Support Pages

General FAQ's

Delivery

Can you deliver to my area?

We can deliver to most areas of the UK.
For local deliveries we use our own trucks with a vehicle mounted crane.
For nationwide deliveries we use a network of pallet couriers to deliver your products.

How long until I receive my order?

If you have selected a standard pallet service, your order will arrive within 5 working days of placing your order.
If you have selected an express pallet service, your order will arrive within 2 working days of placing your order.
For local orders, we will contact you after your order has been placed to arrange a time/date for delivery.

I am outside of your local delivery area, can I still place an order?

Yes of course! Your order will be strapped to a pallet & will be sent on either an economy or express service.

Can I collect my items?

Collection can be made from our branch on Roche Road, Bugle, PL26 8PP.
Please contact us if you require directions.

I am still unsure if you can deliver to my area.

Check out our delivery policy where you will find all matters relating to deliveries.

Product Support

Can't see what you want?

We are able to source many products that are not listed on our website.
Please contact us or use our quote form & a member of our team will get back to you shortly.

I would like to order a loose load of aggregate

We are able to supply a wide range of loose aggregates & gravels. Take a look at our product pages or contact us with your enquiry.

Do you have a minimum order?

There is no minimum order value or quantity.

Payments & Accounts

How do I pay for my order?

After adding your items to your basket, you can use your credit or debit card details to process your payment.
You can also call us on 01726 212721 and we can process your payment for you.

Do I need to pay for my order before it is delivered?

Yes, e require a successful payment before any order is dispatched .

Can I pay in branch?

Yes, we can take payment in branch with our chip & pin machine. This accepts all major credit/debit cards, Google pay & Apple pay.
We also accept cash payments in store.

Can I open an account?

Accounts are open for all customers.
You would first require a cash account for the first 30 days. Once this period has expired, we will look at turning this into a credit account.

Product FAQ's

Concrete Blocks

Can I render over concrete blocks?

Yes, you can render over concrete blocks. The joints or perps should be filled with a suitable mortar & the surface should be cleared of any dust/debris. Prior to rendering, you should apply a suitable primer to the wall. Your mortar mix should be a 4:1 with added plasticiser.

What does a pack of concrete blocks weigh?

The average weight for a pack of 4 inch concrete blocks is 1.3 tons.
There are 72 blocks to a pack, weighing on average 18.5kg each.
The average weight for a pack of 6 inch blocks is 1.2 tons.
There are 48 to a pack, weighing roughly 25.5kg each.

How big is a concrete block?

A 4 inch concrete block measures 100mm x 215mm x 440mm.
A 6 inch concrete block measures 140mm x 215mm x 440mm.

Are concrete blocks waterproof?

Concrete blocks are not classified as being waterproof. Due to the nature of their construction, a concrete block will soak up any moisture & will retain this moisture for a long period of time.

What sand do I use for laying concrete blocks?

Concrete blocks should be laid on a cement mortar bed containing a thoroughly mixed combination of building sand/fine sand (0-2mm), cement & where necessary plasticiser.
The ratio of building sand to cement vary's according to its application. A good guide would be 4 parts building sand to 1 part cement (4:1).

How many blocks are there in a pack of blocks?

There are 72 blocks in a pack of 4 inch
There are 48 blocks in a pack of 6 inch

How many concrete blocks can I lay in a day?

There are many variables in block laying such as weather conditions, site access & method of laying.
An experienced block layer can easily lay 2 packs or 144 blocks per day on edge. This can be increased to 4 packs or 288 if laid on flat when assuming a 4 inch block.

Can I use concrete blocks for footings?

This would depend on what the footing will be supporting.
If your footing will be supporting a large wall or heavy building, concrete blocks would not be suitable for a footing.
If you are looking to support a small garden shed, small area of decking or other lightweight structure, providing the concrete blocks are placed onto stable ground they would be suitable as a footing.

How to cut concrete blocks?

