FAQs

To work out how much aggregate you need, first measure the length and width of the area to be covered to get the area in square metres, then decide on the depth you need in metres.
Multiply area by depth to get the volume in cubic metres, then multiply by around 2.4 to convert to tonnes and add an extra 5–10% to allow for wastage and compaction.
Example: If your area is 10m by 5m at 0.1m depth:
• Area = 10 × 5 = 50m²
• Volume = 50 × 0.1 = 5m³
• Tonnage ≈ 5 × 2.4 = 12 tonnes

That depends on the size of your project and the depth required for its use (for example, paths, driveways, sub bases, or decorative areas each need different depths).

If you send us your length, width, and required depth, we can calculate the volume and recommended tonnage for you, or you can use the simple formula: volume = area × depth, then convert cubic metres to tonnes.

The simplest way is to drop your dimensions into our aggregate calculator, choose the product, and use that output as your ordering guide.

Aggregate prices vary depending on the material (for example MOT type 1, gravel, sand), the quantity you order, and your delivery location. We’ll provide a tailored, no‑obligation quote once we know what product you need, how much you need, and where it is being delivered.

Aggregate is typically delivered loose tipped by tipper lorries.

We have 4 wheel tippers (up to around 11 tonnes), 8 wheel tippers (up to around 18–20 tonnes), and larger articulated lorries (up to around 30 tonnes loose), subject to access.

Our aggregate collections & delivery start from as little as 0.5T, so it’s easy to collect exactly what you need.

We’ll confirm the most suitable vehicle based on your access restrictions (road width, turning space, overhead cables, drive strength) and the tonnage you require.

The right aggregate depends on what you are building. Sub‑bases for drives and paths usually need a compactable MOT‑type material, while decorative gravel works as a top layer or around planting. Concrete mixes, drainage trenches and haul roads each use different grades.

• For driveways and high‑use areas, a compactable sub‑base such as MOT type 1 under a suitable surface layer is usually recommended. Or recycled aggregate 0/40mm grading
• For paths and decorative areas, a decorative gravel or stone in a suitable size (commonly 10mm, 14mm or 20mm) works well.
• For foundations and more heavily loaded areas, a stronger sub‑base and greater depth are usually needed.
• For drainage a common aggregate used would be a 28mm clean or 40/60, 80/150mm.

If you tell us what you are working on we can recommend the most suitable product and depth.

Yes, we offer tailored concrete mixes to meet the specific needs of your project. Our team will work with you to design a mix that meets your project’s requirements for strength, durability, and workability.

Yes, we offer reliable and timely delivery services to ensure your concrete arrives at your project site when you need it. We deliver to both residential and commercial locations.

To help estimate the quantity of concrete you’ll need, we recommend calculating the volume of the area to be filled.

Measure the length, width and depth of the pour, multiply them together, then add a small allowance for waste. Or skip the maths and drop your dimensions into our concrete calculator for a quick answer. Concrete calculator

You can also speak to our team directly on 01248 353 595 or email sales@hogan-group.com. They can assist you with the calculations to ensure you order the right amount.

The setting time of concrete can vary depending on the mix and environmental conditions. Generally, concrete will begin to set within 2-4 hours, but full curing can take up to 28 days for optimal strength.

We offer a wide range of concrete products, including ready-mix concrete, decorative concrete, liquid-screed and reinforced concrete. We can also provide bespoke solutions for specific requirements like high-strength, self-compacting, and eco-friendly concrete.

Speak to our of team today for expert, personalised advice on 01248 353 595 or email sales@hogan-group.com

Loose aggregate is cheaper per tonne than ready-mix because you are only paying for stone or sand, not cement, admixtures, batching and delivery. Once you add cement, labour, plant and placement, finished concrete is the higher-value, higher-cost product – it is the element providing the structural performance, not just the bulk.

Fine Aggregates
Ideal for smooth finishes in concrete mixes.

Fine aggregates tie your mix together. Clean, consistent sand or fines fill the voids around larger stone, giving you a workable, stable mix that finishes neatly. For slabs, screeds and detailed edges, they help you pour, level and trowel faster, with fewer defects and a better looking surface.

Coarse Aggregates
Perfect for structural applications requiring strength and stability.

