Clitheroe
Shap
Horwich, Bolton
Chorley
Horwich, Bolton
Clitheroe
Shap
Horwich, Bolton
Chorley
Horwich, Bolton
When it comes to building a long-lasting patio, what lies beneath the surface is just as important as what goes on top.
The sub base for patio installations forms the structural foundation that supports everything above it, from the paving slabs to the weight of garden furniture, foot traffic, and even vehicles, depending on the space.
A properly prepared patio base ensures your paving stays level, drains effectively, and resists shifting or cracking over time.
On the other hand, cutting corners on the patio sub base material can lead to a host of issues, from uneven surfaces to premature sinking and costly repairs. Unfortunately, it’s a common mistake that many homeowners and even some contractors make in an attempt to save time or budget.
At Armstrongs, we understand the importance of getting the groundwork right. From our five quarries across the North West, we supply high-quality patio sub base materials, including MOT Type 1 and crusher run, trusted options for everything from domestic patios to commercial landscaping projects.
The sub base for paving slabs acts as a buffer between the natural ground and your final paved surface. It spreads the load evenly, preventing the pressure from being concentrated in one area, a key factor in avoiding cracks, dips, and movement over time.
Think of the paving sub base as the unsung hero of your outdoor space. Without it, the weight of people walking, furniture sitting, or cars parking can cause the top layer to shift and settle unevenly.
A well-constructed sub base for slabs also improves drainage, helping water to flow away instead of pooling and causing damage.
In short, a strong sub-base keeps your paving level, safe, and visually appealing for years to come.
If the patio sub base is inadequate, or worse, skipped entirely, you may soon start noticing problems. Slabs can lift, sink, or wobble due to poor load distribution. Rainwater might begin to pool because the surface can’t drain effectively.
And over time, freezing and thawing cycles can make cracks appear where there was once a smooth finish.
All of these issues often lead to expensive maintenance or complete resurfacing, a cost and inconvenience that could easily have been avoided by using the correct sub base for paving from the outset.
A good sub base for patio installations should be strong, stable, and able to compact effectively. It needs to lock together under pressure while allowing enough drainage to prevent water from collecting beneath the surface.
This is why not all aggregates are suitable as patio base material. Oversized or overly fine stones can lead to poor compaction or block water movement, weakening the structure. At Armstrongs, we supply premium patio sub base material that meets the right balance.
Common Materials Used: MOT Type 1 vs Crusher Run
Two of the most common materials used as a sub base for paving slabs are MOT Type 1 and crusher run.
MOT Type 1 is a certified, crushed aggregate material that meets strict specifications for use in highway construction. It’s made to a precise blend of sizes, allowing for excellent compaction and strength.
This makes it ideal for patios, paths, and driveways where long-term durability is a must.
Crusher run, on the other hand, is a more cost-effective option that still offers excellent load-bearing strength for domestic projects.
While it’s not certified to the same standard as MOT Type 1, it’s more than suitable for many private patios and garden builds, particularly where budget is a key consideration.
At Armstrongs, we produce both materials directly from our local quarries, meaning you can rely on us for consistent quality and a steady supply of sub base for slabs no matter the size or scope of your project.
Getting the depth of your sub base for patio installations right is just as important as choosing the correct material. As a general rule, patios and garden paths will need around 100mm of compacted sub-base.
For driveways or areas that bear heavier loads, a depth of at least 150mm is typically recommended.
However, these figures aren’t one-size-fits-all. Soil type, drainage conditions, and the intended use of the paved area will all influence how deep your patio sub base should go. On softer or clay-heavy ground, for instance, you may need to dig deeper to achieve a stable and long-lasting foundation.
To get the best results, always install your paving sub base in layers. Compact each layer thoroughly before adding the next. This helps prevent future sinking and ensures the base performs well under pressure.
Using a vibrating plate compactor or roller is strongly advised for achieving the right level of compaction.
It's a common misconception that a sub base for paving slabs isn't always necessary, particularly for smaller paths, shed bases, or low-use garden areas. While there are scenarios where you might get away with skipping it, it's rarely a good idea in the long term.
Without a proper subbase for patio installations, your slabs are far more likely to shift, crack, or sink over time. This is especially true in areas that receive a lot of rain or footfall, or where the ground is uneven or poorly draining.
Even for smaller projects, a compacted layer of MOT Type 1 or crusher run provides added peace of mind and much better results. In short, a sub base for paving isn’t just a recommendation, it’s a key step to building a surface that lasts.
At Armstrongs, we understand that the quality of your patio sub base material can make or break your entire project.
That’s why we supply only the best, from our five quarries across the North West, we produce high-performance materials like MOT Type 1, pink shap stone, sandstone, and crusher run.
Each aggregate is carefully graded and screened to ensure consistency and reliability, whether you're working on a small patio or a large-scale paving scheme. Our local production also means we can deliver sub base for slabs and other materials quickly and efficiently throughout the region.
When it comes to your paving sub base, you need a product that compacts well, drains properly, and supports the surface above it. That’s exactly what Armstrongs delivers.
In addition to performance, Armstrongs takes sustainability seriously. By sourcing all our aggregates locally, we help reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance haulage and support the circular economy within the North West.
Whether you're laying a sub base for patio paving or sourcing bulk aggregate for larger infrastructure work, you can count on us for both quality and environmental responsibility.
MOT Type 1 is often considered the best sub-base material for patios due to its strength, compaction properties, and compliance with highway standards. Crusher run is also a solid alternative for domestic projects.
Typically, a patio sub base should be around 100mm deep. For heavier-use areas like driveways, aim for at least 150mm. Always compact in layers for best results.
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Skipping the sub base for paving slabs often leads to movement, cracking, and uneven surfaces. A proper sub-base ensures long-term stability.
MOT Type 1 is a certified sub-base material meeting strict gradation standards, making it suitable for highways. Crusher run is more cost-effective and widely used in domestic settings but doesn’t meet the same formal specifications.
Absolutely. MOT Type 1 is ideal for patios thanks to its excellent load-bearing capacity and compaction behaviour.
Look for clean, well-graded aggregates like MOT Type 1 or crusher run. Avoid loose, ungraded material that can shift or fail to compact properly.
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