Ready-mix concrete is not a single product. There are several types, each with different properties and best uses. Choosing the right one for your project can make a real difference to how well it performs, how long it lasts, and how much it costs to maintain over time.
This guide explains the main types available, what makes each one different, and how to match the right mix to your specific job.
Standard Ready-Mix Concrete
Standard ready-mix is the most common type. It is a blend of cement, aggregate, and water, mixed to precise proportions at a batching plant before delivery. Because mixing happens in controlled conditions, every batch is consistent in quality and strength, which is much harder to achieve when mixing by hand on site.
It comes in different strength grades, such as C20, C25, and C30. The number tells you how much compressive pressure the concrete can handle after 28 days of curing, measured in Newtons per square millimetre. A C25 mix, for example, can withstand 25 N/mm² before failing. For a full breakdown of what each grade means, see our guide to concrete strength classes explained.
Standard mixes suit most everyday jobs, including house foundations, driveways, floor slabs, and garden bases.
High-Strength Concrete
High-strength concrete uses a more refined mix design, often with supplementary materials such as silica fume and specialist admixtures. These additions reduce the porosity of the mix and push compressive strength well beyond 40 N/mm², with some mixes reaching 80 N/mm² or higher. The denser matrix also improves resistance to moisture and chemical attack, extending service life in demanding environments.
It is used for multi-storey buildings, bridge decks, structural columns, and industrial floors carrying heavy loads. Placement and curing need careful control, so this mix is usually ordered for projects with a structural engineer involved.
Rapid-Hardening Concrete
Rapid-hardening concrete reaches working strength within hours rather than days. This makes it ideal for road repairs, airport runways, and any situation where an area needs to reopen quickly. Because the setting window is much shorter, you need to have your team and tools ready before the truck arrives. Always tell your supplier about weather and site conditions when ordering.
Fibre-Reinforced Concrete
Fibre-reinforced concrete has small fibres added to the mix before delivery. These can be steel, polypropylene, or glass, and they are distributed evenly throughout the mix to help prevent cracking. Standard concrete can crack under tensile stress because it is strong in compression but weaker when pulled or bent. The fibres bridge any cracks that begin to form, limiting how far they spread.
It is a popular choice for industrial floors, external hardstandings, and any area prone to impact or heavy wear. The type and amount of fibre can be adjusted to suit your specific needs.
Lightweight Concrete
Lightweight concrete uses low-density aggregates in place of heavier stone. This reduces the overall weight of the structure significantly, which is useful for roof screeds, wall panels, precast cladding, and projects where reducing structural load matters. It also offers better thermal insulation than standard concrete, making it a practical choice in energy-efficient building.
Waterproof Concrete
Waterproof concrete includes admixtures that significantly reduce the amount of water that can pass through it. It is used for basement floors and walls, retaining walls, swimming pools, and underground structures such as car parks and service tunnels. It works best alongside good detailing and careful placement, rather than as a replacement for sound site practice.
Key Properties to Know
Whatever type of concrete you order, three core properties affect how it performs.
Compressive strength is the most important measure. It tells you how much load the hardened concrete can take before it crushes. It is tested after 28 days and measured in N/mm². The right strength depends entirely on your project. A garden path needs far less than a structural foundation.
Workability describes how easy the fresh concrete is to pour and finish. It is measured using a slump test. A wetter mix with a higher slump flows more easily and suits complex shapes or areas with reinforcement. A stiffer, lower-slump mix is used where maximum strength is the priority. Getting workability right means the concrete will be easier to place correctly and will perform as expected once hardened.
Durability refers to how well the concrete holds up over time against weather, wear, and chemicals. In locations where water freezes and thaws repeatedly, freeze-thaw resistance matters. In areas exposed to de-icing salts or aggressive soils, chemical resistance becomes important. Both can be improved through the choice of mix design and admixtures.
How to Choose the Right Type
The right concrete depends on what the finished structure needs to do. The table below covers common projects and the recommended grade or type.
| Project | Recommended type or grade |
|---|---|
| Garden paths, shed bases | Standard C20 |
| House foundations, domestic floors | Standard C25 |
| Driveways (regular car use) | Standard C25 to C30 |
| Commercial floors, heavier driveways | Standard C30 to C35 |
| Industrial floors, structural work | C35 and above, or fibre-reinforced |
| Time-critical repairs | Rapid-hardening |
| Below-ground or wet environments | Waterproof mix |
| High-rise or major infrastructure | High-strength mix |
Think about what loads the concrete will carry, whether there is a time pressure, and whether water ingress is a risk. If building regulations apply, check what grade is required before ordering. For further independent guidance on concrete specification, The Concrete Centre is a useful reference at concretecentre.com/Specification.aspx.
If you are unsure which type suits your project, speaking to your supplier is the best starting point. For more on what to think about before you order, read our guide on what to consider when ordering ready-mix concrete.
At Express Concrete, we have been supplying ready-mix concrete across London since 1991. Whatever your project, our experienced team can help you choose the right mix and get it delivered to site when you need it.
