Ready mixed concrete has rapidly become a giant in the construction industry. It is used widely across a number of industries within the UK and around the world.
In this blog, we outline how to source ready mixed concrete for a home renovation, extension or garden transformation. We will include top tips for choosing the right ready mixed concrete supplier.
Let’s jump in…
Table of Contents
What Is Ready Mixed Concrete?
Ready mixed concrete is a versatile building material made from a mix of cement, sand, water and other fine and coarse aggregates – including recycled aggregates. It is manufactured and pre-mixed at the supplier’s site to the consistency, quality and quantity that meets the requirements of your build.
The ready mixed concrete is then transported to your site and is ready to be used upon arrival.
Can Ready Mixed Concrete Be Used For A Home Renovation?
Yes! Ready mixed concrete is an excellent choice for home renovations, house extensions and garden transformations, whether you are outsourcing the work to contractors or taking on a DIY project.
This multipurpose building material is durable and consistent. It can be used for a variety of purposes including groundworks and foundations, RC frames, retaining walls, footpaths, driveways and more.
With ready mixed concrete, you don’t have to worry about wasting money as you can order and pay for exact quantities. This also ensures there is no waste! It also cuts out the need to hire specific plant machinery – saving further funds.
How To Source A Ready Mixed Concrete Supplier
Choosing the right supplier will make a world of difference when sourcing ready mixed concrete. To choose the right supplier, there are a handful of factors to take into consideration:
Types Of Mix
Does the ready mixed concrete supplier offer the type of mix you require for your project? There are two main types of ready mixed concrete mixes: barrel mix and volumetric mix.
A barrel mix is ideal if you would like a bulk delivery and continuous pour. This ready mixed concrete is batched by the supplier at their site and continuously mixed on route during transportation so that when it arrives at your project, it is ready to be poured. This is an excellent option if you’re timeline is running smoothly, and you are sure of when you would like the concrete to be delivered and used.
A volumetric mix is slightly different as this is mixed at your site. The supplier will load the necessary ingredients onto the vehicle and transport it to your site where the exact quantity will be batched and mixed as it is needed. This reduces any waste. It is the ideal solution when the production of concrete on-site is required due to time constraints or access challenges.
Quality
A supplier offering high-quality ready mixed concrete will ensure their product is approved to industry standards, including both BS8500 and BS EN 206 quality standards. Plus, they will offer ready mixed concrete that is specifically tailored to your needs, taking into consideration the type of project and application.
Location
Some ready mixed concrete suppliers offer national delivery. However, others may only deliver locally or may charge hefty delivery costs. Consider the location and delivery options when choosing a ready mixed concrete supplier.
Reputation
Always check customer reviews, either on Trustpilot, Google, social media or the supplier’s website. A trustworthy ready mixed concrete supplier will have positive customer reviews and may even offer information on past projects and case studies. They will also have experience and other trust signals, such as clear contact information.
