How Much MOT Type 1 Do I Need? A Simple Coverage Guide for Driveways & Patios
One of the most common questions we get at UK Building Supplies is:
“How much MOT Type 1 do I need for my driveway or patio?”
It’s a fair question — order too little and your project stalls, order too much and you’ve wasted money and space. In this guide, we’ll break it down clearly, simply, and properly, so you can order the right amount first time.
Whether you’re laying block paving, slabs, porcelain paving or a new driveway, this guide will help you get it right.
What Is MOT Type 1?
MOT Type 1 is a crushed limestone sub-base material, graded from 40mm down to dust. When compacted correctly, it forms a strong, stable base that prevents movement, sinking, and cracking over time.
It’s essential for:
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Block paving driveways
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Patios and paths
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Porcelain paving
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Garden buildings and sheds
If you’re spending money on quality paving, cutting corners on the sub-base is false economy.
Recommended MOT Type 1 Depth
For most domestic projects, these are the industry-standard depths after compaction:
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Patios & paths: 100mm (10cm)
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Driveways: 150mm (15cm)
Always compact in layers using a plate compactor (wacker plate) for best results.
MOT Type 1 Coverage Guide
A standard bulk bag of MOT Type 1 (approx. 850kg) covers roughly:
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10m² at 50mm depth
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6–7m² at 75mm depth
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4–5m² at 100mm depth
Example calculations:
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20m² patio at 100mm depth
→ You’ll need 4–5 bulk bags -
40m² driveway at 150mm depth
→ You’ll need 9–10 bulk bags
Always allow a little extra for:
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Uneven ground
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Edge build-ups
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Compaction loss
Why Sub-Base Thickness Matters
Too thin and your paving will:
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Sink over time
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Rock under load
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Crack or separate
A properly installed sub-base spreads weight evenly and keeps your surface looking right for years. This is especially important for driveways, where vehicle weight is a constant factor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Guessing quantities
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❌ Skipping compaction
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❌ Using building sand instead of Type 1
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❌ Laying too thin to “save money”
If in doubt — ask before ordering. It’s cheaper to get it right once.
Buying MOT Type 1 from UK Building Supplies
At UK Building Supplies, we supply high-quality MOT Type 1 bulk bags with nationwide delivery.
✔ Consistent grading
✔ Suitable for driveways & patios
✔ Delivered direct to site
✔ No collections — delivery only
If you’re also laying block paving or slabs, we can help you plan the full material list, not just the sub-base.
Need Help Calculating Coverage?
If you’re unsure how much MOT Type 1 you need:
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Measure the area (length × width)
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Tell us the intended use (patio or driveway)
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We’ll help you calculate it properly
Getting the groundwork right makes everything above it last longer.