Bulk vs. Maxi Bags of Gravel: Which is Right for Your Project?

October 15, 2025

Using Gravel and decorative aggregates to transform your garden or driveway is a fairly simple process, however, it’s important to get the measurements right when planning out your design. One of the first things you’ll need to think about is whether you’re going to need your gravel in bulk bags, or in smaller individual bags. Both options certainly have their place, but the right choice for your next project depends on its size, access and overall budget.

If you’re unsure of what you need, in this guide we’ll explain the differences between bulk and bagged gravel and help you choose the most suitable option.

What’s the difference between bulk and bagged gravel?

Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand the difference between the two:

Bulk Bags (also called jumbo bags or tonne bags):
These are large woven sacks, holding 800kg of gravel. They’re ideal for medium to large projects such as driveways, paths, or extensive garden borders. If your project is on the larger side, bulk bags are the most economical and efficient way to buy gravel depending on your property’s access.

Maxi Bags of gravel (handy bags or small bags):
Smaller, manageable bags weighing 20kg each. These are a more convenient option when access is limited as they are lighter and can be carried around. Maxi bags remain a popular choice for garden and home improvement projects - especially when you need a modest amount or space is limited.

Advantages of gravel bulk bags

Good value for money

Buying in bulk largely reduces the cost per kilogram compared with smaller bags.

Perfect for large projects

Driveways, pathways, patios and large decorative areas can be covered with a bulk batch of aggregates.

Eco-friendly choice

Fewer deliveries and less plastic packaging make bulk bags a more sustainable option.

Things to consider

You’ll need suitable access for the delivery vehicle.
Moving gravel from a bulk bag to your work area will require wheelbarrows and shovels.

Advantages of gravel maxi bags

Easy to handle

Bulk bags require wheelbarrow access, whereas maxi bags are light enough to move and pour by hand - ideal if you’re working alone or in tight spaces.

Flexible quantities

You can buy exactly the number of bags you need and store extras easily for future top-ups as maxi bags are available in full palettes or half palettes. With maxi-bags, you can tailor your order to the size of your project (with the help of our gravel calculator), reducing wastage.

Perfect for small-scale or decorative projects

From topping up planters and borders to creating a feature area around stepping stones, small bags give you precision and control.

Things to consider

The cost per kilogram is higher than buying in bulk.
You’ll need to dispose of more packaging.

Which option is right for you?

Project Type	Recommended Option	Why
Large driveway or patio	Bulk bag	Better value, consistent look, fewer deliveries
Medium garden path or border	Bulk bag	Efficient and cost-effective
Small decorative feature or planter	Maxi bags	Easier to handle and store
Topping up existing gravel	Maxi bags	Control quantity and colour matching
Limited access site	Maxi bags	Easier to handle and manoeuvre

How much gravel do you need?

If you’re unsure on how much gravel you’ll need, use our gravel calculator to estimate how many bulk bags or small bags are required for your project.