Thinking about tackling a concrete project? Whether you’re helping your parents with a garden path or working on a school construction project, you’ve probably wondered: is it cheaper to buy ready mix concrete or should you mix your own concrete mix yourself? It’s a brilliant question, and one we at Express Concrete get asked all the time!
Let’s break it down together. By the end of this blog, you’ll understand the real costs of both options, and which one might be best for your project. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the money!
What Exactly Is Ready Mix Concrete?
Before we dive into costs, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. Ready mix concrete is exactly what it sounds like – concrete that’s already been mixed for you at our special plant. We then deliver it to your location in those massive mixer trucks you’ve probably seen rumbling down the road. All you need to do is tell us where to pour it!
At Express Concrete, we pride ourselves on 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 – no guesswork involved!
DIY Concrete: The Basics
DIY concrete means purchasing the raw materials (cement, sand, aggregates, and water), measuring them out yourself, and mixing them together either by hand or with a small 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 the concrete needed. It sounds simple enough, but there’s quite a bit of science involved in getting the proportions just right.
The Cost Comparison: Breaking It Down
Right, let’s get to the numbers! I’ll keep this straightforward so we can easily compare both options.
Cost Factors for Ready Mix Concrete
- Base price per cubic metre: This varies depending on the concrete strength you need, but typically ranges from £80-£120 per cubic metre.
- Delivery fees: Some companies charge extra for delivery, especially for smaller amounts or remote locations.
- Waiting time charges: If you keep the truck waiting for too long, there might be additional fees.
- Minimum order requirements: Many suppliers, including Express Concrete, have a minimum order amount (usually around 1-2 cubic metres).
Cost Factors for DIY Concrete
- Materials: You’ll need to purchase cement, sand, and aggregate separately.
- Tools: Unless you already have them, you’ll need to buy or rent a cement mixer, wheelbarrow, shovels, etc.
- Your time: This isn’t measured in pounds, but it’s a real cost!
- Waste: Without experience, you might mix too much or too little.
Let’s look at a specific example for a small project:
| For 1 Cubic Metre | Ready Mix Concrete | DIY Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | £90-£110 (delivered) | £70-£90 (materials only) |
| Equipment | £0 (included in service) | £50-£100 (rental or purchase) |
| Labour | £0 (minimal work required from you) | Your time (approximately 4-6 hours) |
| Waste | Minimal (we mix exactly what you need) | 10-15% typically wasted |
| Total Cost | £90-£110 | £127-£213 (including equipment rental) |
Note: These are approximate costs for a basic concrete mix in the UK as of 2025. Prices may vary based on your location and specific requirements.
When Ready Mix Concrete Is Definitely Cheaper
For most projects requiring more than 1 cubic metre of concrete, ready mix is almost always the more economical choice. According to the Concrete Society, professional ready mix concrete offers better quality and value for any medium to large project.
Ready mix becomes even more cost-effective when you consider:
- Larger projects: The economies of scale work in your favour.
- Complex mixes: If you need a specific strength or speciality concrete.
- Time constraints: When you need to complete the project quickly.
- Quality requirements: When structural integrity is crucial.
When DIY Mixing Might Be Cheaper
DIY mixing might save you a few quid when:
- Very small projects: If you need less than 0.5 cubic metres of concrete.
- You already own equipment: If your family already has all the mixing tools.
- Remote locations: If delivery charges would be excessive.
- Flexible timeline: If you can spread the work over several days.
Hidden Costs You Might Not Have Considered
Here’s where things get interesting! There are several costs that aren’t immediately obvious:
For DIY Concrete:
- Mistakes: If the mix isn’t right, you might have to start over.
- Clean-up: Concrete is messy and difficult to clean once it sets.
- Disposal: Getting rid of excess materials and wash water properly.
- Storage: You’ll need dry space to store leftover materials.
For Ready Mix:
- Access issues: If our trucks can’t reach your site, there may be additional costs for pumping or wheelbarrowing.
- Weather delays: Sometimes pours must be rescheduled due to rain.
Research from Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) suggests that DIY concrete projects often end up costing 20-30% more than initially estimated due to these hidden factors.