Coarse aggregates do the heavy lifting in your mix. Tough gravel and crushed stone form a solid skeleton that carries the load, resists rutting and movement, and stands up to tough site conditions. When you need concrete or sub‑bases that don’t give way, this is where the strength comes from.

Specialised Aggregates
Tailored solutions for unique project specifications.

Specialised aggregates are for jobs where standard stone will not cut it. Whether you need a decorative finish, extra weight, or higher performance, we source and blend to suit. From eye catching gravels to technical mixes, you get material matched to the spec, not a one size fits all load.

The stone is hard and durable, not soft, flaky or easily crushed in handling or service. There is a controlled spread of sizes so the concrete packs densely with minimal gaps.

The aggregates are stable and non-reactive, with low absorption and no components that could cause expansion or surface pop-outs.

There is no one “best” aggregate for every pour. The right option depends on the job, exposure and thickness. Within our Hogan mixes we blend a 10/20 and 4/10mm for a good balance of strength and pumpability. We can also produce concrete if the specification requires with a 10mm only aggregate.

Concrete aggregates carry most of the load and largely determine overall strength and durability. Poor stone or sand pushes up water demand, weakens the mix and increases the risk of cracking and spalling.

Because aggregates form most of the concrete volume, their grading and cleanliness dictate how the slab or structure behaves over time.

Good-quality aggregates help the mix compact tightly, cut voids and shrinkage, and make placing and finishing more straightforward on site.

Asphalt, a bitumen-bound mix, is laid hot and then allowed to cool and cure. Normally, it feels firm enough for light use within a couple of days. However, the binder continues to harden and gain strength over several months, which is why new asphalt is more vulnerable to scuffing and indentations early on.

Dense bitumen macadam doesnt come in one standard thickness – its made to suit the job. On most real-world projects, a layer is in the region of a few centimetres thick, with heavier-duty roads and yards needing a deeper build-up than light-use areas like small car parks or access roads. The exact thickness is set at the design stage.

This means the finished pavement can cope with the expected traffic and tie in properly with the layers beneath and the surface course above.

Asphalt is the actual paving material made by combining aggregates such as sand, gravel or crushed stone with bitumen as the binder. This combination produces a durable yet slightly flexible surface that can cope with traffic loads and changing weather conditions. Because of these properties, asphalt is widely used on roads, car parks, driveways, and runways, and, in some cases, for roofing systems.

Bitumen is a thick, black, sticky material produced when crude oil is distilled. In paving, it serves as the binder that holds aggregates together in an asphalt mix. It is highly adhesive and waterproof, helping protect the roads structure from water damage and keeping the surface intact under traffic. It is used as a binder in both hot-mix and cold-mix asphalt, and it also appears in roofing and other waterproofing products.

Tarmac is where tar is mixed with macadam crushed stone before laying, then compacted with a roller. It was patented by Edgar Purnell Hooley in 1902 as a more durable, dust-free version of basic macadam roads. In Tarmac, the tar acts like glue, holding the stones together and helping keep water out, which provides additional waterproofing and adhesion compared to macadam.

20/31.5mm

– 20/31.5mm stone is well-suited for drainage and load-bearing foundations where durability is key. The larger stone gives mass concrete and heavy foundations the strength to carry serious loads and shrug off movement. It is a solid choice for big pads, deep footings and jobs where long-term durability matters more than a fine finish.

40/60mm mix

– A 40/60mm is built for heavy-duty work, perfect for road sub-bases and large infrastructure projects. The chunkier stone locks together to form tough sub‚Äëbases that spread loads and stay stable under traffic. You see it under roads, yards and industrial hardstandings, where the ground needs to stay firm, well drained and ready for hard use.

80/150mm

– 80/150mm is best used in ground stabilisation, erosion control, and major civil engineering works requiring robust support. These larger pieces are used to stabilise soft ground, armour slopes and soakaways, and keep erosion in check. They create open, robust layers that resist wash-out and give major civil and infrastructure schemes a dependable base.

Drainage aggregate is a free-draining stone used to move water away from structures, surfaces or soil. It is usually a clean, single-size gravel or crushed stone with no fines, so water can flow through quickly without clogging. 40-60mm

The best aggregate for drainage is a clean, single-size stone that lets water pass freely but still supports the ground or pipework. In many jobs that means a 10–20 mm gravel or crushed stone, with the exact size set by the design and product spec.

We service an area across North Wales and the Northwest. See our locations below.