The traditional way of cutting concrete blocks is by using a hammer & bolster to mark all the way around the block until it splits.
A more modern way to cut a concrete block would be to use a cut off saw or 9 inch grinder fitted with a diamond cutting blade. This makes for a quick & clean cut.

How many concrete blocks will I need?

This would depend on the style, size & width of concrete blocks. Generally you will require 10, 4 inch concrete blocks per square meter when laying them on their edge with the 215mm x 440mm showing as the face. Below is a guide on how many blocks are required.
A 4 inch or 100mm concrete block, when laid on edge will require 10 blocks per square meter of walling, this is the same for 6 inch or 140mm concrete blocks, the only difference between the 2 is the thickness of the block.
If laying a 4 inch concrete block on its flat, you would require 20 blocks per m2, this is because the thickness of the block will now become the ‘face’. When using a 6 inch or 140mm block on flat, you would require 15 blocks per square meter.
Contact us if you require any additional information regarding 4×4 dolly blocks, 6×4 dolly blocks or concrete bricks.

Dolly Blocks & Bricks

What are dolly blocks?

Dolly blocks are of the same construction as standard concrete blocks but smaller. They are usually around half the height of standard concrete blocks..

How big is a dolly block?

Dolly blocks come in various sizes, the 2 most popular sizes are 6 inch & 4 inch.
A 6 inch dolly block measures 440mm x 140mm x 100mm.
A 4 inch dolly block measures 440mm x 100mm x 100mm.

What are dolly blocks used for?

Dolly blocks are usually used when a full height concrete block would be to tall to finish a course of block laying.
Dolly blocks are particularly useful for filling between the joists of a building, on the last course before a wall plate or on the first course when constructing a DPC tray.

What is a concrete brick?

Concrete bricks are the same as standard clay bricks but are constructed entirely of concrete.

How big is a concrete brick?

As concrete bricks are a fairly modern concept, they adhear to the sizing of the more common metric system.
Concrete bricks usually measure 100mm x 75mm x 215mm

What is a concrete brick used for?

Concrete bricks are used for a variety of applications. Some local councils can specify the use of concrete bricks when the final finish is to paint, other uses can include enabling 'racking back' during construction of a wall, construction of inspection chambers & making up the difference either side of lintels.

Cement & Postcrete

How do I mix cement?

Cement is usually mixed with a cement mixer. The most standard mortar is a 4:1 for brick/block laying. To mix this, follow the following steps:
Start by adding approximately half a bucket of water & your chosen plasticiser if required. You should then add 5 shovels of fine/building sand & 1 shovel of cement. Once mixed, repeat this step & leave to thoroughly mix. Your mortar should be a creamy texture that sticks to your trowel.
If you do not have a cement mixer, you can follow the same process with a wheelbarrow, mixing with a shovel. Be prepared for a good workout though!

How much cement do I need?

On average, a single 25kg bag of cement will contain enough cement to make 2 mixes (or full wheelbarrows) of 4:1 mortar when combined with sand for brick/block laying.

How long does cement take to dry?

This is a good question as cement technically doesn't 'dry'. Cement is a chemical which is added to other materials, which causes a chemical reaction that bonds all of the products together to give them strength. If adding cement to a concrete mix, this usually sets within 24 hours but won't be fully hardened for up to 28 days.

What is cement made of?

Cement is manufactured through a chemical combination of calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron and other components. Common materials used to manufacture cement include limestone, shells, and chalk combined with shale, clay, slate, blast furnace slag, silica sand, and iron ore.

Does cement go out of date?

Yes, cement does have an expiry date. Generally cement packed in paper bags will last for 3 months from manufacturing & cement packed in plastic will last up to 6 months from manufacturing. It's always best to look on the side of the bags for the manufacturers expiry date.

How to use postcrete?

Postcrete is very easy to use. It's a fast setting concrete used to set posts for fencing, decking etc.
Simply dig your hole and fill one thirds of the way with water. Place your post in and pour the contents of the postcrete bag into the water. Mix thoroughly and it can be left to cure.

