All in Ballast 20mm

All In Ballast 20mm is a natural primary aggregate blend. It combines sharp sand with gravel particles graded from fines up to 20mm. The material is supplied as a mixed ballast rather than separate components.

The blended grading provides a balance of fines and coarse particles. The fines fill voids between larger stones. The material compacts under load and forms a dense mass when bound with cement. Drainage is limited due to sand content.

All In Ballast 20mm is used across domestic, commercial, and light civil works. Typical uses include concrete for foundations, bases, posts, and slabs. It is also used for non-structural fill where a mixed aggregate is required.

Material Classification and Description

All In Ballast 20mm is classified as a blended natural aggregate. It contains fine and coarse fractions within a single supply. The grading is continuous from dust to nominal 20mm stone. The material is not single sized.

Compaction and Load Behaviour

The material compacts readily due to fines content. Void spaces are reduced under mechanical or applied load. Load distribution is moderate when unbound. Structural capacity is achieved only when cement bound.

• Compacts to a dense mass when confined

• Limited interlock compared to crushed stone

• Load performance depends on cement content

• Not suitable as a free draining layer

Drainage and Water Interaction

Water movement through the material is restricted. Fine particles reduce permeability. Moisture retention is higher than clean aggregates.

• Low permeability due to sand content

• Not suitable for drainage layers

• Water retained within fines

• Saturation can affect workability

Material Consistency and Supply Expectations

Particle shape and colour vary by source. Gravel may be rounded or partially crushed. Sand content may vary within industry tolerances. The blend is not precision graded.

Suitability and Usage Limitations

Suitable For:

• General concrete production

• Strip and pad foundations

• Shed and garage bases

• Fence post concreting

• Mass fill with cement binder

Not Suitable For:

• Drainage layers

• Permeable construction

• Type 1 sub-base replacement

• Filter layers

• Exposed decorative finishes

Application Decision Table

Ballast Types and Typical Size Ranges in UK Construction

Ballast size ranges are defined by nominal maximum particle size and fines content. Ranges can vary slightly by source and processing method.

Trade Supermarket – UK Supply and Hire Platform

Trade Supermarket is a UK-based platform supplying plant hire, aggregates, and building materials for a wide range of project types nationwide. Products and services are structured in line with recognised UK classifications and standard supply and hire practices.

What Sets Trade Supermarket Apart

• Unified Platform Structure: Hire services, aggregates, and building materials are supplied through a single operational framework rather than separate merchant systems.

• Classification-Led Organisation: Products are presented using recognised UK grading, classification, and typical use categories to support correct selection.

• Defined Supply Scope: The platform focuses on material supply and equipment hire only, with design, specification, and installation remaining outside the scope of service.

• Use-Case Neutral Positioning: Products support domestic, commercial, and infrastructure projects without retail-led assumptions.

• Consistent Operational Standards: The same structural and procedural standards are applied across all product categories.

Supply and Delivery Responsibility

• Material Variation: Aggregates are natural or recycled materials and variation in colour, shape, and composition can occur between sources and deliveries.

• Quantity and Coverage: Materials are supplied by weight or volume as ordered. Coverage, yield, and performance are influenced by application method and ground conditions.

• Delivery and Site Access: Delivery requires suitable access for the selected vehicle type. Clear access, adequate space, and stable ground conditions must be available at the delivery location.

• Offloading Conditions: Materials are offloaded at ground level only. Placement, spreading, or installation services are not included as part of supply.

• Returns and Surplus Material: Bulk aggregates are supplied on a non returnable basis once delivered. Buyers should allow appropriate tolerances when calculating quantities.

• Supply Scope: Supply is limited to the provision of materials only. Product selection, suitability assessment, and installation remain the responsibility of the buyer or appointed contractor.