Can I use 20mm gravel as a sub-base?

20mm screened ballast is versatile and can be used on driveways, footpaths, oversite fill as well as sub-bases.

Can 20mm gravel compact?

It will compact to the extent that it won't settle but only if contained. What it won't do and what you need is a material that will bind together. Look at crushed concrete. best of all with a bit of brick in it: this will compact very well.

Can you use gravel as sub-base?

If your builder uses the gravel he may find it will dissipate too easily into the ground and will spend more time and money to get the levels needed. I would not advise using the gravel. A well constructed base means your drive will never get sink holes.

How thick should a sub-base be?

The subbase should be laid to a minimum of 75mm on a area which will be having foot traffic, 100mm - 125mm thick for domestic driveways. The subbase will need to compact using a vibrating drum or a "waker plate". The finished surface for the sub-base should not deviate by more then +/- 10mm.

Can you use stones as a sub-base?

The most common granular aggregate sub-base is DoT (Department of Transport) Type 1 and Type 3 Limestone. They are both crushed stone: Type 1 has a maximum permitted top size of 63mm, graded down to dust; and Type 3 is an open-graded 40mm unbound mixture with a reduced amount of fines.

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What is 20mm ballast used for?

Widely used in construction and domestic applications, this 20mm ballast is ideal for making general purpose concrete for the use in paths, over sites, shed bases, wall footings, securing fence posts, path edgings and kerbs and general hard landscaping uses.

How thick should a patio sub-base be?

The depth of the mortar bed should be approximately 35-40mm deep. Ideally starting from a right angle or straight edge, place the slab down. Gently tap with a rubber mallet or press down with your hands and use a spirit level to ensure to make sure the slab is level and in line with your proposed design.

Can I use rubble for sub-base?

It will be fine.

Do you wet sub-base before compacting?

You'll want to ensure that the water penetrates the entire depth of the sub-base material from top to bottom, but you'll want to avoid flooding the surface. If the base is too wet, you'll find that your plate compactor sinks too deep into surface. If this is case, allow the aggregate to dry out.

Can I use ballast as a sub-base?

Can I use ballast as a sub base? Ballast is available in different types for different needs. 0-20mm ballast is perfect for sub-base and concrete foundations. 20mm screened ballast is versatile and can be used on driveways, footpaths, oversite fill as well as sub-bases.

What is mot sub-base?

SKU: AGSTB020. MOT Type 1 is a crushed material, 0-40mm in size and usually made from granite or limestone. This makes it an extremely strong and hardwearing material once it has been compacted. Due to its strength, MOT Type 1 is usually used as a sub-base creating a stable surface for roads and pathways.

What is the best sub-base for a gravel driveway?

The most common sub-base material is DT Type 1 (MOT) which consists of crushed rock graded from 40mm down to dust. The range of sizes ensure the material interlocks when compacted whilst still remaining permeable to water.

What sub-base do I need for a patio?

The depth at which you will need your base will depend on where you are laying your paving and whether you want this paving raised or at ground level. The Typical measurements are a depth of 150mm. This includes a 75mm sub base, 50mm of a mortar mix or sharp sand and then the paving on top of this.

What is the best gravel for compaction?

Crushed stone: The term “crushed stone” usually refers to stone that has a mixture of stone dust in it. This type of stone is best used for a base when heavy compaction is needed.

How do you compact gravel without a compactor?

A lawn roller or hand tamper can be used to compact the moist soil, or you can walk over it.

What happens if you dont compact sub-base?

Each time a vehicle pulls into a garage and stops, that action creates a plate compactor effect. If the backfill under the slab has not been properly compacted, the structural fill will eventually settle, leaving voids.

What can I use instead of a plate compactor?

An ordinary sledgehammer is a better hand-operated tool for tamping. Handle vertical, lift and drop, repeat. Doing a good job with one is tedious but quite possible if you prefer not to rent a powered plate compactor. For something like compacting around a fencepost, an iron digging bar can be used to compact.

What is Type 2 sub-base?

Our Type 2 is a crushed aggregate with extra dusts and fines, which makes the perfect sub base for a range of domestic and commercial construction projects. Graded to 50mm down to dust and fines no specified grading, it is finer than our MOT Type 1 sub base, as it is composed of fewer larger angular scalpings.

How deep should a sub-base be for a gravel driveway?

Make sure the gravel layer is at least 50mm (5cm) deep and the gravel surface is spread across the surface. Simply rake over the entire area to help distribute the gravel evenly.

Can you lay slabs without a sub-base?

You do need to put something under paving slabs. Paving slabs should not be laid directly on to soft ground or grass. What's crucial to patio laying success is a sub-base to provide the support paving slabs require. You'll need a sub-base, which is the main load-bearing layer of your patio.

What is sub-base material?

Sub-base material is produced by crushing either limestone or granite rock. The sub-base is designed to evenly spread the load on traffic bearing areas such as pavements and roads. Made up of a load-bearing layer of aggregate, the sub-base is laid on the sub-grade layer below.

Do you need a compactor for sub-base?

As this sub-base is intended to carry the weight of a vehicle, it is essential that compaction is thorough. It is money well-spent to hire a plate compactor or roller to eliminate the chance of future settlement. The finished surface of the sub-base should be 'tight' i.e. not open textured or with surface voids.

What is the best sub-base for concrete?

The best sub-base for a concrete slab is gravel. The soil has to be prepped first before the gravel can be laid down; pouring concrete directly onto rock is not considered a best practice. You can use different kinds of gravel for the subbase as long as it is clean and uniform in shape and size.

How deep should sub-base be for block paving?

Sub-base

The sub-base is your main supporting layer of stone. For this, you'll need to apply a layer that's at least 100mm in depth. This is to make sure your paving can support the weight of what's on top of it, whether it's people or vehicles.