Choosing the Right Landscaping Material

Sub-Base, Bedding & Concrete Materials Explained

Whether you’re doing groundwork, paving, bedding slabs, or decorative finishes, choosing the right material makes all the difference. Below is an easy reference to help you decide which product is best for your landscaping job.

Material	Approx. Size / Description	Best For	Typical Use	Approx. Cost per Full Bulk Bag
Recycled Crushed Concrete	Screened to 80mm	Sub-base & bulk fill	Heavy infill, building up levels, bases for sheds and patios	£24.99 (Bulk Bag)
Scalps	0–30mm crushed limestone	Strong, compacted sub-base	Patios, paths & driveways where a harder finish is needed	£39.99 (Bulk Bag)
Recycled Ballast	Screened to 20mm	General fill & concrete mixes	Sub-base layers and non-structural concrete work	£24.99 (Bulk Bag)
Standard Ballast	~10–20mm	Structural concrete mixes	Slabs, shed bases, footings and general building work	£49.99 (Bulk Bag) or loose
2–6mm Limestone All-in Aggregate	2–6mm fine	Levelling / bedding layer	Under slabs, artificial grass & block paving	£60.00 (Bulk Bag)
Grit	Small angular stone	Drainage & coarse bedding	Bedding porcelain paving, improving drainage, concrete mixes	£49.99 (Bulk Bag)
Building Sand	Fine sand	Bedding & finishing	Bedding slabs, pointing, blinding, block paving	£49.99 (Bulk Bag)

How to Choose the Right Material

1. Bulk base or infill for patios, paths or outbuildings
Use recycled crushed concrete or scalps first. These are strong, cost-effective sub-base options that compact well and create the load-bearing layer.

2. Concrete mixes & structural bases
Both standard ballast and recycled ballast can be used.
Standard ballast gives a cleaner, more consistent mix for structural concrete.
Recycled ballast is ideal for general fill, non-structural work and where cost saving is a priority.

3. Fine bedding layers under slabs or block paving
2–6mm limestone all-in aggregate provides a smooth levelling layer before laying slabs.
Also ideal beneath artificial grass where a finer finish is needed.

4. Grit for drainage, bedding or rigid paving
Grit improves drainage and provides a stable, free-draining bed.
Particularly useful under porcelain paving where sharp bedding is preferred.

5. Finishing and bedding mixes
Building sand is ideal for bedding slabs, pointing, blinding ponds and block paving.

📐 Think of It Like a Layered Cake

Ground → Sub-Base → Bedding Layer → Paving

Sub-base = strength → Crushed concrete / scalps
Bedding = accuracy → 2–6mm limestone / sand
Concrete materials = binding → Ballast / grit (when mixing)

Why These Materials Matter

Getting the base right means your patio, path, shed base or other landscaping stays level and long lasting. Good compaction and the right material choice help prevent future settling, cracking or uneven surfaces.

This quick guide helps take the guesswork out of ordering bulk materials - whether you’re tackling a DIY project or planning professional landscaping work. See all of our landscaping materials here.

Or if you wondered when to use Recycled Ballast or Crushed Concrete check out our Blog.

Choosing Your Landscaping Materials