Understanding ready mix concrete costs doesn’t have to be harder than the material itself. At Mix-N-Go, we’ve been mixing up solutions (and the occasional dad joke) for over 15 years, and we know that getting accurate pricing information can feel like searching for a needle in a concrete haystack.
This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about ready mix concrete prices in the UK. We’ll cover the factors that influence costs, different concrete types and their prices, real-world project examples, and answer those burning questions that keep you up at night. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to budget confidently for your next project.
What is ready mix concrete?
Ready mix concrete is exactly what it sounds like—concrete that’s been mixed at a specialised facility and delivered to your site ready to pour. Think of it as the takeaway version of concrete, but instead of fish and chips, you’re getting perfectly proportioned cement, aggregates, water, and additives.
The beauty of ready mix lies in its convenience and consistency. Rather than having your team measure, mix, and hope for the best, professional concrete plants use precise computerised batching systems. This eliminates human error and ensures every cubic metre meets exact specifications. Plus, the concrete arrives fresh and ready to work with, maintaining optimal workability throughout the pour.
For busy contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike, ready mix concrete saves considerable time and effort. No more hiring mixers, sourcing materials separately, or dealing with inconsistent batches. The concrete truck simply arrives, and you’re ready to get on with the important work.
Factors affecting ready mix concrete prices
Several key factors influence the cost of ready mix concrete, and understanding these can help you budget more accurately for your project.
Regional variations
Location plays a significant role in concrete pricing. Areas with higher transport costs, limited suppliers, or increased demand typically see higher prices. Urban centres often have more competitive pricing due to multiple suppliers, while rural areas might face premium charges for longer delivery distances.
Mix grade and strength
Different concrete grades command different prices. Basic C8 mix for simple applications costs considerably less than high-strength C45 concrete designed for demanding structural work. The strength grade directly correlates with the cement content, which is typically the most expensive component in the mix.
Aggregate type
The type of aggregates used affects both performance and cost. Standard crushed stone aggregates are most economical, while specialised aggregates like lightweight materials or recycled options may carry premium pricing. The local availability of quality aggregates also influences regional pricing.
Delivery distance
Most suppliers have a standard delivery radius, beyond which additional transport charges apply. Longer distances mean higher fuel costs and increased vehicle wear, which suppliers naturally pass on to customers. Some companies offer free delivery within a certain radius, but this cost is typically built into the base price.
Additional services
Services like concrete pumping, Saturday deliveries, or small load surcharges all add to the base cost. Pumping services are particularly valuable for hard-to-reach areas but can add £280-£800 per day depending on equipment type.
Types of ready mix concrete and their costs
Understanding different concrete types helps you select the right mix for your project whilst managing costs effectively.
C8 concrete – £95-£110 per m³
C8 represents the most basic concrete mix, perfect for non-structural applications. Use it for setting fence posts, backfilling around pipes, or creating basic foundations for garden features. Its lower cement content makes it the most economical choice for simple projects.
C10 and C15 concrete – £100-£115 per m³
These mixes suit foundations for non-load bearing structures like garden walls under 900mm high. C15 offers slightly better durability than C10, making it worthwhile for projects requiring longer-term performance without moving into higher strength categories.
C20 concrete – £105-£120 per m³
C20 concrete handles domestic slab foundations and moderate structural applications. It’s commonly used for house foundations, garage floors, and driveways that won’t see heavy commercial traffic. This grade offers excellent value for residential projects.
C25 concrete – £110-£125 per m³
When dealing with unstable ground conditions or needing extra durability, C25 concrete delivers. It’s ideal for house foundations on challenging sites, walkways, and pathways that need to withstand regular foot traffic and weather exposure.
C30 and C35 concrete – £115-£135 per m³
These higher strength mixes handle demanding applications like roadways, farm tracks, and areas expecting heavy vehicle traffic. The increased cement content provides excellent durability against repeated loading and harsh environmental conditions.
C40 and C45 concrete – £125-£150 per m³
The strongest commonly available mixes, C40 and C45 concrete tackle specialised applications like agricultural silage pits, industrial flooring, and structures requiring maximum durability. These mixes contain specialised additives to resist chemical attack and extreme loading.
