When embarking on a DIY concrete project around your home, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to order ready mixed concrete or mix it yourself. Whilst ready mixed concrete offers unparalleled convenience and quality for large-scale projects, many homeowners wonder if it’s practical or cost-effective for smaller endeavours. At Express Concrete, we understand this dilemma and want to help you make the right choice for your specific project.
Understanding Ready Mixed Concrete
Ready mixed concrete is precisely what the name suggests: concrete that’s mixed at our batching plant and delivered to your site in a rotating drum truck. This industrial-grade mixing process ensures consistent quality, proper proportions, and optimal strength characteristics that can be challenging to achieve with hand-mixing or small mechanical mixers.
The concrete arrives at your property ready to pour, eliminating the time-consuming process of measuring, mixing, and achieving the correct consistency. For many projects, this convenience factor alone makes ready mixed concrete an attractive option, regardless of scale.
Advantages of Ready Mixed Concrete for Small Projects
Superior Quality and Consistency
One of the most significant advantages of ready mixed concrete is the guaranteed quality. Our computerised batching systems ensure precise measurements of cement, aggregates, water, and any additives. This level of accuracy is virtually impossible to achieve when mixing small batches by hand, where variations in water content, mixing time, and material ratios can compromise the final strength and durability.
Time and Labour Savings
Consider the alternative: purchasing bags of dry mix concrete, transporting them to your site, and spending hours mixing batch after batch. For a modest patio or driveway section, you might need 20-50 bags of concrete mix. The physical effort required for hand-mixing this quantity is substantial, not to mention the time investment. Ready mixed concrete eliminates this labour entirely, allowing you to focus on the placement and finishing work.
Professional-Grade Materials
Ready mixed concrete uses carefully selected aggregates and high-quality cement that meet British Standards. The materials are stored in controlled conditions and mixed with precise water-cement ratios to achieve optimal workability and strength. This professional approach typically results in a more durable finished product compared to DIY mixing.
Reduced Waste
When mixing concrete manually, it’s common to over-order materials or end up with unusable leftover mix. Ready mixed concrete can be ordered to exact specifications, minimising waste and potentially reducing overall costs despite the higher per-cubic-metre price.
When Ready Mixed Concrete Makes Sense for Small Projects
Minimum Order Considerations
Most ready mixed concrete suppliers, including Express Concrete, have minimum order requirements, typically around 1-2 cubic metres. This quantity is suitable for projects such as:
- Small patios (approximately 15-20 square metres)
- Garden paths and walkways
- Shed bases and foundations
- Small driveways or driveway extensions
- Steps and retaining walls
- Post footings for fencing or structures
If your project requires less than the minimum order quantity, you might still find value in ready mixed concrete, particularly if you can combine multiple small jobs or if the convenience factor justifies any excess material.
Time-Sensitive Projects
Some concrete projects have tight timeframes, especially when weather conditions are a concern. Ready mixed concrete allows you to complete the pour quickly whilst conditions remain favourable. Hand-mixing multiple batches over several hours increases the risk of weather changes affecting your work quality.
Access and Delivery Logistics
Modern concrete trucks can access most residential properties, though it’s essential to consider access routes, overhead clearances, and ground conditions. Our delivery vehicles can typically reach within 30 metres of your pour location using chutes and extensions. For areas with limited access, we can arrange for smaller vehicles or alternative delivery methods.
Potential Drawbacks for Small Projects
Cost Considerations
Ready mixed concrete typically costs more per cubic metre than buying dry mix bags, especially when factoring in delivery charges. However, when you account for your time, physical effort, equipment rental (mixers, wheelbarrows), and potential quality issues, the price difference often becomes more justifiable.
Timing Constraints
Once ready mixed concrete arrives, you typically have 60-90 minutes to complete your pour and initial finishing. This time pressure can be stressful for inexperienced DIYers, particularly if complications arise during placement. Proper preparation and planning are essential to make the most of this working window.
Minimum Order Requirements
If your project genuinely requires less concrete than the minimum order, you’ll need to find uses for the excess material or accept the additional cost. Some homeowners use this as an opportunity to tackle multiple small projects simultaneously.
Alternatives for Very Small Projects
For projects requiring less than 0.5 cubic metres of concrete, alternatives might be more practical:
Bagged Mix Concrete: Available from builders’ merchants, these pre-mixed bags require only the addition of water. Whilst more labour-intensive, they’re suitable for very small jobs like post holes or minor repairs.
Screed and Mortar: For thin applications or small areas, specialised mixes might be more appropriate and cost-effective.
Mini-Mix Services: Some suppliers offer smaller vehicles for deliveries under 2 cubic metres, though availability varies by location.
Making the Right Choice
The decision ultimately depends on balancing cost, convenience, quality, and project requirements. Ready mixed concrete excels when you value quality assurance, time savings, and professional results. It’s particularly beneficial if you’re working alone or have limited experience with concrete mixing.
Consider ready mixed concrete for your small DIY project if you can meet the minimum order requirements, have adequate site access, and value the convenience and quality benefits over potential cost savings from self-mixing.
At Express Concrete, we’re committed to helping you achieve professional results regardless of project size. Our experienced team can advise on concrete specifications, delivery logistics, and timing to ensure your DIY project succeeds. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and receive a competitive quote for your next concrete project.