CONCRETE
We deliver concrete within circa 25-30miles radius from LL547DA.
This covers the whole of Anglesey, down to Pwllheli and up to Llandudno and Colwyn Bay.

ASPHALT
Asphalt supply is generally within a 35-40 mile radius. (our Hogan Construction team can work further afield)

AGGREGATE
Clean aggregate for asphalt travels to Manchester, Liverpool, Shefield & Stoke.
Cricket aggregate can be delivered Nationally.
Generic subbase materials is a local market, within a 40 mile radius.

All Hogan aggregates are sourced from 4 carefully managed sustainable quarries and processed through modern crushing and screening equipment to maintain consistent grading and performance.

Our team tracks quality and gradings continuously, not just at start-up – an ongoing loop of sampling, checking and nudging.

Every load is subject to rigorous quality control, giving contractors confidence in strength, durability and compliance with relevant standards.

Our team will help you select the most suitable aggregate based on application, load, required drainage and finish, so you get the right performance on site. Whether you need material for sub-base, concrete, asphalt or specialist drainage, we’ll recommend a grade and size that meets current standards and best practice.

This depends on the type of concrete being produced. Due to its small particle size, 10mm aggregate is better for thin sections, decorative concrete or areas requiring a smoother finish. 20mm aggregate is generally preferred for structural concrete and slabs, as it provides greater strength. We also supply a 14mm allin & 20mm allin designed for concrete.

We supply hardstone in 6mm, 10mm, 14mm, 20mm, and 28mm. These cover most standard specifications.

The hardest aggregates are igneous rocks such as granite, basalt, and quartzite. These materials are durable, abrasion-resistant, and have excellent load-bearing capacity. They are ideal for heavy-duty concrete and road construction, as well as high-strength structural applications.

Roads and highways: Used for new construction and resurfacing on everything from local roads to major routes, carrying cars, HGVs and buses all day long.

Car parks and yards: Common in supermarket, retail and industrial parking areas where you need a stable surface that stands up to turning and loading.

Runways and airfields: Used on runways, taxiways and aprons where a tough, flexible surface is needed under landing and turning aircraft.

Driveways and paths: Often used for driveways, pavements, cycleways and shared paths to give a smooth, clean finish that is easy to look after.

Repairs and heavy-duty areas: Put to work on pothole repairs and in busy yards and industrial sites where HGVs and machinery are on the move all day.

Hot rolled asphalt (HRA) is a dense, hard-wearing road surfacing mix used wherever you need a tough, reliable finish. From busy roads and junctions to car parks and urban streets.

Durability: Hot rolled asphalt stands up well to constant heavy traffic, so it does not rut or push around under lorries, buses or tight turning movements.

Skid resistance: Chippings are rolled into the surface to create texture and grip, helping drivers brake and steer with more confidence, particularly in wet conditions.

Longevity: When it is laid and maintained properly, hot-rolled asphalt offers a long service life, reducing the number of interventions and patch repairs you need over time.

Versatile use: It is widely used on roads, highways, town centres and parking areas where clients want a robust, smooth surface that can handle constant traffic

HRA (hot rolled asphalt) and SMA (stone mastic asphalt) are both tough asphalt mixes, but they are built and used differently.

HRA is a dense, heavy-duty surface that’s built to cope with big traffic volumes and lots of turning, so it’s often used where the loading is highest. SMA is usually picked where you want a quieter surface with extra texture and grip, for example, on certain main roads or junctions.

In the end, it comes down to what the job needs – traffic levels, location and any spec you must work to – and the designer will choose the mix that best fits that brief.

Hot asphalt is simply the go-to material when you need a hard-wearing, smooth surface that will take a lot of use without breaking up. You’ll see it most on roads, car parks and other busy paved areas because it goes down quickly, carries heavy traffic, and, if it’s laid properly, will last for years.

Liquid screed is often the better option for fast, level floors and underfloor heating, but traditional cement screed is still preferred in some applications.

Liquid anhydrite screed is pumped, self-levelling and gives a very flat finish with less labour and faster installation.
It offers better thermal conductivity than sand-and-cement, so it works particularly well with underfloor heating at reduced depths.

It has low shrinkage, which helps to reduce the risk of cracking when correctly designed and installed.It is, however, sensitive to moisture and is not generally specified for wet rooms, showers or areas with standing water.

