News
What Is The Difference Between MOT Type 1 and Type 2 Aggregates
At a Glance
This article explains the practical differences between MOT Type 1 and Type 2 aggregates, focusing on grading, compaction, load-bearing capacity, and drainage. It concludes that Type 1 suits heavy-duty, vehicle-bearing sub-bases, while Type 2 is better for lighter, permeable applications where drainage is a priority.
Call Storefield Aggregates to discuss which MOT aggregate is right for your project and site conditions.
What Are MOT Aggregates?
MOT aggregates are commonly used as approved granular sub-base materials under surfacing. They are recycled or quarried crushed stone, graded in mixes that range from large pieces down to fine ones.
The grading is crucial because it controls how the material compacts and distributes weight. Think of the sub-base as the foundation of a building, and the aggregates are the blocks inside it, while their size and shape decide how strong or flexible the base will be. Different MOT grades suit different weights, drainage needs and finishes.
MOT Type 1 vs Type 2 Aggregates Compared
At Storefield Aggregates, one of the most common questions we hear is about the difference between MOT Type 1 and Type 2 aggregates, especially when planning driveways, patios and paved areas. As a supplier of quarried and recycled aggregates, the team regularly supports projects where the right sub-base choice makes a real difference to long-term performance.
The first thing to realise with aggregate is that a lot of the work is done beneath the surface. Many industry reports suggest that a correctly specified and compacted sub-base can extend pavement life by several years. However, when an incorrect sub-base is used or improperly installed, paving can sink or crack. Damage from an incorrect sub-base can lead to expensive repairs.
Truth be told, most domestic and light-commercial failures trace back to the sub-base rather than the surface. MOT aggregates are the go-to materials for the base layer across the region because they are engineered to compact and carry load. The debate of MOT Type 1 vs Type 2 aggregate may seem minor, but it makes a big difference to longevity and cost.
To understand the difference properly, it helps to start with knowing what MOT aggregates are and how Type 1 and Type 2 are used.
All About MOT Type 1 Aggregate
Type 1 is the workhorse and typically contains a broad range of particle sizes, usually from 40mm down to dust, which allows the material to lock together when compacted. That interlock gives excellent load-bearing properties, which is why Type 1 is frequently used under heavy-duty bases where compaction and strength are priorities.
Storefield Aggregates supplies it in bulk bags or loose loads, depending on site access and storage space.
In practice, Type 1 is chosen when a string-compatible sub-base that will carry vehicles or heavy loads is needed. Common features of Type 1 aggregate include broad grading from coarse to fine for compaction, good load-bearing capacity, and stability when compacted.
It is usually used beneath tarmac, concrete slabs, and black pavings, among other surfaces.
Understanding MOT Type 2 Aggregates
What is Type 2 aggregate? It’s a finer, graded material that usually contains fewer larger stones and a higher proportion of smaller particles and sand, resulting in looser packing and better drainage in some situations.
Type 2 is mostly used for paths and landscaping, where a free-drainage base works better than the dense, tightly compacted strength of Type 1.
At Storefield Aggregates, we provide Type 2 for projects involving permeable paving and garden paths, where water management is a priority. Type 2 works in projects where you want a stable yet more permeable layer.
A Side-By-Side Comparison of MOT Type 1 vs Type 2
The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 aggregate mainly comes down to strength and compaction.
| Feature | MOT Type 1 | MOT Type 2 |
| Typical grading | 40 mm down to dust with a wide range for compaction | Finer grading with more small particles, usually from 0-20mm |
| Compaction | Compacts very tightly and is excellent for load-bearing | In comparison, compacts less tightly and allows better drainage |
| Best Uses | Driveways, roads, heavy sub-bases, and areas with vehicular load | Paths, landscape areas, permeable bases and lighter-duty sub-bases |
| Material Sources | Crushed quarried stone or recycled crushed concrete and rubble | Mostly recycled blends, crushed concrete or graded quarried materials |
| Drainage | Lower permeability when tightly compacted | Higher permeability, which can be better for water management |
| Typical problem if misused | Surface cracking, sinking, and potholes under load | Poor bearing capacity for heavy loads and potential movement |
Choosing the Right Sub-Base Is Key
In the discussion around Type 1 vs Type 2 aggregates, the choice isn’t driven by preference. Instead, it’s a decision based on load capacity, drainage, design and surface finish, which is why choosing the right sub-base is key.
If, for example, vehicles will be parked or driven on a surface, a Type 1 works well. Likewise, if the area needs to drain quickly, or if you use permeable black paving, Type 2 or a specialist permeable sub-base might be better.
Factors such as frost in your region, local soil conditions, and how the ground will be used across seasons are also important to the decision. Interconnectedly, when choosing a sub-base, thickness also matters, as thicker, well-compacted layers provide better bearing capacity and longer life. Suppliers and site engineers can advise on the exact depth for your ground conditions. If you’re working on a budget or aiming for greener choices, recycled aggregates can deliver performance at a lower carbon cost.
At Storefield Aggregates, we supply recycled and quarried materials for construction projects, helping customers find cost-effective aggregate solutions through our network of quarries, recycling facilities and haulage services.
Contact Storefield Aggregates For Further Aggregate Selection Advice
Understanding the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 MOT is one part of the job, but sourcing the right quantity and delivery format and ensuring a reliable supply are just as important.
Storefield Aggregates supplies a wide range of quarried and recycled aggregates and offers dependable delivery services, with storage options available in bulk bags or loose loads. With depots across Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, and Leicestershire, our team can also confirm bulk volumes, arrange tipper or grab deliveries, organise plant hire and support waste removal so your site stays safe and productive.
We supply both quarried and recycled aggregates, giving construction teams and homeowners the flexibility to choose materials that suit their performance needs and sustainability goals. With delivery options designed to suit everything from small domestic driveways to large commercial sites, Storefield Aggregates helps keep projects moving smoothly.
For more information, contact us or email us at orders@storefield.co.uk to discuss your site schedule and storage needs with the team.
