Ordering ready mix concrete involves more variables than most people anticipate. Mix specification, volume calculation, site access, and delivery logistics all need to be confirmed before a truck rolls up. Get any of them wrong and you risk costly delays or a pour that does not meet the structural requirements of your project.
This guide covers the full process from initial calculation through to pour day, whether you are a homeowner tackling a first driveway or a contractor managing a commercial build.
Step 1: Calculate Your Required Volume
Volume is calculated by multiplying length by width by depth, all measured in metres, to give a figure in cubic metres (m³). A driveway measuring 6m x 3m x 0.1m deep, for instance, requires 1.8m³. Always add a contingency of around 10% to account for ground irregularities and unavoidable wastage during placement.
Use a concrete calculator if one is available on your supplier’s website, as this reduces the risk of measurement errors that can prove expensive.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Mix Grade
Concrete is specified by its compressive strength class, and selecting the correct grade is critical to the long-term performance of the finished element. The table below outlines the grades most commonly used on London projects:
| Grade | Typical Application | Strength Class |
|---|---|---|
| C10 | Blinding layers, non-structural fill | Low |
| C20 | Strip footings, mass fill foundations | Medium |
| C25 | Domestic foundations, driveways | Medium-high |
| C30 | Garage floors, heavily trafficked paths | High |
| C35 | Commercial slabs, industrial floors | Very high |
| C40 | Structural beams, heavy-duty applications | Extra high |
If you are uncertain which grade the project requires, consult your supplier before ordering. For further technical background on how ready-mixed concrete is specified and batched, The Concrete Centre provides a useful overview on their ready-mixed concrete page.
Step 3: Confirm Delivery Coverage
Ready mix concrete has a finite workability window from the moment it leaves the batching plant, which constrains how far a supplier can realistically deliver. Before requesting a quote, verify that your site falls within the supplier’s operating radius.
Express Concrete operates four plants across London. Check our coverage area to confirm we serve your postcode before proceeding.
Step 4: Request a Quote and Place the Order
When contacting your supplier, have the following information ready to ensure an accurate quotation:
- Project type (foundation, floor slab, driveway, etc.)
- Required mix grade
- Volume in cubic metres
- Delivery postcode
- Preferred delivery date and approximate time
Once you accept the quotation, confirm the order and agree a delivery window. At this stage, raise any access considerations: mixer trucks require adequate clearance and a firm surface to operate safely. If the pour point is difficult to reach, discuss whether a concrete pump is necessary.
Step 5: Prepare the Site Before Delivery
Site preparation directly affects the quality of the finished pour. Ensure formwork is correctly positioned and secured, the sub-base is compacted to the required depth, and all necessary tools are on hand including a screed board, float, and rake. Have someone present to direct the driver and co-ordinate the pour from the outset.
Ready mix concrete begins to stiffen during transit, so there is limited time between arrival and completion of placement and finishing. A well-prepared site is the single most effective way to avoid problems on pour day.
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Why Supplier Quality Matters
The specification of the mix is only as reliable as the supplier producing it. At Express Concrete, every load is manufactured to industry standards, and you can review our accreditations to see the quality certifications underpinning our operation.
We have been delivering ready mix concrete across London since 1991. Our metered concrete service means you are charged only for the volume used, removing the financial risk of over-ordering.
Get in touch with the team to discuss your project requirements and receive a competitive quotation.
