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Aggregates

At Patagonia Building Supplies, aggregates play a critical role in the success of nearly every outdoor construction and landscape project. While they're rarely visible in the finished design, aggregates are the backbone of long-lasting hardscapes, stable grading, and effective drainage systems. Contractors, landscapers, and experienced homeowners rely on properly selected aggregates to ensure structural integrity, load support, and performance over time.

What Are Aggregates?

Aggregates are processed stone materials-typically crushed, screened, or blended to specific sizes-used as foundational layers beneath hardscape and landscape installations. Unlike decorative surface materials, aggregates are selected for their strength, compaction properties, permeability, and consistency. When installed correctly, they create a stable base that supports weight, manages water flow, and prevents shifting, settling, or erosion.

Why Aggregates Matter in Outdoor Construction

Every successful hardscape or landscape project starts below the surface. Aggregates provide the structural support that allows pavers, flagstone, concrete, and other materials to perform as intended. They help distribute loads evenly, reduce soil movement, and improve drainage in areas prone to moisture or heavy use. In grading and site preparation, aggregates allow contractors to establish proper elevations and slopes while maintaining long-term stability.

Skipping or under-specifying aggregate layers is one of the most common causes of premature failure in outdoor projects. Cracked surfaces, uneven settling, and drainage problems often trace back to inadequate base materials rather than the visible finish.

Common Uses for Aggregates

Aggregates are used across a wide range of residential and commercial applications, including:
  • Base layers for hardscapes such as patios, walkways, driveways, and pool decks
  • Drainage systems, including French drains, trench drains, and sub-surface water management
  • Grading and leveling to create stable, buildable surfaces
  • Erosion control on slopes, transitions, and high-water areas
  • Structural support beneath retaining walls, steps, and outdoor features
Different aggregate types are selected based on load requirements, drainage needs, soil conditions, and installation methods. Compaction characteristics, angularity, and particle size all affect performance, making material selection a critical step in project planning.

Contractor-Focused Supply and Guidance

With decades of experience supplying stone and construction materials, Patagonia Building Supplies understands the demands of professional installations. We stock aggregates that meet the expectations of contractors who need consistency, reliability, and predictable performance on every job. Our team works closely with builders and designers to ensure the right aggregate is chosen for each application-whether the priority is compaction, drainage, or structural reinforcement.

For homeowners tackling serious about doing projects the right way, we provide the same level of guidance and material access used by professionals, helping you build with confidence from the ground up.

Aggregates You Can Build On

From small residential projects to large commercial installations, aggregates are essential to creating outdoor spaces that last. At Patagonia Building Supplies, we make it easy to source dependable aggregate materials backed by experience, industry relationships, and knowledgeable support-so every project starts on solid ground. If you would like to discuss your project and supply needs with us, please call us on 310-410-3108 or write to us using this Online Form.

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