How to mix postcrete?

Postcrete should be poured directly into the the hole which contains the post to be fixed & the required amount of water.

Can I drill postcrete to take anchor bolts?

Providing the postcrete has been left to cure for the required amount of time, it can be drilled to take a fixing. Your fixing should not be too close to the edge as the concrete could be liable to cracking.

Is postcrete the same as concrete?

Concrete is a composite material, basically consisting of three components: water, cement, and a combination of rock, sand or gravel (aggregate), which have to be mixed together. Concrete can take between 24-48 hours to dry and up to 28 days to fully cure.
Postcrete, on the other hand, is the name given to a post mix concrete, which is a ready to use blend of concrete components that requires no mixing. Postcrete has additives that have been formulated specifically for setting wooden, metal or concrete posts into the ground with a very fast drying time of around 20 minutes and fully cured within 12 hours.

Can you use postcrete to lay slabs?

Due to the course aggregate contained within Postcrete, it is not suitable for laying slabs.
To lay slabs you need a mortar mix of course sand, cement and water.

How much postcrete per post?

One bag of postcrete per post is usually enough to set a standard 4x4 wooden post.
You can add more if you feel it's not enough to hold in place.

Does postcrete go out of date?

Postcrete has a 300 day usable window from the date of packing, which should be clearly printed on the bag.

Decorative Gravel & Chippings

How deep to dig for decorative gravel?

This depends on where you're putting the decorative gravel.
For a driveway, the overall depth should be 200mm. 150mm of this will be your sub base and the remaining 50mm for gravel.
For areas such as borders or pathways with a small amount of foot traffic, you may not need a sub base, so the overall depth should be 50mm.

Who sells decorative gravel?

There are many suppliers of decorative gravel on the internet, as well as many local suppliers. Why not take a look at our range decorative gravel online.

How much decorative gravel do I need?

How much gravel you will need depends on the size of the area.
Click here to go to our handy gravel calculator, enter the width, length and depth of the area and it'll do the maths for you!

Can you put gravel on top of wet concrete for decorative surfaces?

Yes you can add decorative gravel on concrete for decorative surfaces.
Just place the gravel on top of the concrete, tap it down gently and leave to set. This is an ideal way to keep the gravel from moving or being picked up and thrown around (kids, ay!).

Do you place fabric between gravel and decorative rock in a french drain?

By placing a layer of landscape fabric between a french drain & decorative gravel you will decrease the chance of the 2 different materials mixing together which will improve the life of the decorative gravel.

How do I stop cats pooping in my gravel?

You will find many ways to deter cats from pooing in your gravel online, but the only thing we have found to actually work is a sonic sound cat repellent device. These emit a high pitched sonic sound that only they can hear, which will make them avoid the area.

What is bound gravel?

Bound gravel, also known as self-binding gravel, is a surface which is formed rolling specialist stone aggregate into place which binds itself together.
It is often used as a more cost effective alternative to traditional paving such as concrete and slabs.

Does gravel improve drainage around a house wall?

Gravel should be placed around your house wall to decrease the chance of damp penetrating the DPC of your house. This will also improve drainage by letting rainwater soak through into the subsoil layer.

Do I need to put gravel in a planter?

It is a good idea to place gravel in the bottom of a planter to aid drainage.
You could also place decorative gravel onto the top of the planter to brighten up the brown soil.

What size does gravel come in?

There are lots of different shapes and sizes of gravel.
The most common ones start at 6mm and go all the way up to 40mm.

How much gravel is in a bulk bag?

How much gravel that's in a bulk bag depends on the size and density of the gravel.
Most bulk bags, on average, weigh between 850-1000kg.

What is decorative gravel?

Decorative gravel is an aggregate of a specific size (usually 20mm) which has been graded as a single size for use in areas such as driveways, pathways, beds & other areas of your garden.

