Bulk Bags vs Loose Aggregate: Which Is Better for Your Project

Gravel can be an invaluable resource when you’re landscaping or building. Small stones can fill in space in the same way as soil – but they’re much easier to maintain, and they allow for rainwater to pass right through.

When you’re shopping for aggregate, you’ll often find yourself faced with a choice between bulk bags and loose aggregate. But what exactly are the differences between these two products? Let’s take a look.

Understanding the Difference Between Bulk Bags and Loose Aggregate

The differences between these two products lie almost entirely in the way they’re packaged. If you want your aggregate bagged, then you’ll need to pay a little extra. If you’re happy for it to sit in a large pile on your site, then you can get away without doing this.

The convenience of bags makes them ideal for sites where wheelbarrows are going to be impractical. In particular, smaller garden projects might benefit from the use of bulk gravel bags. Simply hoist them over your shoulder, walk to where you’d like to deposit the gravel, and empty the bag.

Cost Comparison: Which Option Saves You Money

The price of the aggregate might inform your decision more than any other factor. Naturally, bags are more expensive on a per-kilogram basis. You’ll be able to shop for gravel in precise quantities, which can lower costs. However, if you need a lot of gravel, then buying loose aggregate in bulk might be easier. Think about transport costs, too. If you’re buying a ton of loose aggregate, then you’ll need to worry about delivery, as well as the gravel you might ultimately end up wasting.

For more information on how to minimise your spending on materials, you can check out this handy guide.

Ease of Handling and Convenience for Garden Projects

For smaller gardening projects, as we’ve mentioned, bulk bags can be a more convenient option. Not only can you easily carry them to where they’re needed – but you can stack them and store them easily, without having to invest in a large container. In some cases, you might even be able to use the aggregate you have left over in another project, or even resell it.

When considering your options, you might think about the scope of your project, and what your storage space looks like. If you’re going to be keeping the material in your garage or garden shed, then bags are almost always the better option.

Environmental Impact: Waste and Sustainability Considerations

Bulk bags allow you to control the amount of material you buy more precisely. Plus, they’re easier to transport if they haven’t been used. In practice, this means that you’ll end up throwing away less material. If you’re trying to run your garden in a sustainable way, this can be a significant virtue.