Concreter › Ready-mix, volumetric or mix your own concrete?
Ready-mix, volumetric or mix your own concrete?
The right way to buy concrete depends mostly on how much you need. Under half a cubic metre you can mix it yourself; above a cubic metre a delivery usually makes more sense.
Prices on this page are typical UK ranges and estimates as of November 2026. They vary by region, access, ground and the day you ask. Treat them as a way to spot an odd quote, not as a quote.
The four ways to get concrete
| Method | Best for | Typical price (Less.co.uk guide) |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-mix delivered by truck | Jobs over about 1 m³ | About £105 to £170 per m³ plus a £150 to £250 minimum delivery charge |
| Volumetric / mini-mix | About 0.5 to 2 m³ | About £100 to £160 per m³ |
| Bagged (20 kg bags) | Fence posts and tiny jobs | Around £500 per m³ |
| Mixed by hand or mixer | Small amounts, awkward access | Cheapest materials; most labour |
Ready-mix
A drum truck brings a fixed volume of a specified mix and you have a short window to place it before it stiffens. It is the efficient choice for big slabs and drives, and the grade is guaranteed by the supplier. The catch is the minimum delivery charge, and the pressure on the day: formwork, levels and enough people to move it must be ready. Standing time is often charged if the truck waits. Ask what the waiting time allowance is. If the truck cannot get close, a pump or barrow gang is needed.
Volumetric (mix on site)
A volumetric truck carries sand, stone, cement and water separately and mixes to order on your drive. You pay for what you use, you can ask for a different mix, and you can pour in stages without a rush. It suits small and mid-size jobs such as shed bases, patios and paths. Check the supplier covers your area and ask how much their minimum charge is. For very large pours ready-mix is usually still more economical.
Bagged and hand-mixed
Bags are convenient for fence posts. For anything bigger the cost per m³ is high, and a lot of bags means a lot of lifting. Mixing from separate cement, sharp sand and aggregate is cheaper. The guide we read gives about 7 bags of cement, 0.5 tonne of sand and 0.8 tonne of aggregate per cubic metre. Hand-mixed batches vary in strength, so keep proportions exact and do not add extra water. Never mix a large slab by hand in pieces: joins between batches become weak points.
Which grade?
Grades such as C20, C25 and C30 describe strength. The guide we read suggests:
- C20 for garden paths and patios.
- C25 for shed bases and garage floors.
- C30 for driveways that carry vehicles.
Treat this as a typical pattern. Your supplier or designer may recommend different grades, for example for frost or de-icing salt exposure.
Working out the quantity
Length × width × depth in metres gives cubic metres. Add about 10 per cent for waste and uneven ground. A 5 m × 3 m drive at 150 mm is 2.25 m³ before waste, and one cubic metre covers about 10 m² at 100 mm. See shed and garage bases for worked examples.
Getting it right on the day
- Have formwork, sub-base and mesh finished the day before.
- Soak dry sub-base so it does not pull water out of the mix (a ready-mix supplier's advice).
- Do not add water to make it easier to spread. It weakens the concrete and increases cracking.
- Decide the curing method before you start. See curing and cracking.
A sensible rule
Below about 0.5 m³, bag or mix yourself. Between about 0.5 and 2 m³, ask for a volumetric quote. Above 1 m³, compare it with ready-mix. Get at least three written quotes stating grade, volume, delivery charge and waiting-time surcharges. If a contractor is buying the concrete, ask who pays for any wasted concrete.
Frequently asked questions
Is volumetric concrete cheaper than ready-mix?
For small and mid-size jobs it can be, because there is no wasted concrete. The guide we read gives similar per m³ prices but ready-mix has a minimum delivery charge.
What grade of concrete for a driveway?
One UK guide suggests C30 for driveways, C25 for shed bases and garage floors and C20 for paths and patios. Confirm with your supplier.
Can I mix concrete myself for a patio?
A small path, yes. A large patio is hard because every batch must match and the finish must be done before it sets. Consider paying for the pour.