Please see the full listing section below for comprehensive specifications, benefits and uses for MOT type 1 — as well as links to inspirational landscaping ideas and do-it-yourself guides.
MOT Type 1
£112.00 inc. VAT
MOT Type 1 is a crushed, well-graded aggregate (60mm down to dust) that forms a strong, reliable sub-base for hard landscaping projects. Compliant with Department for Transport specifications, it compacts tightly thanks to its mix of stone and fines, delivering excellent load-bearing strength and stability. Perfect for:
- driveways and access roads
- patios and paving bases
- garden paths and footpaths
- shed, summerhouse or greenhouse foundations
- artificial grass installations
This durable material offers superb drainage to prevent water pooling, resists settling or shifting under weight, and provides a solid, level foundation that extends the life of your surfaces. An easy to work choice for creating dependable hard standing areas.
Gravel Calculator
You need ≈ 640 kgs
(0.4 m³)
Note: No compaction/settlement included.
Add 10-20% extra for compaction & wastage if required.
Add 10-20% extra for compaction & wastage if required.
Related products
Golconda Self-Binding Gravel
£156.00 inc. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageHorticultural Grit
Price range: £101.00 through £190.00 inc. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page10mm Gravel
Price range: £122.00 through £167.00 inc. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page20mm Gravel
£128.00 inc. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Specifications, Inspirational Ideas & DIY Guides
Jump Links
Specifications, Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose, Applications, Inspirational Ideas, DIY Guides, Maintenance, Purchasing Tips, FAQs, Related Products
Overview
After compacting MOT type 1 sub-base on hundreds of jobs, from London extensions to South West garden renovations, this crushed aggregate remains my first-choice for building a rock-solid foundation that won’t shift or fail. Meeting full Department of Transport Type 1 specs, the 0-40mm grade blends fines for tight binding with larger fragments for load-spreading strength. Also known as crusher run, by locking together under compaction and letting water drain freely, a good sub-base can help keep everything above dry after weeks of rain. Whether you’re prepping a new driveway, patio, shed base or artificial grass area, this material is mandatory to success. Below I walk through the exact performance I see on site, size-specific advice and everything else you need to know prior to purchasing online.
Specifications
Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose MOT Type 1 Sub Base
This well-graded crushed stone binds into a dense, load-bearing platform that handles heavy traffic and the wettest British winters without fail. From dozens of UK jobs, here are the standout results:
- Load-Bearing Capacity: The 0-40mm mix spreads weight evenly; on a two-storey extension sub-base in Wimbledon, it took full site plant and materials for six weeks with zero settlement.
- Rapid Drainage: Water disappears straight through; a boggy driveway rebuild near Somerset stayed firm and usable straight after the heavy 2024 winter rains.
- Superior Interlocking: Angular edges grip without sliding; I’ve used it on several inclined access tracks in the Surrey Hills with no movement after two years of daily vans.
- Proven Frost Resistance: Properly compacted layers resist heaving better than many alternatives I’ve tested.
- Outstanding Value: Serves as both sub-base and fill in one delivery, cutting time and cost on busy residential jobs.
Here are some examples from previous installations:
Applications
The angular crushed profile of MOT Type 1 Sub Base gives the mechanical strength and free-draining voids demanded by proper construction landscaping under block paving, driveways, gravel or slabs.
- Driveway Sub-Bases – The 0-40mm MOT type 1 sub base is the standard choice, laid 150 mm compacted beneath block paving or loose gravel for permanent stability.
- Patio Foundations – Use this crusher run as the primary hardcore base to keep slabs level for decades.
- Shed & Garage Bases – The full 0-40mm grade in 150-200 mm depth gives reliable support on clay or sandy soils alike.
- Trench Backfill & Pipe Bedding – Graded particles create perfect voids for rapid drainage without washing away.
- Soakaway & Permeable Systems – Excellent as Type 1 MOT sub base fill to manage surface water on heavy soils.
- Temporary Hardstanding & Access Roads – Handles construction traffic or occasional vehicles as a tough, economical hardcore base layer.
Inspirational Ideas
the foundations of any successful pavingBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview Whether for a public pavement or DIY
Ben Parrot
OUR “PEOPLE ALSO ASK ABOUT” SERIESBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview In this edition of “People Also Ask
Ben Parrot
What to Put Under driveways and pathsBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview Also known as a soil membrane
Ben Parrot
DIY Guides
DIY estimator for sub-base ConstructionBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview A sub-base is an essential part of many
Ben Parrot
DIY Guide for Driveway ConstructionBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Key TakeawaysWhy choose to install a gravel driveway? What
Ben Parrot
DIY Gravel pathway ConstructionBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview Have you ever wondered how to build a gravel
Ben Parrot
Maintenance
Once laid and compacted with a vibrating plate, MOT Type 1 needs virtually no attention. On exposed areas a quick rake redistributes any minor surface fines, and a heavy-duty membrane underneath stops weeds pushing up from the soil. After the first winter simply check for any settlement in high-traffic spots.
Purchasing Tips
Measure your area in square metres and factor in 10% extra for settling. Use our sub-base calculator to help estimate the right amount.
FAQs
What is MOT Type 1 sub base exactly?
MOT Type 1 sub base is a Department of Transport approved, well-graded crushed aggregate ranging 0-63 mm that meets strict specifications for use as a stable, free-draining hardcore base in landscaping and construction.
How deep should I lay Type 1 MOT sub base under a driveway?
For standard residential driveways lay MOT type 1 sub base at 150 mm compacted depth over a geotextile membrane; heavier commercial use may need 200 mm.
Is MOT type 1 sub base the same as crusher run or hardcore base?
Yes, they are the same thing.
Can I use MOT Type 1 for patio foundations?
Yes, MOT type 1 sub base makes an ideal compacted hardcore base for patios, spreading load evenly and preventing movement or cracking in the finished surface.
Does Type 1 MOT provide good drainage?
Yes – its open particle grading in MOT type 1 sub base allows rapid water percolation, making it perfect for preventing water-logging under driveways, patios and hardstanding areas.
What is the best way to compact hardcore base like MOT sub base?
Compact material in 100-150 mm layers with a vibrating plate compactor, working from the edges inward on a firm sub-grade for maximum density and longevity.
Grano Dust
Price range: £113.00 through £146.00 inc. VAT
Horticultural Grit
Price range: £101.00 through £190.00 inc. VAT
Play Gravel
£155.00 inc. VAT
20mm Gravel
£128.00 inc. VAT
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.