20mm Granite Gravel

What colour is Granite gravel?

Granite gravel can be found in a range of colours including Silver, Red, Brown, Pink & Black.

How big is Granite gravel?

Granite gravel can be found in sizes from 6mm all the way up to 40mm. Our range includes products of 20mm.

What can Granite gravel be used for?

Granite gravel is a very strong aggregate suitable for heavy traffic areas such as driveways. It is also a long lasting solution for pathways & beds.

Where does Granite gravel come from?

Granite can be found in various areas of the UK including the south west, north east & Scotland.
Our Granite is sourced locally from Cornwall in the south west.

What type of rock is Granite?

Granite is an igneous rock. A very tough stone formed when magma cools slowly underground.

What is Granite used for?

Granite is used in the construction of buildings as a facing stone, as an aggregate in the mixing of concrete & as a decorative aggregate within landscaping.

20mm Sandstone Gravel

What colour is Sandstone gravel?

Sandstone gravel can be found in various colours including Buff, Grey & Blue.

How big is Sandstone gravel?

Sandstone gravel is usually found in sizes from 14mm - 20mm.

What can Sandstone gravel be used for?

Sandstone gravel is a fairly soft stone which is ideal for lower traffic areas such as pathways & beds.

Where does Sandstone gravel come from?

Sandstone is found across the south of the UK & other locations worldwide.
Our sandstone gravel is sourced from the south west in Cornwall.

What type of rock is Sandstone?

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock.

Is Blue Sandstone man made?

No, Sandstone is not a man made material.

20mm Limestone Gravel

What colour is Limestone gravel?

Limestone gravel can mostly be found in darker colours such as black & grey.

How big is Limestone gravel?

Limestone gravel is usually available in sizes from 14mm - 20mm

What can Limestone gravel be used for?

Limestone is a very hardwearing stone, suitable for drivewyas, paths & borders.

Where does Limestone gravel come from?

Limestone gravel is usually found in the northern regions of the UK. Small deposits can also be found in the south west.

Where can I buy Limestone gravel?

There are many suppliers of Limestone gravel on the internet, as well as many local suppliers. Why not take a look at our range of Limestone gravel.

Does salt soften Limestone gravel?

Salt can breakdown Limestone as a result of repeated exposure.

Is pea gravel Limestone?

Pea gravel is a class or size of the stone. Depending on the area that the pea gravel is supplied, it can be limestone, flint or granite

20mm Flint Gravel

What colour is Flint gravel?

Flint gravel is usually a golden/brown colour.

How big is Flint gravel?

Flint gravel can range from 6mm up to 20mm

What can Flint gravel be used for?

Flint gravel is usually used as a decorative aggregate. Depending on the location of the flint quarry, this aggregate can also be used as a general construction aggregate in concrete & sub bases

Where does Flint gravel come from?

Flint gravel can mostly be found in the southern parts of the UK.

Where can I buy Flint gravel?

You can find sellers of flint gravel across the web & at various merchants. Why not take a look at our range of Moonstone Flint gravel

What is the difference between Flint & shingle?

Shingle is a class of stone rather than a type. Shingle can be found in the forms of Granite, Limestone & Flint.

Is Flint gravel good for drainage?

Flint is a good source of drainage material as it is less likely to soak up moisture over Granite or Limestone.

20mm Blue Elvan

What colour is Blue Elvan gravel?

As its name suggests, Blue Elvan has an overall Blue colour with various stones containing White, Black & Grey.

How big is Blue Elvan gravel?

Blue Elvan is generally found in sizes of 10mm & 20mm.

What can Blue Elvan gravel be used for?

Blue Elvan is mostly used as a decorative gravel. Due to its hard nature, it is ideal for driveways, paths & beds.

Where does Blue Elvan gravel come from?

Blue Elvan is a local stone quarried only in Cornwall.

Where can I buy Blue Elvan gravel?