Surface laitance must be removed, and compatible primers and adhesives must be used, as not all flooring products are suitable for direct application to anhydrite screeds.

Cement-based screeds are widely used and compatible with most floor finishes. They perform better than liquid screed in wet or externally exposed locations, but they take longer to dry and are more prone to shrinkage-related cracking.

Liquid screed is a pourable flooring screed that’s pumped into place to give a flat, level base ready for your chosen floor finish. Because it flows, it gets into every gap, wraps around underfloor heating pipes and needs far less hand trowel work than a traditional sand and cement screed.

Hogan Concretes range of Masterflow screeds are anhydrite-based screeds. Anhydrite liquid floor screed is a type of floor finishing material made from anhydrite, a mineral that is a formed of calcium sulphate. Overall, anhydrite liquid floor screed is a popular choice in modern construction for its efficiency, speed of application, and favourable performance characteristics.

Liquid screed and sand-cement (dry) screed are both used to create a level base, but they perform differently and suit different types of projects.

Liquid screed is pump-applied and a free-flowing anhydrite-based mix that self-levels.
Sand-cement screed is laid semi-dry and levelled by hand. It is a traditional blend of sand, cement and water.

Liquid screed is poured, dappled and quickly achieves a flat, consistent surface with minimal manual finishing and high daily outputs.
Sand-cement screed is more labour-intensive, slower to install and relies on the installer to achieve levels.

Liquid screed dries more quickly and can be walked on or covered sooner than dry screed. It reaches floor-covering readiness more quickly at lower depths.
Sand-cement screed generally needs longer to cure and dry, which can extend the programme.

Liquid screed offers better thermal conductivity and fully surrounds UFH pipes, improving heat transfer. Sand-cement screed has lower thermal performance and a higher risk of voids around pipework.

For most jobs, liquid screed is laid to a minimum thickness of 35-50 mm. The exact depth depends on the product, the subfloor and whether theres underfloor heating in the buildup.

As a rule of thumb, underfloor heating usually needs sufficient cover over the pipes or cables to provide good strength and heat transfer, which is why most systems sit in the 40-50 mm range overall.

Hogan Concrete can also supply self-levelling screeds that go down much thinner, where you just need to take out minor variations rather than install a full-depth screed. The final answer should always come from the data sheet for the screed youre using on that project.

At Hogan we have a preferred list of approved contractors who we have quality controlled to ensure they can follow the system optimally. Please contact one of our team today who will be able to price and supply information, on 01248 353 595 or email saleshogan-group.com

Asphalt is not worse than concrete, but it is different. Each has its own strengths, so the better choice depends on how the surface will be used. Concrete is harder and usually lasts longer, so it is a solid choice in the long run. Asphalt goes down quicker, and is much easier to patch and resurface, which is why you see it on so many roads, car parks, and driveways. Both perform well when properly designed and laid.

Advantages of Asphalt

Asphalt can be laid and compacted more quickly and is more flexible, which helps it withstand temperature fluctuations and minor ground movements without cracking.

Repairs to asphalt surfaces are typically easier and less expensive. Potholes and cracks can be filled relatively quickly.

In most cases, yes — asphalt is usually cheaper upfront than block paving for the same area. The materials cost less, and go down faster, which keeps labour and installation costs lower for driveways, car parks, and roads.

Pavement asphalt is the black road surface you drive and walk on every day. Its usually an ac6mm or ac10mm surface course.

Yes, pipe bedding should be lightly compacted to remove voids and provide consistent support, but care must be taken not to over-compact, as this could damage the pipe. Proper compaction ensures alignment, stability and long-term performance.

10mm pipe bedding gravel

Fine, close-knit support: 10mm is ideal where you need tight contact around smaller diameter pipes and fittings, giving excellent side support and reducing the risk of voids under the barrel.

Smooth compaction: the smaller stone size knits together quickly, so crews can shape and compact around the pipe without fighting oversized pieces or bridging.

Versatile on tight jobs: perfect for service trenches, shallow runs and locations where you want a neat finish and easy level control around crowded utilities.

14mm pipe bedding gravel

Balanced grading: 14mm strikes a balance between the close support of 10mm and the drainage capacity of 20mm, giving a stable, well-interlocked bed.

Strong support for heavier lines: the slightly larger stone size gives a more robust skeleton in the embedment, ideal for mid–to large-bore pipes needing extra side bearing.