Cost examples for different project sizes
Real-world examples help put concrete pricing into perspective for various project scales.
Small domestic projects
A typical garden patio measuring 4m x 3m requires approximately 1.5m³ of C20 concrete at 125mm thick. Including delivery, expect costs around £330-£380. Add concrete pumping if access is restricted, bringing the total to £610-£680.
Medium residential projects
A single garage foundation (6m x 3m x 150mm thick) needs roughly 2.7m³ of C25 concrete. With delivery and basic pumping, budget £650-£750. The higher strength concrete ensures long-term performance under structural loading.
Large commercial applications
A commercial car park section requiring 50m³ of C35 concrete represents a substantial project. Material costs alone range £5,750-£6,750, with delivery adding £150-£200. Boom pump hire for efficient placement adds approximately £600, bringing the total to £6,500-£7,550.
DIY vs professional concrete delivery
The choice between mixing your own concrete and ordering ready mix involves several considerations beyond just price.
DIY concrete mixing
Mixing concrete yourself might seem economical for small projects. A 25kg bag of concrete mix costs around £3-£4, with roughly 40 bags needed per cubic metre. However, this approach requires significant physical effort, equipment rental, and carries quality risks.
The hidden costs add up quickly. Mixer hire runs £30-£50 per day, transportation costs for materials, and the time investment often makes DIY concrete uneconomical for anything beyond the smallest projects. Quality consistency also becomes challenging without professional batching equipment.
Professional delivery advantages
Ready mix concrete from Mix-N-Go eliminates guesswork and physical strain. Our computerised batching ensures consistent quality, whilst our experienced drivers help with placement advice. The time savings alone often justify the cost difference, particularly for larger pours.
Professional delivery also provides liability coverage and technical support. If issues arise, you have expert backup rather than troubleshooting alone. Our team’s experience with thousands of pours means we can anticipate and prevent common problems before they occur.
Get your construction project started with Mix-N-Go
Understanding ready mix concrete pricing helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. At Mix-N-Go, we believe in transparent pricing and expert service that keeps your project running smoothly. Our wide range of high-quality concrete mixes, from economical C8 to high-strength C45, ensures you get exactly what your project needs without paying for unnecessary performance.
With over 15 years of experience serving Essex, we’ve seen every type of building project and challenge. Our team provides more than just concrete delivery—we offer peace of mind through reliable service, expert advice, and quality you can count on. From small garden projects to major commercial builds, we’re here to make your concrete requirements simple and stress-free.
Ready to move forward with your project?
Contact Mix-N-Go today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly team will help you select the right concrete mix, calculate quantities accurately, and arrange delivery that fits your schedule. Let’s build something solid together.
Frequently asked questions about ready mix concrete prices
How much concrete do I need for my project?
Calculate volume by multiplying length × width × depth in metres. For a 4m × 3m patio at 100mm deep: 4 × 3 × 0.1 = 1.2m³. Always order 5-10% extra to account for variations in ground level and potential spillage.
To make things even easier than that, you could always use our concrete calculator.
What’s the minimum order quantity?
Most suppliers, including Mix-N-Go, have minimum orders around 1-2m³. Smaller quantities often incur surcharges due to the fixed costs of truck dispatch and driver time. For very small projects, consider whether bagged concrete might be more suitable.
Can I get same-day delivery?
Yes, Mix-N-Go offers same-day and next-day delivery throughout Essex, subject to availability. Early morning bookings have the best chance of same-day service, particularly during busy construction seasons.
What happens if I order too much concrete?
Excess concrete can sometimes be returned if the truck hasn’t been contaminated, though return charges typically apply. It’s better to have excess than run short mid-pour, as additional deliveries can be costly and disrupt work flow.
How long do I have to use the concrete?
Ready mix concrete remains workable for approximately 1-2 hours after mixing, depending on weather conditions. Hot weather accelerates setting, whilst cooler temperatures extend working time. Plan your pour schedule accordingly and have adequate labour available.
Are weekend concrete pump deliveries available?
Many suppliers offer Saturday delivery, though this typically incurs premium charges of £50-£100. Few companies deliver concrete on Sundays, but it’s worth enquiring if you need it for then. You should always aim to plan ahead to avoid weekend surcharges where possible.
