There are a lot of different aggregates available through the likes of ballast suppliers and sand suppliers, and they each have their own specific purposes. It is important to know the differences in applications, especially with sand as the different types have very specific purposes that do not overlap.
Here were explain the uses of the various aggregates that you can buy through aggregates and topsoil suppliers Springbridge.
Ballast or Gravel
Ballast suppliers use a mixture of small stones or road planings to create the ballast, or gravel as it is often called. It is usually a dark grey colour and is mostly functional in its purposes, though some gravel can be used decoratively. One of its main purposes is as a mixing agent for making concrete for a wide variety of landscaping uses including fence posts, pathways and edgings, as well as for the bases of sheds.
Slag or Slate
Slate or slag is primarily used decoratively when used as an aggregate. The small pieces often feature a nice shimmery quality when wet that makes them attractive aggregates to use in gardens. There are three different kinds of slate available through topsoil suppliers Springbridge, including Blue, Green and Plum.
Building Sand
Sand suppliers should always make it clear when the sand they supply is intended for landscaping or construction projects, as the play sand (described below) is fine for children to play in, but building sand certainly is not. The particles are much larger and rougher and can be irritating to the skin if frolicked about in. Usually building sand is used for mixing cement as well as for lots of paving or brick laying applications.
Silver Play Sand
If you want to create a safe children’s play area, then the silver play sand’s finer and smoother particles are ideal. Sand suppliers also recommend this sand for applications such as long jump pits in high schools and for the creation of artificial beaches.
Shingle and Pebbles
Shingle is one of the most popular aggregates for creating pathways and driveways. It has that lovely familiar crunch under foot and looks bright, clean and aesthetically pleasing. Pebbles work in the same way and for the same purposes, but are generally much larger and often even more pleasing to the eye. Scottish pebbles, for example, are a light grey colour but the individual pebbles are often flecked with pink.
Topsoil
Topsoil has a very specific gardening purposes, that is the growing of plants and grass. You can buy it in bulk from topsoil suppliers for creating new areas to grow vegetation, or mix it in with the existing soil to give it a nutrient boost ahead of growing season.
If you require aggregates such as ballast or gravel, sand or slag then contact Springbridge via our website or call today on 0845 370 1921 for more information from our team of friendly sand, ballast and topsoil suppliers.