Blue Elvan can be found at online retailers & local merchants within Cornwall & the south west. Why not take a look at our range of Blue Elvan.

Why is it called Blue Elvan

Blue Evlan gains its name from its ties with local miners in Cornwall.

Coarse/Concreting sand

Are coarse sand and sharp sand the same thing?

Coarse sand & sharp sand are the same product.
They can aslo be known as concreting sand & rough sand.

Is gravel or coarse sand more permeable?

Due to the smaller fines found in coarse sand, gravel would be a better option for a permeable application.

How much does coarse sand cost?

The cost of coarse sand can vary by the location & type of product. Prices can start at £11 per ton for a loose load or £36 for a bulk bag.

Where to buy coarse sand?

Coarse sand is available at many online retailers & local builders merchants. Why not take a look at our range of coarse sand products.

What is sharp sand?

Sharp sand, also know as coarse sand is a semi fine aggregate of sand particles form 0-4mm in size.

How much sharp sand & cement do I need?

For a standard paving laying mortar you would need 4x 25kg bags of coarse sand & half a bag of 25kg cement to make a full mix or 1 full wheelbarrow load.

Whats the difference between soft sand & sharp sand?

Soft sand contains smaller, round particles for block laying. Coarse sand contains larger, angular particles which is ideal for paving, concreting & soil conditioning.

What is sharp sand used for?

Sharp sand is used with cement to create mortar for laying paving, as a dry product for block paving, for concreting & soil conditioning.

Can I use sharp sand as a sub base?

Sharp sand is not suitable for use as a sub base due to the small nature of the particles. You would require a large aggregate such as type 1 803 or 20mm to dust.

Fine/Building Sand

What size is fine sand?

Fine sand, known also as building sand or soft sand is a fine aggregate of 0-2mm in size, used in general building applications..

Where to buy fine sand?

Fine sand can be found online or at many local builder merchants. Checkout our range of building sand products.

Is mortar sand coarse or fine?

Mortar for brick or block laying uses fine sand within the mortar mix.

How much does fine sand cost?

The cost of fine sand can vary depending on location & type. Costs can start from £3.20 for a 25kg bag, £40 for a bulk bag or £14 for a loose ton.

Can you lay paving on building sand?

It is not recommended to lay paving on fine sand due to the round particles. You would require coarse sand for paving as it contains larger, angular particles that lock together.

What is building sand made of?

Builders sand is made up from small particles of decomposed rock (silica quartz), coral, minerals and shell.

Can you use building sand for concrete?

It is not recommended to use fine sand in a concrete mix due to the round particles. You would need a coarse sand/concrete sand.

Can lime render be made with soft building sand?

Lime can be mixed with fine sand to make a lime mortar. Lime is mostly mixed with a 50/50 ratio of fine & coarse sand.

Can I use building sand for screed?

Screed should be mixed using a coarse sand rather than a fine sand as the particles in soft sand are too round & do not lock together like the particles in coarse sand.

How many bags are there on a pallet of building sand?

There are 40 bags of 25kg fine sand on a full pallet.

Which sand is used to build a brick wall?

Fine or building sand is used as a bricklaying mortar in the construction of walls.

Can you lay block paving on building sand?

You should not use fine sand to lay block paving. Coarse sand or 6mm grit would be the preferred option for this application.

Sub-base Aggregate

What is sub base?

Sub base is the coarse stone material beneath the finished layer of a surface. Its purpose is to spread the weight of the surface across a larger area beneath.

How much sub base do I need?

For a driveway application, you would need a 150mm thick layer of sub base. For a patio or pathway you would require a 80-100mm thick layer.

Can sand be used as a sub base?

Sand should not be used as a sub base as it cannot transfer the weight like coarse aggregate can.

Can old asphalt be used as a sub base?

Asphalt or tarmac should not be used as a sub base because it will flex beneath the finished layer.

What is the best material for a sub base?

The best material for a sub base is type 1 803.

What is 803 aggregate?

