We’ve all seen those DIY disaster videos. You know the ones, where someone tries to mix concrete in a wheelbarrow for a full driveway, only to end up with a bad back and a finish that looks like the surface of the moon.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!While we admire the effort, there is a reason most professionals call in the proper concrete trucks.
At Mix-N-Go, we’ve spent more than 15 years helping customers across Essex avoid wheelbarrow fatigue and costly mistakes. As a trusted supplier of high-quality concrete, we know that getting the mix right is only half the job. Knowing what it is likely to cost matters just as much.
Ready mix concrete remains the go-to choice for many projects because it is accurate, consistent, and far quicker than mixing by hand. But how much should you budget for?
Whether you are laying a patio in Basildon or pouring foundations in Billericay, this guide breaks down the typical ready mix concrete cost in Essex for 2026 so you can plan with more confidence.
What Affects the Cost of Ready Mix Concrete?
Asking “how much is concrete?” is a bit like asking how long the traffic is on the A127. The answer depends on several factors.
Before we get into figures, here are the main things that influence the final cost.
1. Concrete Strength
Not all concrete is the same. The strength of the mix you need will directly affect the price.
- C8 to C15 – Lower-strength mixes typically used for kerbing or non-load-bearing applications. These are usually the cheaper options.
- C20 to C25 – Common for domestic foundations, patios, and general building work.
- C35 to C45 – Stronger mixes often used for driveways, commercial foundations, agricultural builds, and heavy-use areas. These usually cost more due to the higher cement content.
2. Volume Required
This is straightforward. The more concrete you need, the higher the total cost. However, larger orders can sometimes reduce the cost per cubic metre slightly.
3. Delivery Location
Delivery costs can vary depending on where your site is and how easy it is to access. A straightforward site near a main road is generally simpler than a property with narrow access or difficult rural routes.
4. Additional Services
If the concrete truck cannot get close enough to the pour area, you may need a concrete pump. This is often essential for rear gardens, extensions, or hard-to-reach commercial sites, but it does add to the overall cost.
5. Time of Year
Seasonal conditions can affect pricing too. In colder months, additives may be needed to help protect the concrete during pouring and curing.
2026 Ready Mix Concrete Price Guide for Essex
So, what are customers in Essex typically paying in 2026?
Please note that these are general estimates based on current market trends. For an accurate quote, it is always best to speak to the Mix-N-Go team directly.
Average Cost Per Cubic Metre
You can generally expect to pay between £120 and £160 per m³. The final figure will depend mainly on the strength and specification of the mix required.
Delivery Charges
Standard delivery usually falls between £100 and £200, depending on location and site access.
Concrete Pump Hire
If pumping is needed, prices generally range from £280 to £800 per day. This depends on the type of pump required, such as a line pump for domestic projects or a boom pump for larger commercial jobs.
Example Project Costs
Here are some typical examples to help put the numbers into context.
Small Domestic Project
Example: Garden patio or shed base
- Volume: 2m³
- Estimated concrete cost: £240 to £320, plus delivery
Large Domestic Project
Example: Driveway
- Volume: 5m³
- Estimated concrete cost: £600 to £800, plus delivery
Small Commercial Project
Example: Extension foundation or small commercial footing
- Volume: 10m³
- Estimated concrete cost: £1,200 to £1,600, plus delivery
Large Commercial Project
Example: Warehouse floor or agricultural slab
- Volume: 20m³
- Estimated concrete cost: £2,400 to £3,200, plus delivery
Domestic and Commercial Cost Examples
The Weekend Patio Project
If you are laying a small patio or base for a shed, you may need around 2m³ of C30 concrete. This is a common choice for durable domestic outdoor use.
- Volume: 2m³
- Mix: C30
- Estimated cost: £240 to £320, plus delivery
The Family Driveway
For a driveway designed to handle regular vehicle use, fibre-reinforced C35 concrete is often a strong option.
- Volume: 5m³
- Mix: Fibre-reinforced C35
- Estimated cost: £600 to £800, plus delivery
Commercial Extension Foundations
A small commercial footing or extension base often needs dependable C35 concrete.
- Volume: 10m³
- Mix: C35
- Estimated cost: £1,200 to £1,600, plus delivery
Larger Commercial or Agricultural Slabs
For large pours such as warehouse floors or agricultural silage pits, a stronger C45 specification may be required.
- Volume: 20m³
- Mix: C45
- Estimated cost: £2,400 to £3,200, plus delivery
Why Choose Mix-N-Go?
We know there are plenty of suppliers out there, but Mix-N-Go focuses on combining quality concrete with practical service and reliable delivery.
- 15+ years of experience – We understand the demands of both domestic and commercial projects across Essex.
- Tailored support – From small patios to larger site pours, we help match the mix to the job.
- Concrete pumping available – Ideal for difficult access, rear gardens, and awkward commercial sites.
- Fast turnaround – Same-day and next-day delivery options are available depending on schedule and location.
- Fresh, high-quality mixes – Our concrete is prepared to provide reliable strength, workability, and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ready mix concrete?
Ready mix concrete is produced at a batching plant to a set specification and then delivered to site by mixer truck. This ensures a more accurate and consistent product than hand mixing on site.
How do I calculate how much concrete I need?
You can work it out using length x width x depth. For a quicker option, use the Mix-N-Go concrete calculator. It is also sensible to allow a small margin for uneven ground or minor spillage.
What concrete mixes do you offer?
We supply a wide range of mixes, from lower-strength options such as C8 through to heavy-duty C45 concrete for demanding commercial and agricultural use.
Do you offer same-day ready mix concrete delivery?
Yes. Depending on availability and your location, same-day delivery may be possible. Next-day delivery is often available as standard.
What areas in Essex do you cover?
We supply concrete across a wide area, including Basildon, Billericay, Brentwood, Canvey Island, Rayleigh, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea, and Tilbury.
How should I prepare my site for delivery?
Make sure there is clear access for the truck, enough room if a pump is required, and that all formwork is properly secured before the pour begins.
Ready to Pour? Get Started with Our Concrete Calculator
Hopefully this guide has given you a clearer picture of what to budget for your next concrete project.
Whether you are planning a garden upgrade or a commercial build, understanding the likely costs upfront can help you make better decisions and avoid expensive surprises.
And while price matters, quality matters too. Reliable concrete helps ensure the job lasts, saving you from future repairs and headaches.
If you are ready to get started, use the Mix-N-Go concrete calculator or contact us today for a tailored quote and practical advice.
