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The Complete Guide to Aggregates & Landscape Materials in Calgary

by Direct Landscape Supply

The Complete Guide to Aggregates & Landscape Materials in Calgary

When planning a landscaping or hardscape project — whether it’s a patio, driveway, walkway, or drainage system — aggregates are the foundation of success. Choosing the right rock, gravel, sand, or crushed material affects everything from stability and drainage to long-term performance.

At Direct Landscape Supply, our Aggregates & Landscape Materials collection offers a full range of quality bulk materials delivered by truck or available in bagged form — perfect for residential and commercial projects throughout Calgary and area.

👉 Browse Aggregates & Landscape Materials here:
https://directlandscapesupply.ca/collections/shop-aggregates-prodcuts

🪨 What Are Aggregates?

Aggregates are coarse materials used as a base or structural component in landscaping and hardscape construction. They include:

  • Crushed rock / road base

  • Gravel

  • Decorative rock

  • Sand

  • Drainage stone

  • Screened mixes

Aggregates form the structural skeleton of your landscape — providing stability, improving drainage, reducing erosion, and helping surfaces last longer.

📌 Why Aggregates Matter

Before we dive into specific types, it’s important to understand why aggregates are essential:

💪 Foundation Strength

Aggregates create a stable base for patios, driveways, walkways, walls, and turf areas.

💦 Drainage Support

Coarse stone promotes water flow, preventing standing water and reducing frost heave.

🧱 Erosion Control

Placed strategically, rock and gravel reduce soil movement and washouts.

🎨 Visual Appeal

Decorative rock adds texture, contrast, and style to landscape beds, borders, and pathways.

🧱 Common Aggregates & Their Uses

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular aggregate materials and when to use them:

🚛 Road Crush & Base Rock

Use: Under patios, driveways, pavers, and slabs
Benefits:

  • Strong, compactable base

  • Supports heavy loads

  • Reduces settling
    Tip: Combine with a geo-fabric base layer for increased stability.

🪶 Gravel & Washed Rocks

Use: Pathways, drainage trenches, garden accents
Benefits:

  • Improves water flow

  • Reduces mud and washouts

  • Gives a clean look to beds and walkways
    Tip: Washed gravel is best for drainage because it removes dust and fines.

🪨 Decorative Rock

Use: Landscape beds, borders, accents, rock gardens
Benefits:

  • Adds colour and texture

  • Reduces maintenance

  • Long-lasting visual appeal
    Tip: Pair with landscape fabric to reduce weed growth under rock.

🏖️ Sand & Bedding Materials

Use: Paver installation, leveling, and soil blending
Benefits:

  • Creates a smooth bed for stones

  • Helps level uneven ground
    Tip: Use coarse sand — not play sand — under pavers or slabs.

🧠 When to Use Loose Materials vs Bagged

🚛 Loose Dump Truck Delivery

Best for:

  • Large areas (patios, driveways)

  • Base rock and site grading

  • Projects requiring many cubic yards

Advantages:

  • Lower cost per cubic yard

  • Delivered direct to site

  • Great for big jobs

🛍️ Bulk Bags

Best for:

  • Smaller gardens and beds

  • Decorative rock accents

  • Tight or limited access spaces

Advantages:

  • Clean and easy to move

  • Perfect quantities for small jobs

  • Minimal onsite mess

📐 How to Estimate How Much You Need

Here’s a simple way to calculate aggregate volumes:

Formula:
Area (sq ft) x Depth (inches) ÷ 12 = Cubic yards needed

Example:
A 400 sq ft patio base at 4″ depth:
400 × 4 ÷ 12 = 133 cu ft → ~5 cu yd

Tip: Always add 5–10% extra for compaction and settling.

🧱 Special Application Tips for Calgary

Calgary’s climate offers unique challenges — especially with freeze–thaw cycles and drainage:

🔹 Proper Drainage Is Key

Use washed gravel and drainage stone to direct water away from patios and foundations.

🔹 Prepare a Stable Base

Compacted base rock under pavers prevents shifting and sinking.

🔹 Prevent Frost Heave

Good base materials and drainage help reduce ground frost movement.

🛒 Shop Aggregates & Landscape Materials in Calgary

Ready to get started?

👉 Visit the Aggregates & Landscape Materials category:
https://directlandscapesupply.ca/collections/shop-aggregates-prodcuts

Our selection includes:

  • Road base rock

  • Washed gravel & decorative stone

  • Sand & bedding materials

  • Specialty aggregates

  • Delivery options tailored to your project

We offer Calgary pickup or dump truck delivery depending on the size and scope of your job.

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