Reliable for deeper covers: where cover depths increase, a quality 14mm aggregate helps distribute load through the bedding, reducing differential settlement around the pipe.

20mm pipe bedding gravel

High drainage capacity: 20mm gravel is widely used for combined bedding and drainage, allowing water to move freely away from the pipe zone.

Robust under load: the coarser particle size creates a strong, interlocked matrix, ideal where pipes sit under trafficked areas or require higher bearing capacity.

Multi-purpose on site: 20mm is equally at home as pipe surround, backfill and general drainage layer, helping you standardise materials across the job.

Pipe bedding gravel is a free-draining, evenly graded aggregate — typically 10mm & 14mm gravel or crushed stone. It is placed beneath and around pipes to create a uniform, easily compacted base that cushions and stabilises the pipe, prevents voids and misalignment, and allows water to flow away safely.

Yes, its usually a bit more expensive at the start than standard asphalt, mainly because of the build-up beneath and the extra design work that comes with it. However, it can save money elsewhere on the job by cutting down on gullies, pipes and separate drainage systems, and it can help with planning where SuDS and surface-water controls are a big issue. Whether it works out more expensive overall really depends on the project. For some sites, the drainage and compliance benefits more than offset the extra spend on surfacing for others, simple traditional asphalt may still be the better value.

Manages surface water at source.
Rainfall soaks through the surface into a stone reservoir below, which slows down runoff, reduces the risk of localised flooding, and helps recharge the ground or downstream drainage. For car parks, yards and low-speed roads, that often means you can reduce or simplify conventional gulleys, pipes and attenuation tanks.

Improves water quality and supports SuDS.
As water passes through the asphalt and stone, sediments and some pollutants are filtered out, improving the quality of runoff entering sewers or the ground. This makes porous asphalt a good fit for sustainable drainage SuDS schemes and supports planning and regulatory compliance for new developments.

Reduces standing water and spray.
Water soaks through the surface instead of sitting on top, reducing standing water, splashing, and surface film. That means less splash, better grip and clearer sightlines for drivers on low-speed roads in heavy rain.

Reduces winter ice formation.
The way porous asphalt drains and stores water in the sub-@base can reduce the amount of water left on the surface to freeze. This lowers black-ice risk.

Installed with familiar asphalt techniques.
The mix is produced at an asphalt plant and laid with standard paving equipment by trained surfacing crews, so the installation process is familiar to most road and surfacing contractors. That means construction sequencing and programme look very similar to a normal asphalt job.

Prone to clogging if not maintained.
Because the surface is full of tiny voids, it will slowly collect silt, dust, leaves and bits of winter grit if its left alone. Over time, that build-up blocks the drainage, and the surface starts to behave more like normal tarmac, so it does need occasional vacuum-sweeping or pressure washing to keep it working properly.

Needs the right ground conditions
Porous asphalt performs best on sites where the ground has been designed to take and manage the water that passes through it. If the subsoil is clay-heavy, slow-draining or contaminated, the design may need extras such as under-drains, liners or overflow points, which adds a bit more complexity and cost to the job.

Not suitable for all traffic
Porous asphalt is intended for car parks, driveways, access roads, and other low-speed, light-traffic areas. On very busy roads or heavily loaded industrial sites, the pores can close up, and the surface can wear more quickly if it hasnt been specifically designed for that duty.

Higher maintenance needs
Porous Asphalt requires regular maintenance to remove leaves and debris and help keep the surface free-draining. You may need to use vacuum sweeping instead of brushing, and avoid sand for winter treatment, or the system will slowly revert to an impermeable asphalt surface.

Porous asphalt combines the durability of traditional asphalt with advanced drainage capabilities. Filled with tiny voids, water can drain through the surface rather than running off into gullies or lying on the surface. An asphalt wearing course laid over a free-draining stone sub-base, the whole structure acts as a shallow soakaway, managing rainwater where it falls. Its an environmentally friendly choice for various applications, providing a safe and functional surface

Porous asphalt is designed and supplied to recognised UK and European standards, so you know exactly what youre getting. In practice, mixes are produced in line with BS EN 13108-7, which sets out how porous asphalt should be made so its both strong and free-draining.

