Sand and dust
Crusher Dust and Manufactured Sand
From crusher dust and manufactured concrete sand to TfNSW-specification (formerly RMS) fine materials, we supply the sand and dust products your project needs, with bulk next-day delivery across the Hunter Valley.
Can’t find what you’re looking for, or need a quote?
Hunter Blue Metal, based at Merriwa in the Upper Hunter, supplies crusher dust (6mm minus), manufactured concrete sand, TfNSW-specification (formerly RMS) dust and backfill dust, with bulk next-day delivery across the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and surrounding areas. Whether you need quality manufactured concrete sand for your construction projects, crusher dust for concrete or compacted bases, or fine dust supplied to TfNSW specifications, we can source it, supply it and deliver it to your site. Get in touch for a quote on your project.
Our sand and dust products are sourced from our own quarry and trusted local suppliers across the Hunter region. Every product is consistent in quality and grading, making them suitable for civil infrastructure, commercial construction, mining operations, and road works. If you need a product we don’t usually stock, our sourcing team can find it for you through our network of local quarries and suppliers.
What are sand and dust products?
Sand and dust products are fine quarry materials typically sized at 6mm and below. They are produced by crushing larger rock and screening it to precise size grades. These materials are essential components in concrete, mortar, road construction, and a wide range of civil and building applications.
Crusher dust, also known as blue metal dust, cracker dust, quarry dust or 6mm minus, is one of the most versatile products in the range. It compacts well, drains effectively, and provides a stable base for everything from concrete slabs to pipe bedding. Manufactured sand is produced to specific grading requirements for use in concrete and mortar mixes, offering more consistent performance than naturally occurring river sands. Read our guides: What is crusher dust? and Crusher dust vs manufactured sand: which do you need?
The right sand or dust product depends on your application. Using the correct material ensures structural performance, compliance with engineering specifications, and long-term durability.
Sand and dust at a glance
Compare the sand and dust products we stock and match the product to the job:
| Product | Size and grading | Best for | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher dust | 6mm minus, graded fines | Compacted base under slabs, footpaths and pavements; pipe bedding; fill | Compacts well at optimum moisture content |
| Manufactured concrete sand | Graded fine aggregate | Concrete, mortar, render, precast products | Consistent grading, batch to batch |
| TfNSW-specification dust | Fine material | Government and infrastructure work needing specified materials | TfNSW specifications; grading and quality documentation on request |
| Backfill dust | Mixed fines | Trench backfill, general fill, sheds, yards and hardstands | General fill, not specification grade |
Not sure which suits your project? Call 1300 150 777, or read about our sourcing service.
Our sand and dust products
Explore our range of standard stock sand and dust materials.
Crusher Dust: 6mm minus
Our 6mm minus crusher dust is a finely graded quarry product consisting of crushed rock particles 6mm and smaller. It compacts to a firm, stable surface and is one of the most widely used materials in construction and civil works across the Hunter Valley.
Applications:
- Compacted base layer beneath concrete slabs, footpaths, and pavements
- Pipe bedding and backfill for drainage and services trenches
- Mixing with cement for concrete and mortar
- Levelling and filling in construction and civil projects
- Temporary site access and hardstand areas
Specifications: 6mm maximum particle size with graded fines. Compacts well at optimum moisture content for a dense, stable finish. Typically laid 75 to 150mm deep under slabs and pavements and compacted in lifts. Read our guide: What is crusher dust?
Manufactured Concrete Sand
Manufactured concrete sand is a precisely graded fine aggregate produced by crushing rock to controlled specifications. It provides consistent particle shape and grading for reliable concrete and mortar performance, making it a preferred choice for commercial and infrastructure projects.
Applications:
- Fine aggregate in concrete mixes for structural and general construction
- Mortar and rendering for brickwork and blockwork
- Pre-cast concrete product manufacturing
- General-purpose sand for commercial and civil construction
Specifications: Graded to meet standard concrete sand requirements. Consistent particle size distribution for workable, high-quality concrete mixes.
TfNSW-Specification Dust (formerly RMS)
For projects requiring specified materials, we supply dust products manufactured to Transport for NSW (TfNSW, formerly Roads and Maritime Services) specifications. These products meet strict grading and performance requirements for use in government and major infrastructure projects.
Applications:
- Specified fill and backfill in TfNSW road projects
- Base preparation for pavements and sealed surfaces
- Pipe bedding compliant with engineering specifications
- Civil infrastructure projects requiring specified materials
Specifications: Compliant with relevant TfNSW specifications. Grading and quality documentation available on request. For stormwater drainage, we supply dust to the TfNSW R11 specification (now published as TS 03254.1 Stormwater Drainage).
Backfill Dust
A cost-effective fine material suitable for general filling, backfilling, and levelling applications where full specification compliance is not required. Backfill dust provides good compaction properties and is ideal for bulk fill requirements on construction and civil sites.
Applications:
- Trench backfill and service bedding
- General site fill and levelling
- Base preparation for sheds, yards, and hardstand areas
- Agricultural applications including stock yards and access tracks
Specifications: Fine crushed material with mixed particle sizes. Suitable for compaction in lifts for stable, load-bearing fill.
