Need a loose load? Get in touch with our team to arrange collection from our St. Albans branch.
Ballast from George Davies Turf & Stone is the go-to aggregate for anyone mixing concrete on site. A blend of sharp sand and coarse gravel, it is available as a loose scoop collection from our St. Albans branch — ideal for landscapers, builders, and tradespeople who need reliable concrete aggregate without the fuss.
Ballast is used wherever you need strong, structural concrete: foundations, shed bases, post holes, footings, and general groundworks. Mix it at 4:1 (ballast to cement) for a general-purpose concrete that gives consistent results every time.
When you need a concrete mix you can rely on, ballast makes things simple. As a pre-blended aggregate combining sharp sand and coarse gravel, it removes the guesswork from site mixing. Just add cement at a 4:1 ratio for a solid, durable concrete that suits most domestic and commercial groundwork applications. Whether you're setting posts, pouring a shed base, or laying concrete footings for a wall or raised structure, ballast gives you a dependable result.
Not every job needs a full delivery. That's why we offer ballast as a loose scoop collection from our St. Albans depot. Bring your trailer, tipper, or grab lorry and take exactly the quantity you need. It's a quick, cost-effective option for tradespeople who prefer to collect rather than wait for delivery. Pair your ballast with our bagged cement and you've got everything you need in one stop.
One tonne of ballast gives the following approximate concrete coverage depending on your pour depth:
| Depth | Coverage per Tonne |
|---|---|
| 50mm | approx. 12.5 m² |
| 100mm | approx. 6–7 m² |
| 150mm | approx. 4 m² |
Coverage will vary depending on the mix ratio and concrete wastage on site. Not sure how much you need? Get in touch and our team will help you calculate the right quantity. You can also combine ballast with MOT Type 1 for a full sub-base and concrete solution on larger groundwork projects.
Ballast is available as a loose scoop collection from our St. Albans branch. There is no minimum collection quantity — come in with your trailer, tipper, or grab lorry and we’ll load you up with exactly what you need.
If you need a bulk delivery rather than collection, get in touch with our team directly. For large commercial orders, we can discuss delivery options and pricing. Contact us and we’ll find the best solution for your project.
For full information on our branches and what’s available for collection, visit our depot finder page.
Ballast is the standard aggregate for mixing concrete. It combines sharp sand and coarse gravel to give concrete its bulk and strength. Common uses include shed bases, garden foundations, post holes, footings, and general groundworks. Mix at 4:1 (ballast to cement) for a general-purpose concrete suitable for most domestic applications.
Ballast is a pre-blended mix of sharp sand and coarse gravel (typically 0–20mm particles). Sharp sand alone is finer and is used as a bedding layer for paving. Ballast is the right choice when you need to mix concrete — the gravel gives the concrete its load-bearing strength, while the sand fills the gaps and improves workability.
For a standard garden shed base at 100mm depth, one tonne of ballast will cover approximately 6–7 m². For a typical 2.4m x 1.8m shed (4.3 m²), one tonne should be sufficient for the concrete pour. Always round up slightly to allow for wastage. If in doubt, get in touch and our team will help you work out the right quantity.
For general-purpose concrete (shed bases, paths, light foundations), use a ratio of 4 parts ballast to 1 part cement. For a stronger mix (post holes, structural footings, areas taking vehicle weight), use 3 parts ballast to 1 part cement. Always add water gradually until you reach the right consistency. Do not add too much water — it weakens the finished concrete.
For a loose scoop, you will need a trailer, tipper van, or vehicle capable of carrying the weight safely. If you only need a small quantity, consider using bagged products which can be collected without specialist transport. Contact us and we’ll advise on the best option for your situation.
Tools required:
Step 1: Prepare the area
Excavate or mark out the area to be concreted. For shed bases and footings, ensure the ground is firm and level. If you are working over loose or unstable ground, compact a layer of MOT Type 1 first to create a stable sub-base before pouring your concrete.
Step 2: Mix your concrete
Use a ratio of 4 parts ballast to 1 part cement for general-purpose concrete. For a stronger mix (e.g., foundations taking heavy loads), use 3:1. Add water gradually — you want a workable consistency that holds its shape without being sloppy. A cement mixer will give a more consistent result than hand mixing for larger pours.
Step 3: Pour and spread
Pour the concrete into your prepared area and spread it evenly using a spade and float. Work quickly, especially in warm weather. Use a straight edge or tamping beam to level the surface, moving it back and forth in a sawing motion across the form edges.
Step 4: Finish and cure
Once levelled, smooth the surface with a trowel if a fine finish is required. Cover with polythene sheeting in cold or dry weather to allow the concrete to cure slowly and evenly. Avoid walking on fresh concrete for at least 24–48 hours, and allow at least 7 days before placing any heavy loads.
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