Is Ready Mix Concrete Cheaper Than Mixing It Yourself?

Thinking about tackling a concrete project? Whether you’re building a garden path, laying a new driveway, or working on a bigger construction job, you’ve probably wondered: is it actually cheaper to buy ready mix concrete, or should you mix it yourself?

It’s a brilliant question, and one we at Express Concrete get asked all the time! The answer might surprise you because it’s not just about the upfront price tag. When you look at the full picture, including time, quality, and hidden costs, ready mix often works out more economical than DIY mixing.

Let’s break it down together. By the end of this article, you’ll understand the real costs of both options and which one might be best for your project. And yes, we’ll give you actual numbers, not just vague promises!

 

Understanding Your Options: Ready Mix vs DIY Concrete

Before we dive into costs, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what we’re comparing.

 

What is Ready Mix Concrete?

Ready mix concrete is exactly what it sounds like: concrete that’s already been mixed for you at our specialist batching plant. We prepare it using precise, computer-controlled measurements, then deliver it to your location in those large mixer trucks you’ve probably seen driving around London.

All you need to do is tell us where to pour it! At Express Concrete, we take pride in delivering high-quality ready mix concrete tailored to your specific project needs. Each batch is carefully measured and mixed by our experts using various mix designs to achieve the desired strength and durability. There’s absolutely no guesswork involved!

The concrete arrives ready to pour, professionally mixed, and with guaranteed quality standards that meet British Standards (BS EN 206). This means you get consistent strength, proper curing from the start, and peace of mind that your concrete will perform as expected.

 

What is DIY Concrete Mixing?

DIY concrete means purchasing the raw materials (cement, sand, aggregates, and water) separately, measuring them out yourself, and mixing them together either by hand or with a small hired mixer.

A common concrete mix ratio consists of one part cement, two parts sand, and four parts aggregates, but this can vary based on the strength of concrete you need. It sounds straightforward enough, but there’s quite a bit of science involved in getting the proportions just right.

When you mix concrete yourself, you’re responsible for:

• Accurately measuring each component
• Achieving the correct water-cement ratio
• Mixing thoroughly for consistency
• Working within the concrete’s setting time
• Maintaining quality throughout the batch

Even small errors in measuring or mixing can significantly affect the final strength and durability of your concrete.

 

The Real Cost Comparison: Numbers You Can Trust

Right, let’s get to what you really want to know: the actual costs! I’ll keep this straightforward so we can easily compare both options.

DIY Concrete Mixing Costs

For a typical small project needing 2 cubic metres of concrete, here’s what you’re looking at:

Materials:

• Cement (bags): £240-£280
• Sand (bulk or bags): £120-£160
• Aggregate (bulk or bags): £140-£180
• Total materials: £500-£620

Equipment:

• Mixer hire (2-3 days): £60-£100
• Wheelbarrow: £30-£50 (if you don’t own one)
• Shovels and tools: £20-£40
• Total equipment: £110-£190

Hidden Costs:

• Your time: This isn’t measured in pounds, but it’s a real cost! Plan on 8-12 hours of heavy physical work
• Mistakes: If the mix isn’t right, you might have to start over
• Clean-up: Concrete is messy and extremely difficult to clean once it sets
• Disposal: Getting rid of excess materials and wash water properly
• Storage: You’ll need dry space to store any leftover materials

Grand Total for DIY: £610-£810 (plus your valuable time and considerable physical effort)

 

Ready Mix Concrete Delivery Costs

For the same 2 cubic metres:

Ready Mix Delivery:

• Concrete (2m³): £240-£320
• Delivery charge: £80-£120
• Total cost: £320-£440

Note: These are approximate costs for basic concrete mix in the UK as of 2025. Prices may vary based on your location and specific requirements.

The Verdict

For most projects requiring more than 1 cubic metre of concrete, ready mix is almost always the more economical choice. Look at those numbers: you could save £170-£370 on a 2m³ project by choosing ready mix, and that’s before considering your time and effort!

According to The Concrete Society’s guidance on BS 8500, professional ready mix concrete offers better quality and value for any medium to large project. Research from the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) shows that DIY concrete projects often end up costing 20-30% more than initially estimated due to hidden factors like material waste, equipment problems, and time overruns.

 

Why Ready Mix Concrete is Cost-Effective

Beyond the direct price comparison, ready mix concrete offers several cost-effectiveness factors that make it the smarter financial choice for most projects.

