How Much Does Ready Mix Concrete Cost?

Ready Mix Concrete: Pricing, Benefits & Hidden Expenses

Are you planning a construction project and need to manage costs effectively? Understanding the cost of ready mix concrete is essential to keeping your budget on track. RMC pricing can significantly vary depending on location and supplier. Read on for essential insights into the cost of ready mix concrete per m³ in the UK.

In this Price Guide we will talk about:

1. What Is Ready Mix Concrete?
2. Ready Mix Concrete Cost Per m³
3. Types of RMC
4. Additional Costs
5. Sustainable RMC Choices
6. Find Verified Concrete Contractors on MyBuilder
7. Common Questions

What Is Ready Mix Concrete and Why Does It Matter?

Ready mix concrete (RMC) is pre-mixed concrete produced in a batching plant according to a set mix design. It is then delivered to a construction site in a plastic state, ready to be used in a variety of construction projects, such as roads, bridges, and residential buildings. Using RMC can increase efficiency on site, reducing the time and labour involved in concrete mixing.

Key benefits of RMC include:

• Quality assurance: As RMC is manufactured in a controlled setting, it offers consistent quality, eliminating the risk of variations found in site-mixed concrete.
• Time efficiency: RMC reduces on-site labour and preparation time, allowing projects to progress more swiftly.
• Waste reduction: Precise batching means minimal waste of materials, making it economically and environmentally favourable.
• Labour cost savings: The ready-to-use nature of RMC decreases the need for skilled labour on-site, leading to potential cost savings.

How Much Does Ready Mix Concrete Cost Per m³ in the UK?

The cost of ready mix concrete (RMC) in the UK can vary significantly based on several factors. These include the specific concrete mix, location and additional services required. Understanding the pricing helps in budgeting effectively for construction projects.

On average, RMC costs between £100 and £160 per cubic metre, influenced by the type and quality of the mix.

Region	Cost per m³
London & Southeast	£110 - £130
Southwest	£100 - £120
Midlands	£95 - £115
North & Northeast	£90 - £110
Scotland	£100 - £140

Don't forget: Prices may include or exclude VAT, and regional differences can affect costs. Adjust the budget to accommodate any local price variations.

If you're also considering installing a concrete driveway, it's worth factoring in additional costs like excavation, preparation and labour. For a more detailed breakdown of the full costs, check out our concrete driveway cost guide.

Types of RMC: How Different Mixes Affect Pricing

Understanding the different types of ready mix concrete is important, as each type comes with its own pricing and application. Various mixes are specially designed to fulfil specific construction needs, impacting both the performance and the overall cost.

C8 / C10 / C15 Concrete: Costing around £99 – £105 per m³, these are lower-strength mixes suitable for non-structural applications like pavement or domestic applications where high load-bearing is not required.

C20 / C25 Concrete: With prices ranging from £105 – £110 per m³, these mixes are common for residential construction, including footings and foundations.

C30 / C35 Concrete: Priced between £110 – £115 per m³, they provide a higher-strength mix for commercial buildings, structural beams, and slightly more demanding applications.

C40 / C45 Concrete: This high-strength mix costs £115 – £120 per m³, ideal for structural applications requiring robust support, such as industrial floors.

Waterproof Concrete: Usually around £160 per m³, this mix is designed for use in structures exposed to water, such as swimming pools or underground basements.

Semi-Dry Screed: Typically costing £150 per m³, this is often used as a screed layer on internal floors, offering a durable finish. If you’re considering floor screed for your project, check out our floor screed cost guide for a breakdown of prices and options.

MyBuilder Tip: Selection depends on specific project requirements and structural needs, ensuring you choose the most cost-effective and efficient option for your project.

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Additional Costs: What Can Increase RMC Expenses?

When planning a project with ready mix concrete (RMC), it's crucial to account for potential additional costs that may arise. The base price for RMC is just a starting point, and various factors can escalate the total expenditure. Understanding these potential costs can help you budget more accurately.

• Delivery Fees: Generally included for full truckloads, but smaller loads may incur extra charges.
• Small Load Charges: Orders under 4 m³ often carry a surcharge of £30 – £60 per m³.
• Waiting Time: An additional £2 – £3 per minute applies if the job exceeds the initial free waiting period.
• Out-of-Hours Delivery: Expect to pay an extra £50 – £150, depending on the supplier’s policies.
• Site Setup and Preparation: Costs for site setup or ground preparation can range from £100 – £300, based on site conditions.
• Additional Services: Manual pour services, like barrow services, may add £30 – £60 per m³.
• Waste Removal: Removing any excess material can incur costs of £100 – £200 per skip load. For more detailed pricing on waste removal, check out our garbage removal price guide.

Note: Review all potential additional charges with your contractor or supplier to ensure transparency and cost-efficiency.

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Environmental Impact: Sustainable RMC Choices

Environmental concerns about ready mix concrete (RMC) production are growing due to its substantial carbon footprint.

The manufacturing process of RMC involves significant energy consumption and CO2 emissions, which have led to calls for more sustainable practices within the industry. As a result, eco-friendly options are being developed, offering building professionals and homeowners greener alternatives.

Eco-friendly RMC options include mixes with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash and slag, which not only lessen environmental impact but also enhance the durability of the concrete. These materials replace a portion of the Portland cement, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions. Using recycled aggregates in RMC can also significantly mitigate the impact, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability in construction.

Don't forget: Eco-friendly RMC might come with higher upfront costs, but its benefits to the environment and long-term durability can outweigh initial expenditures.

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FAQ: Common Questions Readers Ask About Ready-Mix Concrete

Are there any seasonal trends that affect the cost of ready-mix concrete?

Yes, seasonal trends can influence the cost of ready-mix concrete. Demand often peaks during the warmer months (spring and summer) as construction projects become more feasible with better weather conditions. This increased demand can lead to higher prices. Conversely, demand may decline in colder months, potentially lowering prices. Additionally, adverse weather conditions in winter, such as heavy rain or snow, can disrupt supply chains and increase transportation costs, potentially affecting prices.

What challenges might I face while using ready-mix concrete for my project?

Using ready-mix concrete presents several challenges. Timing is crucial, as the concrete begins to set once mixed. Delays can impact its workability and quality. Weather conditions can also pose challenges; for instance, excessive heat can cause the concrete to dry too quickly, while rain can affect its consistency. Moreover, site access issues could complicate delivery, and proper curing practices must be followed to ensure durability and strength. It's essential to work with construction professionals who can manage these issues effectively.

Are there specific quality standards for ready-mix concrete in the UK?

Yes, ready-mix concrete in the UK must adhere to specific quality standards set by the British Standards Institution (BSI). The BS EN 206 and BS 8500 standards specify requirements for concrete strength, consistency, and durability. Contractors should ensure their suppliers comply with these standards to guarantee the quality and safety of their concrete. Additionally, the Quality Scheme for Ready Mixed Concrete (QSRMC) provides a certification system to help ensure compliance with these standards, offering additional assurance of quality.