On-site, that surface course usually sits on top of an open-graded stone sub-base, which is sized to carry the traffic and hold back stormwater as part of a SuDS design. The exact specification we recommend for your job – mix type, layer thickness and stone depth – will depend on what the area is used for driveway, car park or access road and any local authority or planning requirements tied to drainage and runoff rates.

While 20mm gravel can be used in some light-use areas, it is not ideal as a sub-base. Sub-base layers typically require well-graded materials such as MOT Type 1 or crushed stone that compacts tightly, ensuring stability and strength.

The four main types of aggregates are:

Coarse Aggregates: Larger particles, such as gravel or crushed stone, used for structural strength.
Fine/Sand Aggregates: Smaller particles, like sand, for smooth finishes and filling gaps.
Recycled Aggregates: Materials reused from construction waste, promoting sustainability.
Specialised Aggregates: Tailored for specific purposes, such as decorative or high-strength concrete.

Each has specific uses in building and infrastructure projects. Hogan Group offers a wide range of aggregates to suit your project requirements.

Quarry aggregate refers to materials such as gravel, crushed stone that are extracted from quarries. These aggregates are essential in construction, commonly used in concrete, asphalt, drainage systems and as base layers for roads and foundations.

For bedding concrete slabs, a sharp sand or granodust is generally used as it cushions the slabs and accommodates minor thickness variations.

Yes, Hogan Concrete has a special 4m^3^ concrete truck mixer especially for small loads and to get into those small spaces.

Please speak to our team directly on 01248 353 595 or email sales@hogan-group.com. They can assist you with the calculations to ensure you order the right amount. Or use our online calculator

There are very few disadvantages when you consider the quality control and durability provided by the specified grade of concrete.

High-quality recycled aggregates are tested and graded to meet industry standards for strength, durability and performance. When specified correctly, they provide a robust, long-lasting solution comparable to traditional materials in suitable applications.

Recycled aggregates are generally not recommended for structural concrete or reinforced slabs. Primary or specifically specified aggregates are usually preferred for these applications in order to meet design and warranty criteria.

Recycled aggregates offer many benefits, including reducing the need for quarrying virgin material, lower disposal costs for construction waste, and providing a more sustainable, eco-friendly option.

In many cases, they perform similarly to natural aggregates in non-structural applications.

Quarried aggregate is sourced directly from quarries. This includes sand, gravel, and crushed stone. Recycled aggregates are made from recycling previously used construction materials.

Yes, it does. Recycled asphalt will bind together and firm up when it’s laid at the right depth over a solid base and then compacted with heavy rollers. If the base is soft or the material isn’t properly rolled, it will stay loose and behave more like gravel. Recycled asphalt is crushed old tarmac that still contains a bit of bitumen, the black sticky binder that held the original road together.

Once it’s spread and rolled, the pieces interlock, and the remaining bitumen helps them knit into a tighter, more stable surface rather than loose chippings. Traffic and weather then help it to bed in, so you’ll usually find it continues to tighten and harden over the first few weeks and months.

Recycled asphalt can be a good option for driveways when considering cost, environmental impact, and performance. However, it is essential to ensure that the recycled material is of high quality and that the installation is performed correctly to maximise the benefits and longevity of the driveway. Consulting with a professional experienced in recycled materials can help determine the best approach for your specific needs.

Yes, recycled asphalt is usually cheaper than concrete for the same area. It costs less to buy, and it’s quicker to lay, so your labour bill is lower too. Concrete tends to last longer, but if you’re trying to keep upfront costs down, recycled asphalt is usually the better.

A recycled asphalt surface will only go properly hard if: It’s laid on a sound, well-drained base, not soft or muddy ground.

The layer is the right thickness (commonly around 75-100 mm for driveways), so it can compact evenly.

It’s compacted thoroughly with the right machinery (typically a vibrating roller or plate), ideally in warm, dry conditions.

Done well, recycled asphalt can harden into a durable surface that withstands heavy traffic and adverse weather.

Recycled asphalt, often referred to as Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), is a material derived from the milling or removal of old asphalt pavements. It is processed and reused in new asphalt mixtures or for various other applications in construction.