Quality Comparison: The Science Bit
Quality matters just as much as cost! Even if DIY concrete seems cheaper in some cases, consider the quality differences:
Ready Mix Advantages:
- Ensuring consistent strength: Our concrete is mixed according to British Standards (BS EN 206).
- Quality control: We regularly test our mixes for strength and durability.
- Expert oversight: Our team members are trained professionals.
- Proper curing: We can advise on proper curing based on environmental conditions.
- Setting times: We can adjust the mix for different setting times based on your project needs.
DIY Challenges:
- Inconsistent mixing: Hand mixing often leads to strength variations.
- Proportion guesswork: Without experience, it’s easy to get the mix ratios wrong.
- Weather considerations: Temperature affects how concrete sets, which professionals at a concrete production facility know how to handle.
According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, properly mixed concrete can last 50+ years, while poorly mixed concrete might need replacement within 5-10 years. That’s a massive difference!
Environmental Considerations
It’s not just about money – let’s think about our planet too!
Ready Mix Environmental Benefits:
- Reduced waste: We mix exactly what you need.
- Efficient resources: Our batching plants optimize material usage.
- Responsible disposal: We handle washout water properly.
DIY Environmental Challenges:
- Excess materials: Often you’ll buy more than needed.
- Washout issues: Concrete washwater is highly alkaline and harmful to ecosystems if not disposed of properly.
The Environmental Agency recommends professional concrete services for better environmental compliance.
Making The Right Choice For Your Project
Still unsure? Here’s a simple guide:
Choose Ready Mix If:
- Your construction projects require more than 0.5 cubic metres of concrete
- You want guaranteed high quality
- You need to complete the project quickly
- You want less hassle and cleanup
- You need high strength concrete for structural applications
- You might need a concrete pump for hard-to-reach areas
Choose DIY If:
- Your project is very small (like setting a few fence posts)
- You already own all the necessary equipment
- You’re on an extremely tight budget and have plenty of time
- You enjoy the learning experience
Get In Touch With The Experts
Still have questions? We’re here to help! At Express Concrete, we can provide you with an accurate quote and advise on the best approach for your specific project. Our friendly team is always happy to explain the options in simple terms.
FAQs About Concrete Costs and Options
How much concrete do I need for my project?
To calculate how much ready mix concrete you need, 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 deep would need: 5 × 1 × 0.1 = 0.5 cubic metres of concrete. Check out this handy concrete calculator tool from the Concrete Society.
What is the minimum amount of ready mix concrete I can order?
Most suppliers, including Express Concrete, have a minimum order of 1 cubic metre. For smaller projects, you might want to combine with neighbours or consider our mini-mix options.
How long does it take for concrete to set?
Concrete typically becomes walkable after 24-48 hours but continues to strengthen for up to 28 days. Always follow proper curing procedures for the best results!
Can I get coloured concrete?
Yes! At Express Concrete, we offer various colour options. Coloured concrete typically costs 10-15% more than standard grey concrete. Learn more on our speciality mixes page.
Is it difficult to mix concrete by hand?
It can be quite physically demanding. A typical concrete mix requires lifting and mixing heavy materials repeatedly. Getting the right ratio of part cement, two parts sand, and four parts aggregates can be tricky for beginners. It’s important to wear proper safety gear including gloves, goggles, and dust masks.
Do you deliver ready mix concrete on weekends?
Yes, Express Concrete offers weekend delivery for a small additional fee. Contact us to schedule your weekend pour!
What if it rains on the day my concrete is delivered?
Rain can affect freshly poured concrete. Our team monitors weather forecasts and will work with you to reschedule if necessary. Once delivered, we can advise on protection methods if light rain is expected.
Conclusion: The Verdict
For most construction projects, ready mix concrete from a reputable supplier like Express Concrete is not only more convenient but often more cost-effective when you consider all factors. DIY mixing makes sense for very small projects, but the strength, durability, quality, convenience, and often the overall cost savings make ready mix the smarter choice for most situations.
Remember, concrete is a long-term investment in your property. Choosing high quality concrete now means fewer repairs and replacements later – and that’s the real way to save money!
Ready to start your concrete project? Get in touch with our friendly team today for expert advice on the perfect concrete mix designs and a free, no-obligation quote!