Blue metal vs recycled concrete: which should you use?

What each one is

Blue metal is crushed basalt or similar hard rock, graded to a consistent size. Recycled concrete is demolition concrete that has been crushed, screened and graded into the same sizes. Both come as single sizes (such as 20mm) and as fine crusher dust.

Side-by-side comparison

For drainage

Both work well. Single-size 20mm stone leaves gaps for water to flow, whether it is blue metal or recycled concrete. Recycled concrete is the economical choice behind retaining walls and in trenches that will be covered.

For bases under pavers, tanks and sheds

Use crusher dust or a road base. Blue metal crusher dust and recycled concrete crusher dust both compact firmly. For driveways, see road base grades explained.

Which should you order?

If it will be seen or go into concrete, order blue metal. If it will be buried or covered, recycled concrete does the job for less. Browse all twelve products on our aggregate range, or request a quote with your job details.

When blue metal is the better choice

Blue metal is quarried, hard and consistent in colour and size. Choose it where the aggregate will be seen, such as decorative garden areas and modern landscapes, or where you want clean, uniform stone around drainage pipes and behind retaining walls. It also holds its look well over time.

When recycled concrete makes more sense

Recycled concrete is crushed from demolished concrete, so it keeps material out of landfill and is often the cheaper option. It suits jobs that will be buried or covered: sub-bases under driveways and slabs, backfill, access tracks and drainage zones. Its colour is lighter and less even, which matters less when it is out of sight.

Single size or graded?

Both materials come in single sizes, like 10mm and 20mm, and as crusher dust. Single-size aggregates leave gaps between the stones, so water drains through freely. Crusher dust and graded blends pack tightly and compact hard, which is what you want under pavers or a path, but they drain slowly.

A quick way to decide

• Will it be seen? Choose blue metal.
• Will it be buried or built over? Recycled concrete is usually fine.
• Does it need to drain? Use a single-size aggregate.
• Does it need to compact hard? Use crusher dust or road base.

Compare the full aggregate range or ask us when you request a quote.