Longevity depends on several things the concrete mix and reinforcement used, how well its placed and cured, and the environment its working in. Coastal locations, deicing salts, or aggressive chemicals can all shorten the life of concrete if theyre not accounted for in the design. Regular inspection and maintenance — dealing with minor cracks or signs of wear early — will extend the life of the structure. When properly maintained, reinforced concrete offers a very long, dependable service life on site

Yes. Reinforced concrete is much stronger and more durable than plain concrete. Plain concrete is great in compression. You dramatically increase the tensile strength, enabling the concrete to handle heavier loads, longer spans, and more demanding conditions without failing. Reinforced concrete is the standard choice for serious structural work.

Reinforced concrete is concrete reinforced with fibres for extra strength.

Rock armour isn’t a walkway. The big, uneven stones can be slippery and hazardous, especially when wet.

We don’t replace your engineer, but we do more than just drop rock at the gate. We work with your team on sizing, build-ups and constructability so your defence works on paper and on site.

Rock armour gives you a solid, natural-looking barrier that helps take the force out of the waves before they hit the shore. In many exposed spots, it can work out cheaper to install and simpler to look after than a rigid concrete wall, gabions or sheet piles.

When correctly specified (appropriate rock type and size) and installed on a suitable foundation, rock armour can provide protection for several decades, often lasting 50-100 years.

Its lifespan depends on the durability of the stone (for example, hard igneous rocks like granite and basalt), local wave climate, water levels and how well it is inspected and maintained over time.

Yes, in practice, “Rip rap” and rock armour refer to the same type of protection: heavy rock placed to shield shorelines, riverbanks and structures from erosion and scour. “Rip rap” size vary between 100/500mm stone.

Rock armour is natural quarry stone in large, irregular sizes, laid in layers to create a heavy, interlocking barrier against waves, currents and scour. It’s ideal for stabilising shorelines, breakwaters and flood defences.

Due to the voids between the stones, rock armour allows water to pass through to dissipate energy rather than taking the full impact like a solid wall. This can significantly reduce erosion and protect the land or asset behind it.

Our armourstone is produced to BS EN 13383, which covers grading, density and durability for demanding coastal and river works. We back this up with test data and certificates.

Absolutely. Our team works with trades, project managers, contractors and landscapers all day, every day, and we’re happy to help you choose the right material. Tell us about your project and we’ll give you clear, straight-talking advice before you order.

Yes. We deliver loose and bulk loads direct to site, with flexible quantities for small jobs through to full wagon loads. Just let us know your access and timings and we’ll schedule a drop that keeps your programme moving.

Yes. We supply sharp sand, building sand and Grano for blockwork, laying slabs and landscaping. Tell us about your project, and we’ll point you to the best sand for that application.

Work out the area and depth, then convert to volume so you’re not caught short or over-ordering. If you’re unsure, give us your measurements and we’ll recommend the right tonnage for the job.

Sand aggregate is used for concrete, sub-bases, drainage layers and paths, as well as general landscaping. They give you firm, free-draining foundations and hard-wearing surfaces that stand up to traffic and bad weather.

Sand is a fine aggregate with small particles that fill voids and improve workability in concrete and mortar. Coarse aggregate is larger stone or gravel that adds bulk and strength to the mix, helping your concrete carry load and stay stable.

Yes, you can put a sand-cement screed directly onto hardened concrete, as long as the slab is sound, clean, and properly prepared. In most cases, that means roughening the surface, removing laitance, dust and contaminants, and using a suitable bonding slurry or primer so the screed really grabs the concrete.

You’ll also need to check moisture levels and make sure any damp-proofing is in place so you don’t trap moisture under the screed or your final floor finish. Key Considerations when screeding onto concrete:

Surface Preparation: The surface of the hardened concrete must be clean, free from dust, oil, grease and any loose material. Proper preparation helps ensure good adhesion between the screed and the concrete.

Damp Proofing: If there is a risk of moisture coming from the concrete (such as in cases of rising damp), it may be necessary to apply a damp-proof membrane (DPM) before laying the screed.

Bonding Agents: In some cases, using a bonding agent can enhance the bond between the screed and the concrete substrate, especially if the concrete surface is very smooth or polished.

Expansion Joints: Consideration should be given to any existing expansion joints in the concrete. These should be replicated in the screed to prevent cracking.

Curing: Proper curing of the sand cement screed is essential to prevent cracking and ensure strength. Follow recommended curing practices to achieve optimal results.

Yes, sand-cement screed is a viable option for many flooring installations.

