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Equipment Guides 23 January 2026 · 1 min read

Compaction Basics: Plate Compactors, Rollers and Rammers

Choosing the right compaction kit and the one tip that stops your base sinking.

Breckland Plant Hire
Breckland Plant Hire
Breckland Plant Hire
Compaction Basics: Plate Compactors, Rollers and Rammers

Good compaction is the difference between a patio that lasts and one that sinks. Whether you’re laying a base, backfilling a trench or finishing a driveway, here’s how to choose the right kit.

Plates, rollers and rammers

  • Plate compactors (wacker plates): the go-to for sub-bases, block paving and general slabs.
  • Rollers: best for larger flat areas like driveways and paths.
  • Trench rammers: for compacting narrow excavations where a plate won’t fit.

Compact in layers

The single biggest tip: compact in layers of around 100mm rather than one deep fill. Each layer locks together for a solid, settle-free finish.

We hire the full range of compaction equipment from our Wymondham depot, delivered and collected across Norfolk and Suffolk. Get a quote or call us if you’d like help matching the machine to your sub-base.

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Breckland Plant Hire

Breckland Plant Hire

The Breckland Plant Hire team has been providing reliable plant and tool hire across Norfolk and Suffolk for over 30 years.

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