Streamlined Production = Lower Costs

Ready mix concrete is produced in large, efficient batching plants that benefit from economies of scale. Here’s how this translates to savings for you:

Automated Batching Systems: Our computer-controlled systems measure each component with incredible precision. This automation:

• Eliminates human error that wastes materials
• Ensures consistent quality every single time
• Reduces labour costs (savings passed to you)
• Minimises material waste significantly

When you mix concrete on-site, you’re essentially running a small-scale, inefficient production line. You don’t have access to the same technology, bulk purchasing power, or process efficiency that a professional batching plant provides.

 

Reduced Material Waste

One of the biggest hidden costs of DIY concrete is waste. When you buy bagged materials, you almost always end up with excess:

• Cement bags often get damaged or absorb moisture
• Sand and aggregate quantities are hard to calculate perfectly
• Mixed concrete that sets before use is completely wasted
• Leftover materials are difficult to store or use later

With ready mix, we calculate exactly what you need using our concrete calculator, down to the cubic metre. Our metered concrete service means you pay only for what you use. This precision typically reduces waste by 15-25% compared to DIY mixing.

 

Labour Cost Savings

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: your time and effort.

DIY concrete mixing requires:

• 2-3 people for larger pours
• 8-12 hours of heavy physical work
• Multiple trips to collect materials
• Constant mixing throughout the day
• Cleaning up concrete from tools and equipment

If you’re paying workers, those labour hours add up quickly. Even if you’re doing it yourself, your time has value. Ready mix concrete dramatically reduces on-site labour requirements because:

• No mixing labour needed
• Faster pour times (continuous flow)
• Fewer workers required on site
• Team can focus on placement and finishing, not mixing

For a 6m³ foundation, DIY mixing might take 2-3 people a full day. Ready mix? We deliver it in one load, and your team can pour it in 2-3 hours.

 

Quality Control Prevents Costly Rework

Here’s something many people don’t consider until it’s too late: poor-quality concrete can be enormously expensive to fix.

When concrete fails, you might face:

• Complete removal and replacement
• Structural integrity issues
• Project delays and lost time
• Damage to other building elements
• Safety concerns and liability

Our ready mix concrete goes through rigorous quality control:

• Each batch is tested before it leaves our plants
• Computer-controlled mixing ensures consistency
• Proper water-cement ratios prevent weakness
• Professional production meets BS EN 206 standards

This quality assurance dramatically reduces the risk of expensive rework. We’ve seen DIY concrete projects that ended up costing three times the original estimate because the concrete didn’t perform correctly and had to be redone.

 

Time Savings Equal Money Savings

In construction, time literally is money. Every day a project runs over schedule costs money in:

• Extended equipment hire
• Additional labour costs
• Financing charges for commercial projects
• Lost opportunity costs

Ready mix concrete allows for rapid, continuous pouring that simply isn’t possible with DIY mixing. For example:

• A 100m² driveway with DIY mixing: 2-3 days
• The same driveway with ready mix: 4-6 hours

Those time savings translate directly into cost savings through reduced labour hours, shorter equipment hire, and faster project completion.

 

 

Hidden Costs You Might Not Consider

When comparing costs, most people only look at the obvious expenses. But there are several hidden costs that can make DIY concrete much more expensive than it initially appears.

Equipment Rental and Purchase

Beyond the basic mixer hire, you might need:

• Compactor or vibrator (£40-£60/day)
• Wheelbarrows (multiple for larger pours)
• Levelling tools and screeds
• Safety equipment (gloves, boots, goggles)
• Cleaning supplies and solvents

If you’re doing multiple projects, you might be tempted to buy equipment. But a decent concrete mixer costs £300-£800, and it needs storage space and maintenance.

 

Storage and Site Logistics

DIY concrete means storing materials on site:

• Covered storage for cement (moisture ruins it)
• Space for sand and aggregate piles
• Risk of theft or weather damage
• Site becomes congested and hazardous

With ready mix, you only need clear access for our delivery truck. No storage, no site congestion, no theft risk.

 

Waste Disposal Costs

Concrete waste isn’t cheap to dispose of:

• Skip hire: £150-£300
• Concrete washout water requires proper disposal (harmful to ecosystems)
• Hardened concrete in mixers and tools
• Damaged bags and excess materials

The Environmental Agency recommends professional concrete services for better environmental compliance. Improper disposal of concrete washout water can result in fines.

 

Access Issues and Additional Costs

Sometimes ready mix concrete does have additional costs to consider:

• Pump hire if our trucks can’t reach your site: £200-£400
• Wheelbarrowing from truck to pour location: additional labour
• Traffic management in restricted areas

However, these costs are usually still less than the full DIY alternative, and we can advise you on the most cost-effective delivery method for your specific site.

