Need a loose load? Get in touch with our team to arrange collection from our St. Albans branch.
MOT Type 1 is the UK's most widely used sub-base material for landscaping and construction projects. Graded at 0–40mm, it compacts tightly to create a stable, load-bearing foundation under driveways, patios, paths, and any hard-standing area. Whether you need a tonne bag delivered to site or you'd prefer to collect a loose scoop from our depot, we've got you covered.
Available directly from George Davies Turf & Stone, our MOT Type 1 is supplied in the quantities you need — perfect for DIY homeowners taking on a patio project or professional landscapers managing large-scale groundworks. It meets Highways Agency Clause 803 specification, so you can be confident it'll perform.
Every successful driveway or patio starts below the surface. MOT Type 1 is the industry-standard choice for sub-base construction — its angular, well-graded particles interlock under compaction to create a firm, free-draining base that won't shift or settle over time. Laid at a depth of 100–150mm (deeper for driveways or areas with heavy vehicle traffic), it provides the solid platform your paving, block paving, or gravel surface needs to perform year after year. Browse our full range of paving and stone products to find the perfect surface to finish your project.
We supply MOT Type 1 in two convenient formats. Order a tonne bag online and we'll deliver it direct to your door — ideal if you're working on a larger project or don't have transport for bulk materials. If you're local to our depots in Olney or St. Albans, you're welcome to come and collect a loose scoop, which is perfect for smaller jobs or top-ups. Either way, you're getting the same quality aggregate at a great price.
From a simple garden path to a full driveway renovation, MOT Type 1 is the versatile sub-base that professional landscapers and tradespeople rely on. It works equally well under block paving, porcelain, natural stone, concrete, and gravel. Pair it with the right bedding layer and your chosen surface material from our natural stone or porcelain ranges for a professional finish that lasts.
Contact us for volume pricing on large orders.
Ready to get started? Order your MOT Type 1 today — delivered by tonne bag or collected as a loose scoop from our depots.
| Depth (compacted) | Coverage per Tonne |
|---|---|
| 100mm | approx. 8–10 m² |
| 150mm | approx. 6–7 m² |
| 200mm | approx. 4–5 m² |
High-quality products are only half the story at George Davies; expert delivery and after-care are just as important. From your very first enquiry to the moment your MOT Type 1 arrives, every single customer is looked after by our friendly team.
We proudly service Olney, Bedford, St. Albans and the surrounding areas. Operating from our branches in Olney and St. Albans, we can offer a prompt and efficient delivery service for homeowners and professional landscapers alike.
Each delivery is made using our Manitou telehandler, operated by trained and experienced drivers. It works like an offloading forklift and can place your order exactly where you need it, whether that’s beside your garage, through a side gate, or on a sloped driveway. No fuss, no hassle.
For full delivery information including areas covered, minimum order requirements, and collection options, visit our Delivery page.
As a general guide, one tonne of MOT Type 1 will cover approximately 8–10 m² at a compacted depth of 100mm. For a 150mm depth, allow around one tonne per 6–7 m². Always round up slightly to account for wastage and variation in ground levels. If you’re unsure, get in touch and our team will help you work out the right quantity for your project.
Yes — if you’re local to our branches in Olney or St. Albans, you’re welcome to come and collect a loose scoop of MOT Type 1 directly. This is a great option for smaller jobs or if you have a trailer or suitable vehicle. No need to order a full tonne bag if you only need a smaller amount.
MOT Type 1 is the standard sub-base material for almost any hard-standing construction project. It’s used beneath driveways, patios, paths, shed bases, block paving, and any area where a stable, load-bearing foundation is needed. Its angular, well-graded particles compact tightly, making it ideal for both domestic and commercial groundworks.
For pedestrian areas such as patios and garden paths, a compacted depth of 100mm is typically sufficient. For driveways or areas subject to vehicle traffic, increase this to at least 150–200mm for a more robust base. Always compact in layers of no more than 100mm at a time for best results.
MOT Type 1 is made from crushed rock or recycled concrete and contains a mix of particle sizes from 0–40mm, which allows it to compact to a very dense, stable base. MOT Type 2 uses more rounded particles and does not compact as firmly, making Type 1 the preferred choice for the majority of construction and landscaping projects where a solid sub-base is required.
No — MOT Type 1 is a purely functional sub-base material and does not need any sealing or treatment. Once compacted, it simply acts as the stable foundation for your bedding layer and surface material above. It is free-draining by nature, which helps with water management beneath your finished surface.
Tools required:
Step 1: Excavate to the correct depth
Mark out your area using string lines and pegs. Excavate to a depth that accounts for your sub-base, bedding layer, and surface material. As a guide, allow 150mm for MOT Type 1 on pedestrian areas and 200mm or more for driveways or areas subject to vehicle traffic. Remove all topsoil, roots, and organic material.
Step 2: Check and improve drainage
Ensure the base of your excavation is firm and free-draining. If you have heavy clay soil, consider laying a geotextile membrane before adding the sub-base to prevent the MOT Type 1 from being pushed down into the clay over time. Ensure a slight fall (approximately 1:80) away from any buildings for surface water run-off.
Step 3: Spread the MOT Type 1
Tip or shovel your MOT Type 1 into the excavated area and rake it out to an even depth. Work in layers of no more than 100mm at a time if the total depth exceeds 150mm — this ensures effective compaction throughout the full depth of the sub-base.
Step 4: Compact thoroughly
Use a plate compactor (wacker plate) to compact the MOT Type 1 in overlapping passes until the surface is firm and stable with no movement underfoot. Check the level regularly with a spirit level or straight edge and add or remove material as needed before making your final compaction passes.
Step 5: Prepare for your surface layer
Once compacted and level, your MOT Type 1 sub-base is ready to receive your bedding layer — typically sharp sand, dry mortar, or a full mortar bed depending on your chosen surface. For paving, allow 30–40mm for the bedding layer on top of the compacted sub-base before laying your slabs or blocks.
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