Every builder faces this choice at some point: mix concrete yourself on site, or order it ready-mixed from a supplier? For small patches and repair jobs, hand mixing might make sense. But for anything larger, London professionals have largely moved to ready-mix. Here is why.
The Reality of On-Site Mixing
Mixing concrete yourself means buying bags of cement, sand, and aggregate. You need a mixer, water supply, and somewhere to work. Then you spend hours combining materials, hoping you get the proportions right.
In theory, this gives you control. In practice, it creates problems.
| Factor | On-Site Mixing | Ready Mix |
|---|---|---|
| Quality consistency | Varies batch to batch | Controlled at plant |
| Time required | Hours of manual work | Pour immediately on arrival |
| Physical labour | Heavy and demanding | Minimal handling |
| Waste | Leftover materials to store | None with metered service |
| Summer heat risk | Mix heats up during work | Delivered fresh and ready |
Why Summer Makes the Difference Bigger
Hot weather affects concrete mixing significantly. Water evaporates faster. Cement reacts more quickly. Your working time shrinks.
When mixing on site in summer, these problems multiply. Each batch takes longer to prepare but sets faster once mixed. You end up rushing through pours or dealing with concrete that is already going off.
The Concrete Society offers detailed technical guidance on hot weather concreting for those interested in the science behind this.
Ready-mix concrete arrives at your site already at the right temperature and consistency. The mixing happens in controlled conditions at the plant. You get consistent quality regardless of whether it is 15 degrees or 30 degrees outside.
The Professional Standard
Walk past any serious construction site in London and you will see concrete mixer trucks. Professional contractors made this switch years ago because the benefits are clear.
Ready mix concrete offers:
- Exact specifications for structural requirements
- Consistent strength from batch to batch
- No storage of raw materials on site
- No cleanup of mixing equipment
- Faster project completion
These advantages apply whether you are pouring a driveway or a commercial foundation. The scale changes, but the logic stays the same.
Cost Comparison
People sometimes assume mixing on site saves money. When you add up the real costs, this often is not true.
Consider what on-site mixing actually requires:
- Cement, sand, and aggregate purchase
- Mixer hire or purchase
- Water supply
- Labour time for mixing
- Waste disposal for unused materials
- Storage space for materials
Compare this to ready-mix pricing, especially with our metered service where you pay only for what you pour. Factor in the time saved, and professional supply often works out cheaper.
When On-Site Mixing Makes Sense
To be fair, there are situations where mixing your own makes sense:
- Very small quantities (under 0.5 cubic metres)
- Repair jobs requiring small amounts
- Remote locations with no delivery access
- Emergency repairs outside delivery hours
For everything else, the professionals order ready-mix.
Why London Pros Choose Express Concrete
Express Concrete has been supplying ready mix concrete to London since 1991. Local builders and contractors choose us for several reasons.
First, our network of plants across London means faster delivery. Less time travelling equals fresher concrete arriving at your site.
Second, our metered service removes the risk of over-ordering. You use what you need and pay only for that.
Third, we understand London. Our drivers know the roads, the traffic patterns, and the access challenges that come with working in a busy city.
Make the Switch This Summer
If you have been mixing on site and wondering whether there is a better way, summer is the perfect time to try ready-mix. The time savings alone will convince you.
Contact Express Concrete for a quote on your next project. Tell us what you are building, and we will recommend the right concrete specification and arrange delivery to suit your schedule.
