What Aggregate Material Do I Need?

Selecting the right aggregate is one of the most important decisions for any construction, demolition, or site development project. Using the correct material helps create a stable foundation, improve drainage, reduce maintenance, and ensure your project performs as intended for years to come.

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

• 6A Recycled Aggregate

• Concrete Sand

Each product is designed for different applications. This guide will help you determine which recycled aggregate is best for your project.

Which Aggregate Is Best for Road Base?

Recommended Material: 21AA Recycled Aggregate

If you're constructing a road, parking lot, commercial driveway, equipment yard, or building pad, 21AA recycled aggregate is typically the best choice.

Because 21AA contains both crushed concrete and fine particles, it compacts into a dense, stable base capable of supporting heavy vehicle traffic and structural loads.

Common Applications

• Road construction

• Parking lots

• Commercial driveways

• Building pads

• Industrial facilities

• Site development

• Foundation preparation

Which Aggregate Is Best for Drainage?

Recommended Materials: 6A or 1"x3" Recycled Aggregate

Projects requiring water movement should use open-graded aggregate that allows water to pass through the material.

Both 6A and 1"x3" recycled aggregate provide excellent drainage while maintaining long-term durability.

Best Uses

• French drains

• Drainage systems

• Culverts

• Stormwater management

• Utility projects

• Erosion control

If your priority is drainage rather than compaction, these materials are generally the best choice.

Which Aggregate Is Best for Utility Projects?

Recommended Materials: Concrete Sand, 21AA, or 6A

Utility projects often require different materials depending on the project specifications.

Concrete Sand is commonly used for leveling and fine backfill.

21AA provides excellent compaction for utility trench restoration.

6A may be used for drainage applications or where clean, open-graded aggregate is required.

Always follow engineering plans and project specifications when selecting materials for utility work.

Which Aggregate Is Best for Site Preparation?

Recommended Material: 21AA Recycled Aggregate

Commercial developments require stable foundations before paving or construction begins.

21AA provides excellent compaction and creates a dependable base for:

• Commercial developments

• Warehouses

• Industrial facilities

• Retail centers

• Office buildings

• Equipment storage areas

Which Aggregate Is Best for Leveling?

Recommended Material: Concrete Sand

Concrete Sand is the finest recycled material produced by Mount Elliott Crushing.

Its smaller particle size makes it an excellent choice for:

• Surface leveling

• Site grading

• Construction fill

• Utility backfill

• Final grading

• Preparation beneath certain construction materials

When a smooth, workable material is needed, Concrete Sand is often the preferred solution.

Which Aggregate Is Best for Construction Entrances?

Recommended Materials: 6A or 1"x3" Recycled Aggregate

Construction entrances must withstand heavy truck traffic while helping reduce mud and debris leaving the job site.

Because they contain larger stone with minimal fines, 6A and 1"x3" recycled aggregate provide durability, stability, and improved drainage for temporary or permanent construction entrances.

Quick Aggregate Selection Guide

If You Need...Recommended MaterialRoad Base21AAParking Lot Base21AABuilding Pads21AAFoundations21AACommercial Site Development21AAUtility BackfillConcrete Sand or 21AADrainage6A or 1"x3"French Drains1"x3"Culverts1"x3"Construction Entrances6A or 1"x3"Surface LevelingConcrete SandSite GradingConcrete SandErosion Control1"x3"

Compare Our Recycled Aggregate Products

Each recycled aggregate product serves a different purpose.

21AA

Best for projects requiring maximum compaction and structural support.

6A

Best for drainage, utility projects, and construction entrances.

1"x3"

Best for large drainage applications, culverts, stabilization, and erosion control.

Concrete Sand

Best for grading, leveling, utility backfill, and fine construction applications.

For a complete side-by-side comparison, view our Aggregate Size Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most commonly used aggregate?

21AA is one of the most commonly used recycled aggregate products because of its versatility and excellent compaction characteristics.

What aggregate drains the best?

6A and 1"x3" recycled aggregate both provide excellent drainage due to their open gradation and minimal fines.

What aggregate compacts the best?

21AA provides the highest level of compaction because it contains both larger aggregate and fine particles that lock together during installation.

Can recycled aggregate be used for commercial construction?

Yes. Recycled aggregate is widely used in commercial, industrial, municipal, and infrastructure projects throughout Southeast Michigan.

Which aggregate should I choose if I'm unsure?

Our experienced team can recommend the best recycled aggregate based on your project, application, and material requirements.

Let Mount Elliott Crushing Help You Choose

Every construction project is different, and selecting the right aggregate can make a significant difference in cost, performance, and long-term durability.

Whether you need 21AA, 6A, 1"x3", or Concrete Sand, the team at Mount Elliott Crushing is ready to help. Contact us today for expert recommendations, competitive pricing, aggregate delivery, or assistance selecting the best recycled aggregate for your next project in Detroit, Metro Detroit, and Southeast Michigan.