ROAD BASE TONNE

1. What is blue metal used for in landscaping? 

Blue metal is a crushed aggregate used for drainage, concreting, under paving and hardstand areas, and as a base for driveways and paths. It's a hard wearing, angular stone that locks together well when compacted, which is why it's a go to material for both landscaping drainage and structural work. We stock both 10mm and 20mm blue metal to suit different jobs.

2. What is the difference between 10mm and 20mm blue metal? 

10mm blue metal is finer and better suited to concreting, drainage cells and areas needing a smoother, more compactable finish. 20mm blue metal is coarser and offers stronger drainage and structural support, making it the better choice for larger drainage trenches, driveway base layers and hardstand areas. Ask our team which grade suits your project if you're not sure.

3. How much does blue metal or gravel cost per tonne? 

Blue metal and crushed gravel in Sydney typically cost between $20 and $100 per tonne depending on the grade, with metal dust and recycled roadbase at the more affordable end and premium blue metal towards the top. Decorative pebbles like Cowra White or Nepean River pebbles are priced separately, generally from $45 per tonne in bulk or $15 per 20kg bag. Ace Landscape & Building Supplies delivers across the North Shore and Northern Beaches, or you can collect from our Belrose yard.

4. How much gravel or pebbles do I need for my driveway or garden path? 

Measure the length and width of the area in metres and multiply by your desired depth, generally 50 to 75mm for pebble garden beds and 75 to 100mm or more for a driveway base, to get the volume in cubic metres. As a rough guide, 1 cubic metre of gravel or blue metal weighs around 1.5 to 1.6 tonnes. Use our online Quantity Estimator or call our Belrose team for help working out the right amount.

5. What is roadbase and when should I use it instead of blue metal? 

Roadbase is a blended crushed rock product, available quarried or recycled, designed to compact into a strong, stable base for driveways, access roads and paths. Use roadbase where you need a solid, load bearing foundation, and blue metal where drainage or a decorative crushed stone finish matters more, such as under paving or in drainage trenches.

6. Do you deliver blue metal, gravel and pebbles across the North Shore and Northern Beaches? 

Yes, we deliver blue metal, gravel and decorative pebbles across the North Shore and Northern Beaches, including Wahroonga, as well as the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Hills District and out to Ryde. Same day and next day delivery is available 7 days a week, with loose tipped bulk or crane truck delivered bulka bags for sites with restricted access.

7. Can I buy bulk gravel in Sydney, tonne or bag? 

Yes, our full gravel and pebble range is available loose tipped by the tonne, in 20kg bags for smaller garden jobs, or in large bulka bags for bigger projects. Landscapers, builders and developers ordering regularly can set up a Trade Account for bulk pricing and easier repeat ordering.

8. Can I pick up gravel and pebbles from your yard instead of having them delivered? 

Yes, all our gravel and pebble products can be collected directly from our Belrose yard at 190 Forest Way, open Monday to Saturday 7am to 5pm and Sunday 8am to 3pm. Yard pickup is popular with tradies who want blue metal, roadbase or pebbles the same day alongside sand, soil or other supplies.