 

Weather Delays

British weather is, let’s say, unpredictable! When you’re mixing concrete on-site, weather can cause expensive problems:

• Rain dilutes your mix and ruins consistency
• Hot weather causes premature setting
• Cold weather slows curing and affects strength
• Multiple delays mean extended equipment hire

With ready mix, we can:

• Adjust the mix for weather conditions
• Schedule deliveries for optimal weather windows
• Add admixtures for temperature extremes
• Deliver quickly to minimise weather exposure

 

Insurance and Liability

Here’s something most DIYers don’t think about: liability. If something goes wrong with DIY concrete:

• Structural failures are your responsibility
• Injuries during mixing aren’t covered
• Property damage from mistakes is on you
• Professional indemnity doesn’t cover DIY work

When you use professional ready mix concrete from Express Concrete, you get:

• Professional liability coverage
• Quality guarantees
• Traceable batch records
• Peace of mind

 

When Ready Mix Becomes Even More Cost-Effective

While ready mix concrete offers better value for most projects, there are certain situations where the cost advantage becomes overwhelming.

 

Larger Projects: Economies of Scale

The larger your project, the more you save with ready mix:

For a 6m³ residential foundation:

• DIY costs: £1,800-£2,400 (plus 3-4 days of hard labour)
• Ready mix costs: £900-£1,200 (delivered in one load)
• Savings: £900-£1,200 (40-50% less!)

The per-cubic-metre cost decreases with ready mix as volume increases, whilst DIY costs scale linearly (or worse, as you need more equipment and helpers).

 

Complex or Specialised Mixes

Need specific concrete strength or specialty features?

DIY limitations:

• Limited to basic mix ratios
• Difficult to add admixtures correctly
• Can’t achieve high-strength grades reliably
• No quality testing available

Ready mix advantages:

• We can produce any specification you need
• Waterproof concrete for basements
• Rapid-setting mixes
• High-strength structural grades
• Decorative concrete with colour
• All tested and guaranteed

These specialised mixes often cost only 10-15% more than standard concrete, whilst achieving the same results DIY would be extremely difficult or impossible.

 

Time-Constrained Projects

When time matters, ready mix is the only sensible option:

• Commercial projects with penalties for delays
• Projects with fixed completion dates
• Work that must coordinate with other trades
• Pours that need continuous concrete flow

The cost of project delays far exceeds any potential DIY savings. For commercial projects, even a one-day delay can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds.

 

Quality-Critical Applications

When structural integrity is crucial:

• Building foundations
• Structural slabs
• Load-bearing elements
• Anything requiring Building Control approval

The risk of poor-quality DIY concrete is simply too high. Professional ready mix with documented quality control is essential, and the cost is justified by the peace of mind and compliance.

 

When DIY Concrete Might Make Sense

Let’s be fair: there are a few situations where mixing your own concrete could be the right choice.

 

Very Small Projects

If you need less than 0.5 cubic metres of concrete, DIY might be practical:

• Small garden features
• Fence post holes (just a few)
• Tiny repairs or patches
• Single stepping stones

Our minimum order is typically 1 cubic metre, so for very small jobs, DIY or pre-mixed bags might be more suitable. However, you could consider combining projects or sharing a delivery with neighbours to reach the minimum order.

 

You Already Own Equipment

If your family or business already owns:

• A concrete mixer
• All necessary tools
• Proper storage facilities
• Experience using them

Then the equipment cost barrier is removed. However, you still need to weigh the time and effort against the convenience and quality of ready mix.

 

Remote or Difficult Access Locations

In rare cases where our delivery trucks genuinely cannot access your site and pump hire would be prohibitively expensive, DIY might be necessary. However, we’ve delivered to some very challenging locations, so always check with us first!

 

Learning Experience

If you’re specifically trying to learn about concrete for educational purposes or skill development, mixing a small batch yourself can be valuable. But for actual construction projects, learning on the job with your building’s foundation isn’t advisable!

 

Quality: The Ultimate Cost Factor

Here’s the truth: even if DIY concrete were cheaper (which it usually isn’t), quality issues could make it far more expensive in the long run.

Consistency is Everything

Every batch of concrete you mix on-site will be slightly different. Variations in:

• Water-cement ratio
• Mixing thoroughness
• Material proportions
• Temperature and humidity

These variations can lead to:

• Weak spots in your structure
• Colour variations (looks unprofessional)
• Different curing rates
• Cracking and durability issues

One of our customers, a builder, put it rather colourfully: “My lad was in charge of mixing, and let’s just say some batches were like cake mix and others like gravel soup. The finished patio looked like a patchwork quilt of different colours and textures. Never again!”

