, etc. The angular grains help surfaces strongly interlock.

Benefits:

• Versatile for many applications like mixing concrete, laying paving, turf installation, etc.
• Crucial ingredient in mortar and renders.
• Provides drainage and aeration for lawns when used as top dressing.
• Packs tightly when compacted but still allows drainage.
• Cost-effective option compared to other aggregates.

2. Gravel

Gravel contains small fragments of rock mixed with fine particles of stone and crushed rock. The combination of larger rocky chunks and finer crushed granules allows gravel to effectively fill space when compacted. Its excellent drainage also helps prevent trapped moisture that leads to erosion.

Construction crews frequently use gravel as back fill material for foundations. Landscapers apply gravel for driveways, pathways, and as decorative mulch.

We carry various gravel sizes and types including:

• Pea gravel – Small rounded pebbles usually under 1⁄4 inch. Often used in driveways, walkways, drainage systems. Available in various natural colors.
• Garden gravel – Similar to pea gravel but with a more crushed texture containing stone dust. The dust helps lock the gravel together when compacted.
• Drainage gravel – Larger gravel up to 2 inches with excellent water flow. Ideal for drainage applications like French drains or septic systems.
• Decorative gravel – Colored and uniquely shaped gravel for accenting gardens, patios, etc. Provides visual interest.

Benefits:

• Effective filler for spaces that need compacting and drainage.
• Decorative look that complements natural landscapes.
• Crushed texture locks together well but maintains porosity.
• Low-maintenance and durable. Does not easily erode or degrade.
• Provides steady traction on driveways and pathways.

3. Concrete Crusher Run

Crusher run contains the debris from concrete construction and demolition projects. This recycled material is crushed to a consistent size suitable for re-use in construction, road building, and landscaping.

The crushed concrete contains a blend of sizes from stone dust up to 2 inches. Using crusher run under concrete slabs helps stabilize subgrade and provides good drainage. Contractors also use it as an alternative to traditional gravel for backfilling foundations or grading.

Benefits:

• Efficiently recycles old concrete into a usable construction aggregate
• Well-graded mix of particle sizes provides excellent compaction
• Angular particles lock together when compacted
• Drains effectively compared to clay fill dirt
• Stabilizes and reinforces subgrade under slabs and foundations
• Often a cheaper alternative to virgin gravel

4. Limestone

Prized for its durable composition, limestone makes an exceptional decorative aggregate for landscapes and a sturdy base for buildings. Limestone’s crushed texture also facilitates excellent drainage and compaction.

In construction, crushed limestone serves as a cost-effective backfill material and concrete aggregate. Landscapers apply limestone gravel as a decorative mulch and pathway material.

We provide various types of limestone gravel in a range of sizes:

• #2 limestone – 2-inch diameter gravel often used for French drains and septic fields
• #57 limestone – Mixed gravel approximately 2 inches down to a fine powder. Used for compaction and drainage.
• Limestone fines – Very fine crushed limestone powder. Can be used for laying flagstone or mixing with concrete.
• Decorative limestone – Pretty crushed limestone in tan/grey hues for landscaping beds and paths.

Benefits:

• Attractive natural appearance while also being highly functional
• Compacts tightly but maintains porosity for drainage
• Crushed angular particles lock together firmly
• Provides essential calcium for proper soil chemistry
• Long-lasting durability resists weathering
• Cost-effective compared to other decorative aggregates

5. Granite

Granite delivers unmatched durability, hardness, and elegance. It withstands elemental forces better than softer sedimentary rocks. Builders utilize crushed granite as a concrete aggregate and foundation backfill.

For landscaping, the colorful crystalline specks in granite add eye-catching allure to gardens and pathways. Granite’s durability also makes it suitable for driveways and areas exposed to heavy foot traffic.

We supply various types of granite including:

• 57 granite – A crushed 1 inch down to fines aggregate used to fill foundation voids. Also useful under brick patios.
• Granite screenings – Finely crushed granite fines under 1/8 inch. Provides an optimal hardscape setting bed.
• Decorative granite – A rainbow of crushed granite colors including blue, red, gold, and silver flecks for visual appeal.

Benefits:

• Extremely hard crystalline composition resists heavy weights and weathering
• Provides outstanding strength as a concrete aggregate
• Vibrant colors and interesting flecks create natural elegance
• Does not quickly erode or degrade even in harsh conditions
• Compacts densely to create a firm base for structures and hardscapes

Choose granite when you need the strongest, longest-lasting aggregate for structural jobs or high-traffic areas exposed to elemental battering. It provides enduring resilience.

Discover the Ideal Aggregates for Your Project, with Oran Transport

With the right aggregate, you construct a foundation or landscaping beds that stand the test of time. Poor quality aggregates erode rapidly, undermining the structure. Oran Transport supplies only premium aggregates guaranteed to weather elemental forces without disintegrating prematurely.

Speak to our aggregate experts about finding the perfect gravel, sand, or crushed stone for your upcoming project. We’ll help you obtain strong and attractive aggregates to fulfill your vision while staying within your budget. Your construction or landscaping project deserves quality aggregates that endure instead of eroding away. You can reach our local experts directly by calling us on 0118 907 7915 or through our simple online contact form.