803 is a coarse stone aggregate used as a sub base, it contains stones no larger than 40mm down to 4mm.

What is type 1 aggregate?

Tyoe 1 is the same aggregate as 803, it can be found as a limestone, flint or granite material.

Can building rubble be used instead of type 1 aggregate?

Building rubble is not the ideal material for a sub base but as long as it is crushed to a suitable size of 40mm & spread/compacted evenly, it will provide a good base.

What is 20mm to dust aggregate?

20mm to dust is a coarse aggregate containing stone no larger that 20mm, down to dust of 2mm.

Pipe Bedding & Grit

What is pipe bedding?

Pipe bedding is a coarse aggregate used to fill and encase services such as pipes and cables in trenches.

What type of stone is pipe bedding?

The material of pipe bedding can change depending on the location. It can be Limestone, Flint or Granite.

What is pipe bedding used for?

Pipe bedding is used to encase services such as pipes and cables in trenches.

Where can I buy pipe bedding?

Pipe bedding can be found online or at many local builders merchants. Check out our range of pipe bedding products.

What is grit used for?

Grit is used for the aggregate layer in the construction of block paving, as a 'no fines' concrete mix and for the improving of soil drainage.

What sand do you use for block paving?

The most common types of sand to use with block paving is coarse sand or 6mm grit.

Can I use grit to improve the drainage in my soil?

Grit is a great solution to improve the drainage of soil.

Where can I buy 6mm grit?

Grit can be found at many online retailers and local builders merchants. Check out our range of Grit on our website.

Self Binding Gravel

What is Self Binding Gravel?

Self Binding Gravel, is a surface which is formed rolling specialist stone aggregate into place which binds itself together.
It is often used as a more cost effective alternative to traditional paving such as concrete and slabs.

How to lay Self Binding Gravel?

Self Binding Gravel is simple to lay. Once the area is prepped and ready, simply spread a thick, even layer of Self Binding Gravel, wet it down and compact it with a wacker plate.

What does Self Binding Gravel contain?

Self Binding Gravel is a blend of either 8mm or 10mm sized gravel particles, dust, sand and clay that bonds firmly when compacted.

How long does Self Binding Gravel last?

Self Binding Gravel is a natural product, so it depends on how it is treated as to how long it lasts for.

What colour is Self Binding Gravel?

It all depends on what type of stone and where it is mined as to what colours are available.
The most common colours found in self binding gravel are Red, Buff and Golden.

Where can I buy Self Binding Gravel?

Self Binding Gravel can be bought at many online retailers & local builders merchants. Check out our range of Self Binding Gravel on our website.

Sea Sand

What colour is sea sand?

Sea sand is generaly a deep golden colour.

How big is sea sand?

Sea sand contains particles up to 2mm in diameter.

Is play sand the same as sea sand?

Play sand & sea sand are very similar in appearance. Our sea sand is safe for use for children.

Can I use play sand or sea sand on block paving?

As long as the sand is dry it can be used to point the surface of block paving.

Is play sand safe for dogs?

Play sand & sea sand is safe for children & pets.

Can I use sea sand to mix mortar?

Due to the salt content of sea sand, it is not suitable in the mix of mortar.

Compost & Mulch

What is compost?

Compost is decomposed organic matter that is rich in plant nutrients and beneficial organisms, such as worms and fungal mycelium.

How is compost made?

It is commonly prepared by decomposing plant and food waste and recycling organic materials

Where can I buy compost?

Compost can be found at many online retailers, garden centers and builders merchants. Check out our range of compost & mulch on our website.

Where can I buy mulch?

Mulch can be found at many online retailers, garden centers and builders merchants. Check out our range of compost & mulch on our website.

What is mulch?

Mulch is a material applied to the surface of soil. Reasons for applying mulch include conservation of soil moisture, to improve the health of soil and reducing weed growth.

What is mulch made of?

Organic Mulch is made from dead plant material such as compost, leaves, bark or grass clippings.
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