With ready mix, every cubic metre is exactly the same. Our computer-controlled batching plants measure each component precisely, and automated systems ensure thorough mixing. The result? Uniform strength and appearance throughout your entire pour. No weak spots, no colour variations, no headaches.

 

Strength Matters

Ready mix concrete is typically stronger than site-mixed concrete. Here’s why:

Precise Water-Cement Ratio: Too much water weakens concrete dramatically. Our plants measure water content to the litre, ensuring optimal strength. DIY mixing often results in too much water (easier to mix) or too little (incomplete hydration).

Even Distribution of Aggregates: Our industrial mixers ensure every stone is properly coated with cement paste. This is nearly impossible to achieve with a small site mixer. Uncoated aggregates create weak points.

Quality Control Testing: Every batch is tested before it leaves our plant. When was the last time you tested your site-mixed concrete? Professional testing catches problems before they become structural failures.

The numbers speak for themselves: properly produced ready mix concrete can be up to 40% stronger than site-mixed concrete. When you’re building something that needs to last decades, that’s a massive difference.

 

Ensuring Consistent Strength

The Concrete Society confirms that professional ready mix concrete offers better quality and value for any medium to large project. This isn’t marketing hype; it’s based on decades of construction research and real-world performance data.

Our concrete meets British Standards (BS EN 206), which means:

• Independently verified quality
• Traceable batch records
• Consistent performance
• Building Control approval

DIY concrete? You’re on your own, hoping you got it right.

 

Professional Quality Assurance

With Express Concrete, you benefit from:

• QSRMC accreditation
• Quality management systems
• Regular third-party audits
• Documented compliance

This level of quality assurance is impossible to achieve with DIY mixing, and it protects your project from costly failures.

 

Long-Term Cost Considerations

Smart buyers look beyond the initial price tag to the total cost of ownership. With concrete, this means thinking about durability, maintenance, and lifespan.

 

Durability and Lifespan

High-quality ready mix concrete can last 50-100 years with minimal maintenance. Poor-quality DIY concrete might start showing problems in just 5-10 years:

• Surface scaling and spalling
• Cracking from freeze-thaw cycles
• Reinforcement corrosion
• Structural weakness

Replacing failed concrete is enormously expensive:

• Removal costs
• Disposal charges
• Disruption to use
• New materials and labour

Spending a bit more upfront for proper ready mix concrete saves you vastly more in the long run.

 

Maintenance Costs

Well-made concrete requires minimal maintenance:

• Occasional cleaning
• Sealing every few years
• Minor crack repairs

Poor-quality concrete needs constant attention:

• Crack filling and patching
• Surface treatments
• Water infiltration repairs
• Premature replacement

The maintenance cost over 20 years for quality ready mix versus poor DIY concrete can differ by thousands of pounds.

 

Resale Value

If you’re working on your property:

• Quality concrete work adds value
• Professional construction indicates good maintenance
• Documented quality (batch tickets) reassures buyers
• DIY concrete can be a red flag during surveys

Estate agents report that visible poor-quality concrete work can reduce property values by £5,000-£15,000. That’s a lot more than the cost of using ready mix in the first place!

 

Building Control and Compliance

For work requiring Building Control approval, ready mix concrete with documented quality is often essential:

• Foundations need certified concrete
• Structural elements require testing
• Insurance validity depends on proper materials
• Mortgage companies want documented compliance

DIY concrete often doesn’t meet these requirements, which could cause serious problems when selling your property or claiming on insurance.

 

Environmental Cost Benefits

We’re all trying to be a bit greener these days, and ready mix concrete has some surprising environmental benefits that translate to cost savings.

 

Reduced Waste Material

Ready mix concrete generates significantly less waste:

• We calculate exactly what you need
• No leftover bags of cement
• No excess sand piles
• No wasted mixed concrete

DIY mixing typically results in 15-25% waste. For a 10m³ project, that’s 1.5-2.5m³ of wasted materials. At £200-£300 per cubic metre, that’s £300-£750 straight in the skip.

 

Efficient Resource Use

Our modern batching plants:

• Use up to 40% less energy than site mixing
• Recycle water from our wash-out systems
• Source materials efficiently
• Optimise transport routes

These efficiencies reduce costs and environmental impact simultaneously.

 

Proper Disposal

Concrete washout water is highly alkaline and harmful to ecosystems if not disposed of properly. Professional ready mix suppliers:

• Handle washout water correctly
• Recycle where possible
• Comply with environmental regulations
• Prevent pollution incidents

DIY concrete often results in improper disposal because homeowners don’t have access to proper facilities. Environmental Agency fines for improper concrete disposal can reach £5,000-£20,000. That’s an expensive cost you didn’t budget for!

