How to Choose the Right Building Aggregate

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Landscaping and building aggregates can be used for a variety of building projects. They may be put to use in construction, foundations and even garden paving.
They are affordable, durable and effective when it comes to crafting garden seating areas, and driveways and paths that are capable of withstanding any amount of torture that comes their way.
At Skyline Quarry, we provide an assortment of construction gravel and aggregates, suitable for almost any outdoor project that you may have in mind. We have decades of experience availing aggregates to thousands of businesses and homes.
We understand that the numerous forms of aggregates may present a challenge while deciding the best type for your project. How do you spot the most suitable material for your needs? And what amount do you need to purchase?
To answer these questions, we formulated this guide with our consumers in mind. It is specially designed to make you understand the different options and help you make an informed choice guided by your budget and setup. Let us get right into it.

Different forms of building aggregate

Sand


There are several varieties of building sand. Each can be used for a specific purpose within landscaping, building or construction.

  • Sharp sand
  • This is an all-purpose sand that is used to implement screeds or is mixed with dry mortar to secure basic paving slabs. You need this type of sand if you want more flexibility and strength in your structures.

  • Mixed building sand
  • Mixed building sand is a standardized form that is suitable for crafting wet mortar for use in making patios. We recommend our mixed building sand if your project involves use of natural stone products, such as laying slabs for your driveway.

  • Soft building sand
  • The nature of soft building sand makes it the perfect mortar for use in making smooth walls.

Gravel


Gravel is made up of stone rubbles and is used to produce concrete, improve drainage, ventilate soil and as a material for pathways and driveways.
Laying gravel is an easy and fast process. The assorted shapes and colours of the material brings an attractive colour and texture to surfaces. It is perfect for rapid construction of pavements, landscaping and reasonably priced gardens. There are several types of gravel and each serves different purposes.

  • 6mm and 10mm are good for pipe bedding, making footpaths and gardens
  • 20mm and 40mm are preferred by engineers because of their versatility.

These types of gravel are commonly used in decorating gardens, and making durable driveways with proper drainage.
It is important to understand that while using gravel to construct your driveway, you should go for the self-binding variety. It is more rigid than loose gravel, making it ideal for driveways that harbour larger vehicles.

Rip Rap/Rock Armour


This aggregate is specially designed to tolerate adverse conditions and prevent the surface from getting eroded by moving water. The interlocking mechanism of the aggregates foster a revetment structure that seamlessly becomes a barrier to any moving water or waves.

Flagstone


Our flagstone can be ordered in a number of sizes. Its thickness ranges from 1 to 3 inches. The small flagstones have a diameter of 6 to 18 inches. The nature of the flagstone makes it ideal for walls, walkways and patios.
Homeowners love it because it comes in sizes that are manageable and easy to work with.

Stone dust

Our stone dust takes after a mixture of gravel and sand. Its colour varies from tan to light grey. Our stone dust is the ideal material for laying flag stone or pavers when constructing walkways and patios.

You can compress around 6 inches of stone dust then lay your pavers or stones. Follow up this process by placing regulated amounts of stone dust along the cracks. Wet the areas with a hose to make the stone dust compact enough to keep the stones in place.

Some property owners have used it to make horse rings. Nevertheless, we discourage use of stone dust to construct driveways because the tracks get covered by mud over time.

Purchasing Building Aggregate in CT

Visit our stone supply quarry on Conklin Road, Stafford Springs, CT 06076 to discuss your building aggregate needs at length with our highly skilled experts. If you’re still not sure what type of aggregate you need, our team will be happy to help. You can also get in touch with us on 860-875-3580 for all your Connecticut Building stone needs.

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