Let’s be honest: concrete is not usually the first thing people think about for a bit of entertainment. It’s heavy, grey, and sets rock hard. But when you’re managing a building project, whether it’s a DIY garden path or a large commercial foundation, the cost of concrete is no joke.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!One term you may have heard on site is volumetric concrete. It sounds technical, but it’s actually a very practical way of supplying concrete. At Mix-N-Go, we’ve been in the concrete game for over 15 years. While we specialise in high-quality ready mix concrete delivered straight to site, we believe customers should understand all their options.
Here’s what volumetric concrete is, how it works, and why it can sometimes save you money on yardage.
What Is Volumetric Concrete?
In simple terms, volumetric concrete is concrete that is mixed on site rather than produced at a central batching plant before delivery.
Think of it like baking a cake. Traditional ready mix concrete is like ordering the batter ready-made and delivered to your door. Volumetric concrete is more like having a mobile kitchen arrive with all the ingredients separate, then mixing everything fresh on your driveway.
This gives the operator more flexibility and means the concrete is only mixed when it is needed.
How Does Volumetric Concrete Work?
Volumetric concrete is delivered in a specialised volumetric concrete mixer. Unlike a standard drum mixer, this vehicle stores each ingredient in separate compartments.
These typically include:
- Aggregates such as sand and stone
- Cement
- Water
- Admixtures, which are added to alter how the concrete performs
When the lorry arrives on site, the operator selects the required mix design. The materials are then fed through the machine, blended in an auger, and discharged directly where needed.
One of the key benefits is flexibility. If a project requires different strengths or consistencies during the same visit, a volumetric mixer can often switch from one mix to another without returning to the depot.
Volumetric Concrete vs Ready Mix Concrete
If you are looking for on-site mixed concrete in Essex, the two main options are volumetric concrete and ready mix concrete. While both achieve the same end result, the supply method is quite different.
Volumetric Concrete
- Pay-as-you-pour: You typically only pay for what is actually mixed and used
- Flexible: Mix design can be adjusted on site
- Fresh: Concrete is mixed moments before it is poured
Ready Mix Concrete
- Consistent: Batched at a central plant using precise, computer-controlled systems
- Fast: Ideal for larger pours where speed matters
- Simple: Delivered ready to pour with no mixing delay on site
At Mix-N-Go, ready mix concrete is our speciality because it gives our customers the ideal combination of speed, reliability, and quality control.
Why You Might Pay Less by the Yardage
The main selling point of volumetric concrete is reduced waste.
With traditional ready mix, you need to estimate the amount required before placing your order. If you order more than you need, you still pay for it. In some cases, there may also be charges for leftover material.
With volumetric concrete, the system is often described as pay-as-you-pour. The mixer keeps producing concrete until the job is done, and you generally pay only for the volume used. That is why some people say you can pay less “by the yardage”.
On projects where the exact quantity is uncertain, that can be a genuine advantage.
But There’s a Catch
While the idea of paying only for what you use sounds ideal, volumetric concrete often comes with a higher cost per cubic metre than standard ready mix concrete.
These specialist vehicles are more complex and expensive to operate, and that cost is reflected in the price.
If you already know your required volume with reasonable accuracy, ready mix concrete is often the better-value option overall. This is especially true when you use a reliable concrete calculator or speak to an experienced supplier who can help you work it out properly before delivery.
The Mix-N-Go Approach
At Mix-N-Go, we back ready mix concrete because for most projects across Essex, it delivers the right balance of value, speed, and consistency.
We understand that many customers worry about ordering too much or too little. That is why our team is always happy to help you calculate your requirements properly before you book. A bit of planning up front can save time, hassle, and unnecessary cost on the day.
Why Choose Mix-N-Go?
Reliable Quality Control
Our concrete is factory batched using calibrated systems to ensure every load meets the correct specification, from a simple domestic footing mix to a stronger structural grade.
Fast and Straightforward Service
We keep things simple. Your concrete arrives ready to pour, helping you keep the job moving without delays.
Concrete Pumping Available
If access is awkward, our concrete pumping service makes the job much easier. We can deliver concrete over fences, through narrow access points, and into hard-to-reach areas with minimal mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main advantages of volumetric concrete?
The main advantage is flexibility. You usually only pay for what you use, and the operator can often adjust the mix design during the same delivery if needed.
Is volumetric concrete suitable for large projects?
It can be, but for very large pours, traditional ready mix is often faster. Where speed is important to avoid cold joints and keep the pour continuous, multiple ready mix deliveries are often the preferred choice.
What is the difference between C25 and C35 concrete?
These grades refer to the compressive strength of the concrete after 28 days. C25 is commonly used for foundations and domestic slabs, while C35 is a stronger mix often used for driveways, external paving, and areas exposed to heavier loads.
How does Mix-N-Go maintain quality in its ready mix concrete?
We use precise batching systems at our central plant to control the ratio of cement, aggregates, and water in every mix. This helps ensure a consistent product that meets the required standards every time.
Conclusion
Volumetric concrete can be a smart choice when the amount needed is uncertain or when a single delivery needs to produce multiple mix types. Its biggest advantage is reducing waste by allowing you to pay only for what you actually use.
That said, for most projects where measurements can be calculated properly, ready mix concrete remains the gold standard for consistency, speed, and overall value.
If you want dependable ready mix concrete in Essex, Mix-N-Go is here to help. We offer expert advice, reliable delivery slots, and concrete pumping services to make your next pour as smooth as possible.
Ready to get started? Use our concrete calculator or contact Mix-N-Go today for a free quote and practical advice on your next project.