It’s strong, versatile, and can be applied in a gradient, which is ideal for wet rooms. However, it requires careful mixing. Hogan Concrete can deliver premixed screed, allowing time for placement and achieving optimum performance. Here are the reasons why it is a practical choice:

Versatile: Sand-cement screed is used in everything from small domestic rooms to larger commercial spaces. It can also be laid to gradients, which is why it’s still a go-to choice for wet areas. Strength and Durability: When properly mixed and cured, sand-cement screed provides a strong, durable surface.

Cost-Effective: Sand and cement are cost-effective screed options because the materials are readily available and straightforward to use. Ready-mix (Hogan) can also reduce waste and on-site mixing time.

Compatibility with Floor Coverings: Once it’s dry and properly prepped, sand-cement screed provides a good base for tiles, vinyl, carpet, and more. That means you can keep the same screed and still change the final finishes room by room.

Established Practice: Sand cement screed has been used for many years in construction. Its performance characteristics are well understood, making it a reliable choice for builders and contractors.

Moisture Control: Properly mixed sand cement screed can help manage moisture levels in the flooring system, provided it is installed with appropriate damp-proofing measures.

Crack resistance
Fibres hold the screed together as it dries, helping to reduce shrinkage and the risks of cracking. This results in a more stable surface.

Durability
The fibres are evenly mixed into the concrete, which adds toughness and helps the screed withstand day to day wear and minor impacts.

Flexibility
Fibre-reinforced screed can withstand a bit more movement and stress without cracking, which is useful for heavy-duty floors or in changing conditions.

On-site handling
Fibres are added into the mix, so once they’re in, your team can lay and finish the screed in the normal way, with the extra performance built in.

Long term value
By decreasing the risk of cracking and localised damage, fibres can help reduce callbacks, repairs, and disruption over the life of the floor.

While sand cement screeds have several advantages, they also come with some disadvantages:

Longer Drying Time: Sand-cement screeds typically take longer to dry and cure than liquid screeds, which can delay the installation of floor coverings.

Labour-Intensive Installation: The application of sand-cement screeds requires more manual labour and skill for levelling and finishing than self-levelling liquid screeds.

Weight: Sand-cement screeds can be heavier than other screeds, which may be a concern in certain construction scenarios, especially on suspended floors.

Moisture Sensitivity: In some cases, sand cement screeds can be affected by moisture from below, leading to potential issues such as dampness or failure of floor coverings if proper damp-proofing measures are not taken.

Limited Thermal Conductivity: Compared to liquid screeds, standard sand cement screeds has lower thermal conductivity, which can affect their performance in underfloor heating applications.

Requires Proper Mixing: Achieving the right consistency and strength requires careful mixing and adherence to specifications, which can be challenging if not done correctly. It is far better to order your Sand Cement Screed from a supplier that mixes the screed in a pan to ensure consistency and durability.

There are a few options; however, the two main mixes are 4-to-1 and 3-to-1. This can be supplied with or without fibres. Using fibres in sand cement screeds can significantly enhance their performance and longevity, making them a popular choice in modern construction practices.

On a properly built surface, stone mastic asphalt will give you around 20-25 depending on proper installation. It’s tougher than standard tarmac, so on roads, car parks and busy yards that are well laid and looked after, it can comfortably reach the upper end of that range. How long it lasts on your site depends on how you use it and how it’s been put down.

Traffic: Heavy vehicles, forklifts and farm machinery will wear asphalt out faster, especially where they’re turning sharply or braking hard. In quiet areas such as small car parks or residential streets, which are kinder to the surface, it will last longer.

Installation: If the SMA is properly laid on a solid base and well compacted, it will remain stronger for longer. When people cut corners on the base or don’t compact it enough, the surface is much more likely to crack, rut in the wheel tracks and start throwing up loose stones sooner than it should.

Weather and drainage: Water is the main enemy. If it sits on the surface, freezes and thaws, or mixes with fuel or oil, the asphalt will break down faster. Good falls, decent drainage, and quick cleanup of spills all help the surface last much longer.

Maintenance: Simple routine care makes a big difference. Keeping gullies clear, sealing small cracks and sorting out local defects early can add years to the life of SMA. If you leave issues to “see how it goes”, it almost always ends up costing more to fix later.

Mix quality: A well-designed SMA mix, using quality stone and binder, is more resistant to rutting and general wear, so it will normally outlast cheaper, softer mixes.