Need help choosing a sand or dust product?
Our team can recommend the right material for your project and source it for you if it’s not on our standard product list. Whether you need advice on the best dust product for pipe bedding, the correct sand grade for your concrete mix, or a specific material for a civil infrastructure project, we’re here to help.
How much sand or dust do you need?
Work out the compacted volume (length x width x depth in metres), then multiply by the product’s compacted density to get tonnes. Under slabs, footpaths and pavements, crusher dust is typically laid 75 to 150mm deep. For example, a 5m x 4m slab base laid 100mm deep is 2 cubic metres. Allow 10 to 15 percent extra for wastage and levelling, or call 1300 150 777 with your measurements and we’ll work out the tonnes for you.
Sand and Dust Applications
Our sand and dust products support a wide range of projects across the Hunter Valley and NSW.
Construction and civil works
Crusher dust and manufactured sand are essential materials for concrete foundations, slab preparation, pipe bedding, mortar mixes, and general site works. Our products are used on residential builds, commercial developments, and major civil infrastructure projects throughout the Hunter region.
Road construction
Fine dust products play a critical role in road construction as components in base and subbase layers, shoulder material, and filling applications. Our TfNSW-specification dust products are suitable for use on government road projects and council works. For a full range of road base materials, see our road construction products.
Mining and industrial
Sand and dust products are used across mining and industrial sites for access road maintenance, hardstand construction, backfilling, and general site works. We understand the demands of mine-site delivery schedules and can coordinate supply to meet your operational requirements. Learn more about our mining supply capabilities.
Agriculture
Crusher dust and backfill materials are popular for farm access tracks, stock yard hardstands, shed bases, and general property improvements. Our bulk delivery service makes it easy to get large quantities to rural properties across the Hunter Valley. See our agriculture page for more information.
Why Hunter Blue Metal?
Recognised as the Hunter Valley’s oversized rock specialists, Hunter Blue Metal supplies a comprehensive range of quarry products including sand and dust, aggregates, road base materials, specialty rock, and rail construction materials. From our quarry at Merriwa, we offer responsive service and bulk next-day delivery across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, and surrounding areas. Our team has the expertise to recommend the right material for your project, and if we don’t stock it, we’ll source it for you.
Bulk transport delivery
Whatever sand or dust products you're purchasing from us, we'll get them to your site safely and efficiently the very next day. We service projects of all sizes, from single-truck loads for residential work to multi-delivery schedules for major construction and civil projects.
Related guides
Helpful explainers and buyer guides from our team:
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We reduce our carbon footprint through efficient bulk transport and optimised delivery routes. Our commitment to responsible quarrying practices means you can rely on quality materials supplied with minimal environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crusher dust (6mm minus) is one of the most versatile quarry products available. It’s commonly used as a compacted base beneath concrete slabs, footpaths, and driveways; as pipe bedding and trench backfill; mixed with cement for concrete and mortar; and as a levelling or filling material on construction sites. Its fine grading allows it to compact to a dense, stable surface.
Both are produced by crushing rock, but manufactured sand is screened and graded to meet specific particle size requirements for use as fine aggregate in concrete and mortar. Crusher dust is a broader product with a wider particle size range, making it better suited for compaction, filling, and base applications. The right choice depends on your project requirements.
Yes. Blue metal dust, cracker dust, quarry dust and 6mm minus are all names for the same material: crushed rock particles 6mm and smaller, collected as the fine fraction when rock is crushed and screened. Hunter Blue Metal’s crusher dust is a 6mm minus product that compacts to a dense, stable surface.
As a general guide, crusher dust is laid 75 to 150mm deep under slabs, footpaths and pavements, moistened to optimum moisture content and compacted in lifts with a plate compactor or roller. The right depth depends on your loads and ground conditions, so follow your engineer’s specification, or call 1300 150 777 and our team will advise.
Work out the compacted volume (length x width x depth in metres), then multiply by the product’s compacted density to get tonnes. Allow 10 to 15 percent extra for wastage and levelling. Call 1300 150 777 with your measurements and we’ll work out the tonnes for you.
Yes. Hunter Blue Metal supplies dust and fine materials manufactured to Transport for NSW (TfNSW, formerly Roads and Maritime Services) specifications. These products are suitable for government road projects, council works, and commercial developments requiring specification compliance. Contact our team for availability and documentation.
Yes. We offer bulk delivery of all sand and dust products throughout the Hunter Valley, Newcastle, and surrounding regions. Our fleet delivers direct to your site, and with stock ready to go, we can typically offer next-day delivery. We service everything from single-truck residential deliveries to ongoing supply schedules for major project works.
The right product depends on your application, project specifications, and any compliance requirements. Our experienced team can recommend the best material for your needs, whether it’s crusher dust for a slab base, manufactured sand for concrete, or TfNSW-spec dust for a government project. Get in touch with your project details and we’ll point you in the right direction.