 

Carbon Footprint

Whilst all concrete production has a carbon footprint, ready mix is generally more efficient:

• Centralised production is more efficient
• Optimised delivery routes
• Reduced material transport (no multiple trips)
• Better resource utilisation

For environmentally conscious projects, choosing ready mix demonstrates responsible construction practices.

 

Making Your Decision: Key Questions to Ask

Still not sure which option is right for your project? Ask yourself these questions:

Project Size

• More than 1m³ needed? → Ready mix is almost certainly cheaper
• Less than 0.5m³? → DIY or pre-mixed bags might work

Project Type

• Structural or critical? → Ready mix is essential
• Decorative garden feature? → Your choice

Time Available

• Working to a deadline? → Ready mix saves days
• Relaxed timeframe? → Either option works

Physical Capability

• Heavy physical work OK? → DIY is possible
• Want to avoid exhaustion? → Ready mix saves your back

Equipment Access

• Own mixing equipment? → Reduces DIY cost barrier
• Need to hire everything? → Ready mix is cheaper

Quality Requirements

• Building Control approval needed? → Ready mix required
• Simple application? → DIY possible

Budget Constraints

• Total project budget? → Ready mix usually costs less overall
• Upfront cash available? → Ready mix spreads costs better

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how much ready mix concrete I need?

To calculate your concrete needs, multiply the length × width × depth (all in metres) of your area.

For example, a path that’s 5 metres long, 1 metre wide, and 10 centimetres (0.1 metres) deep would need: 5 × 1 × 0.1 = 0.5 cubic metres of concrete

For complex shapes or to ensure accuracy, use our concrete calculator tool.

What’s your minimum order?

Most suppliers, including Express Concrete, have a minimum order of 1 cubic metre. For smaller projects, you might want to:

• Combine with neighbours who also need concrete
• Consider our mini-mix options
• Add an extra project to reach the minimum
• Use pre-mixed concrete bags instead

How long does concrete take to cure?

Concrete typically becomes walkable after 24-48 hours but continues to strengthen for up to 28 days. For the first week:

• Keep it moist for proper curing
• Avoid heavy loads
• Protect from extreme weather
• Don’t drive on it yet

Full strength is achieved at 28 days, which is when structural loads can be applied safely.

Can I get coloured ready mix concrete?

Yes! At Express Concrete, we offer various colour options. Coloured concrete typically costs 10-15% more than standard grey concrete, but achieves consistent colour throughout the entire pour (impossible with DIY).

Is mixing concrete by hand really that hard?

Yes, it’s extremely physically demanding. Even experienced builders find hand-mixing concrete exhausting:

• Requires constant heavy lifting
• Very hard on the back and joints
• Takes several hours for small amounts
• Results often inconsistent

For anything larger than a few fence posts, hand-mixing isn’t practical.

What if your truck can’t access my site?

We have several solutions:

• Concrete pump service (£200-£400)
• Conveyor systems for difficult access
• Smaller volumetric mixers for tight spaces
• Advice on improving site access

Always discuss site access with us before ordering. We’ve delivered to some very challenging locations and can usually find a solution.

Do you deliver to all London areas?

Yes! Express Concrete serves all London areas from our four strategically located plants:

• Barking Plant – serving East London
• Erith Plant – serving Southeast London
• Wembley Plant – serving Northwest London
• Chessington Plant – serving Southwest London

Check our coverage area page for specific details about your location.

Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Most Projects

Let’s bring this all together: is ready mix concrete cheaper than mixing it yourself?

For most construction projects, yes, ready mix concrete is cheaper when you consider:

• Direct material and equipment costs
• Time and labour savings
• Quality assurance and consistency
• Hidden costs avoided
• Long-term durability
• Environmental compliance

DIY mixing makes sense only for:

• Very small projects (under 0.5m³)
• When you already own all equipment
• Situations where delivery is genuinely impossible

For everything else, ready mix concrete from a reputable supplier like Express Concrete is not only more convenient but actually more cost-effective when you consider all factors.

Remember, concrete is a long-term investment in your property. Choosing high-quality ready mix concrete now means fewer repairs and replacements later. That’s the real way to save money!

 

Ready to Start Your Concrete Project?

Express Concrete has been delivering high-quality ready mix concrete across London since 1991. Our promise is simple: reliable delivery, quality product, and friendly service, without the faff.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our experienced team can advise on the best concrete mix for your specific project and provide accurate cost estimates.

Don’t leave the foundation of your project to chance. Choose professional ready mix concrete and get it right the first time.