Aggregate Size Guide

Choosing the Right Recycled Aggregate for Your Project

Selecting the correct aggregate is one of the most important decisions for any construction project. Whether you're building a parking lot, preparing a commercial site, installing utilities, or improving drainage, choosing the proper material helps ensure long-term performance while reducing unnecessary costs.

At Mount Elliott Crushing, we supply four high-quality recycled aggregate products throughout Detroit, Metro Detroit, and Southeast Michigan:

  • 21AA Recycled Aggregate

  • 1"x3" Recycled Aggregate

  • Concrete Sand

  • 6A Recycled Aggregate

Each material serves a different purpose. This guide explains the differences between each product so you can confidently select the best aggregate for your project.

21AA Recycled Aggregate

Best For:

  • Road base

  • Parking lots

  • Building pads

  • Commercial foundations

  • Site development

  • Utility trench backfill

  • Driveways

21AA is the most versatile aggregate we produce. It contains a mixture of crushed concrete and smaller fines that compact together to create a dense, stable base. Because of its excellent compaction characteristics, 21AA is commonly used beneath pavement, concrete slabs, parking lots, and commercial developments.

If your project requires a strong, compacted foundation, 21AA is typically the best choice.

Learn more about our 21AA Recycled Aggregate.

1"x3" Recycled Aggregate

Best For:

  • Drainage systems

  • French drains

  • Culverts

  • Stabilization

  • Erosion control

  • Construction entrances

1"x3" recycled aggregate consists of larger crushed concrete with minimal fines, allowing water to flow freely through the material. Because it does not compact like 21AA, it is primarily used where drainage and water movement are important.

Contractors frequently select 1"x3" aggregate for drainage applications and projects requiring larger stone.

Learn more about our 1"x3" Recycled Aggregate.

Concrete Sand

Best For:

  • Site grading

  • Utility backfill

  • Leveling

  • Construction fill

  • Trench backfill

  • Surface preparation

Concrete Sand is the finest recycled material produced during our crushing process. Its smaller particle size allows it to spread evenly and compact well, making it an excellent choice for grading, leveling, and general construction applications.

Contractors often choose concrete sand when a smooth, workable material is required.

Learn more about our Concrete Sand.

6A Recycled Aggregate

Best For:

  • Drainage

  • Utility projects

  • Pipe bedding

  • Stabilization

  • Construction entrances

  • Commercial developments

6A recycled aggregate is a clean, open-graded material with very few fines. Like 1"x3", it promotes excellent drainage while providing dependable structural support. It is commonly used where water movement and long-term durability are priorities.

For projects requiring free-draining aggregate, 6A is an excellent solution.

Learn more about our 6A Recycled Aggregate.