Posted on 7th November 2025
In landscaping, surfacing, and hard landscaping contracts, trade professionals know aggregates aren’t just about aesthetics, they must also deliver consistent, long-lasting performance.
At Stone & Surfaces Direct, we supply a comprehensive range of decorative and construction aggregates, from robust base layers to premium finishes, so you can meet every specification with confidence and efficiency.
This guide helps trade buyers navigate the balance between form and function, while showcasing how we simplify bulk aggregate procurement for the trade.
When specifying aggregates for trade use, it's essential to consider three core functional categories:
Base Layers & Structural Aggregates
For driveways, hard standings, or load-bearing surfaces, you'll need aggregates that compact well, provide structural strength, and form a stable foundation.
Drainage Aggregates
These are precisely sized and graded materials that promote water infiltration or soakaway performance, helping prevent pooling, flooding, or frost damage over time.
Decorative Finishes
The surface layer that defines visual appeal. Colour, texture, grading, and material consistency all matter for paths, borders, rockeries, and visible driveways.
At Stone & Surfaces Direct, we support every layer, from technical specification to aesthetic finish, making your aggregate selection easier and more reliable.
Choosing the right supplier is just as important as choosing the right aggregate.
We partner with respected producers like Burlington Aggregates, renowned for their extensive range and quality control. Their decorative aggregates, for example, are described as “an ideal medium for any kind of hard landscaping design,” and available in sizes from dusts to paddlestones.
Our wider range includes slate, granite, limestone, and Cotswold chippings, which are all ethically sourced, certified, and supplied in bulk bag formats for convenience and scale.
When specifying decorative aggregates, appearance and practicality go hand in hand. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Colour
From warm cream-buff tones like Cotswold chippings to deep charcoal or elegant plum slates, our range supports almost any design palette.
Size & Grading
We offer sizes including 6mm to dust, 10mm, 20mm, and 40mm - all available in bulk bags. Our 20mm aggregates range includes multiple colours and pack sizes to suit both domestic and commercial projects.
Texture & Material
Angular slate chippings like our South Lakeland Blue Slate provide strong visual consistency and crisp finishes. Our bulk bags (e.g. 900kg) often deliver more value than standard offerings, with up to 15% extra per bag.
By showcasing a wide range of materials and finishes, you can tailor both function and aesthetics for every project.
Trade professionals need to think beyond the aggregate itself because smart specification ensures high performance on-site. Key considerations include:
Use Weed Membranes
Prevent unwanted growth, preserve decorative finishes, and reduce ongoing maintenance.
Edge Appropriately
Define borders to prevent migration and ensure a crisp, long-lasting finish.
Account for Load-Bearing Needs
Driveways and hard-standings require compacted base layers (e.g. Type 1 MOT) beneath decorative materials.
Specify the Correct Depth
For instance, our 20mm decorative aggregates typically cover approx. 12m² at 4cm depth per bulk bag.
Drainage & Compaction
Choose angular aggregates (like granite or limestone) that interlock for effective compaction and water movement.
Order in Bulk with Delivery Scheduling
Ensure timely delivery with our UK-wide express service, and reduce downtime by pre-scheduling drops for efficient site progress.
Including these technical details in quotes or specs enhances the professionalism and reliability of your project delivery.
One of the key advantages of ordering through Stone & Surfaces Direct is bulk-bag availability and reliable UK-wide delivery, straight from the source.
On our product pages, you’ll find details such as:
CE-certified materials
Full traceability documentation
Direct-from-quarry supply chain
Bulk bag weights (typically 850–900kg)
Savings through volume purchasing
Whether you're ordering Welsh Green Granite Gravel 20mm, Cotswold Buff, or Lakeland Slate, we make it simple to buy in trade quantities, backed by consistent stock levels and express logistics.
Trade professionals trust us because we offer:
A wide and aesthetically versatile range of aggregates with structural integrity
Clear specification data, CE certification, and ethical sourcing
Bulk bag availability and fast UK-wide delivery, direct from the quarry
Competitive pricing thanks to cutting out middlemen
Support to help you specify for base layers, drainage, and decorative finishes — all from one place
As one of our trade customers said:
“Great prices as you buy direct from the factory and quarry. There are no middlemen.”
In trade procurement, details matter. Whether you're building a heavy-duty driveway, a soak-away system, or a high-end garden path, your aggregates should combine form and function.
By buying from Stone & Surfaces Direct, you’re choosing a supplier who understands both. We help you source trade-ready aggregates in bulk, backed by technical knowledge, fast delivery, and outstanding value.
Explore our full range of construction and decorative aggregates including slate, granite, limestone, and Cotswold materials, and get set up for high-performing, visually stunning installations.
Browse the range here and place your trade order today.
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