Arranging ready mix concrete delivery in London is straightforward once you understand the process. Whether you are pouring a domestic foundation or a commercial slab, these steps will help you avoid delays and ensure the concrete performs as intended.
Step 1: Calculate Your Volume
Concrete is ordered in cubic metres (m3). Multiply length by width by depth, then add a further 10% for waste and uneven ground. For irregular shapes, divide the area into rectangles and sum the sections. Use the concrete calculator on the Express Concrete website for a quick, accurate figure before you call.
Step 2: Specify the Right Mix
Concrete strength is defined by compressive strength class, measured at 28 days. An undersized mix risks structural failure; an oversized one is unnecessary expense.
| Grade | Characteristic Strength | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| C20 | 20 N/mm2 | Kerbing, domestic floor slabs, blinding |
| C25 | 25 N/mm2 | Driveways, patios, unreinforced foundations |
| C30 | 30 N/mm2 | Reinforced foundations, retaining walls |
| C35 | 35 N/mm2 | Industrial floors, heavily loaded structures |
For guidance on designated concretes and BS 8500 compliance, the Mineral Products Association publishes technical resources for site personnel.
Step 3: Get a Quote
Contact Express Concrete with the following information to hand:
- Volume required (m3)
- Mix grade or designation
- Site address and postcode
- Preferred delivery date and pour start time
- Access restrictions such as low bridges, narrow roads, or weight limits
The more precise your brief, the more accurately it will reflect the final cost.
Step 4: The Metered Concrete Service
Express Concrete’s metered service is valuable where exact volumes are hard to predict. Rather than ordering a fixed load upfront, concrete is dispensed incrementally on site and you are invoiced only for the volume discharged. This eliminates both the risk of a short pour and the cost of returning surplus material.
Step 5: Site Preparation
Poor preparation is one of the most common causes of a failed pour. Before the truck arrives:
- Formwork must be fully constructed, braced, and sealed to prevent blowouts.
- Reinforcement mesh or rebar should be positioned and tied at the correct cover depth.
- The access route must accommodate a vehicle up to 9 metres long and 8 tonnes laden weight.
- Sufficient operatives must be on site to place, compact, and finish the concrete within its workability window, typically 90 minutes from batching.
If your site has restricted access, discuss your options with Express Concrete at booking. Smaller agitator trucks, conveyor systems, or concrete pumps can all be arranged in advance.
Step 6: Delivery Day
The driver will confirm order details on arrival and position the truck to minimise chute distance. Place concrete as close to its final position as possible; over-working the mix reduces compressive strength and increases shrinkage cracking. Once the pour is complete, the driver issues a delivery ticket confirming the volume used.
Read our delivery promise to understand the full service standards Express Concrete holds itself to on every single job.
