Choosing concrete may seem straightforward until you start planning your project.
You know you need concrete, but then the questions begin:
How much do I need? Should I order ready mix concrete or volumetric concrete? What happens if I order too much—or worse, not enough?
Making the wrong choice can lead to wasted material, additional costs, delays, and unnecessary stress on site.
The good news is that both ready mix concrete and volumetric concrete can be excellent options. The right choice depends on your project, the amount of concrete required, access to your site, and how predictable your concrete needs are.
If you’re planning a construction project, here’s what you need to know before placing your order.
Ready Mix vs Volumetric Concrete: What’s the Difference?
The main difference comes down to when and how the concrete is mixed.
Ready Mix Concrete
Ready mix concrete is prepared to a specified mix and delivered to the construction site ready for pouring. This makes it a practical option when your project requires a known quantity and you are ready to complete the pour efficiently.
It is commonly used for:
- Foundations
- Concrete slabs
- Driveways
- Footings
- Extensions
- Commercial construction
- Large-scale concrete pours
Because the concrete is prepared before delivery, accurate planning is important.
Volumetric Concrete
Volumetric concrete is mixed on-site using a volumetric mixer. The materials are carried separately and mixed as required during the job.
This can provide greater flexibility when the exact quantity of concrete is uncertain.
It may be useful for:
- Smaller or unpredictable pours
- Projects with changing requirements
- Jobs where the required quantity is difficult to estimate
- Projects that may require more than one concrete mix
The Biggest Question: Do You Know Exactly How Much Concrete You Need?
This is often the deciding factor.
If you have carefully calculated the volume required and know exactly how much concrete your project needs, ready mix concrete may be an efficient solution.
However, construction projects do not always go exactly as planned.
Ground conditions can change. Excavations may be deeper than expected. Formwork dimensions can vary. Small changes can affect the final amount of concrete required.
If your required quantity is uncertain, volumetric concrete can offer greater flexibility because concrete can be mixed according to the amount needed on site.
Before ordering, calculate your concrete requirements as accurately as possible and discuss your project with a professional concrete supplier.
When Ready Mix Concrete Could Be the Better Choice
Ready mix concrete can be a strong option when your project is well planned and your required volume is known.
1. You Have a Large, Planned Pour
Large slabs, foundations, commercial floors, and other major projects often require significant volumes of concrete within a scheduled timeframe.
Ready mix concrete can help keep the project organised and the pour moving efficiently.
2. You Know Your Required Quantity
Accurate measurements make planning easier.
When the concrete volume has been calculated correctly, you can order the amount needed for your project and schedule delivery accordingly.
3. Your Project Requires a Specific Mix
Different construction projects may require different concrete specifications.
Ready mix concrete can be prepared according to the requirements of the application, helping contractors and homeowners choose a suitable mix for the job.
4. You Want to Keep Your Site Moving
Preparing concrete manually can take time, labour, and space.
Ready mix concrete arrives prepared for use, helping construction teams focus on placing and finishing the concrete rather than mixing materials on-site.
When Volumetric Concrete Could Be the Better Option
Volumetric concrete can be particularly useful when flexibility is more important than having a fixed quantity prepared before delivery.
1. You’re Not Completely Sure About the Quantity
If your calculations are estimates and the final volume may change, volumetric concrete can help reduce the risk of ordering an unsuitable quantity.
2. Your Project May Require More Concrete Than Expected
Some projects reveal unexpected requirements once work begins.
For example, excavations may need additional filling, or ground conditions may require changes to the planned volume.
Having the ability to mix additional concrete on site can be helpful in these situations.
3. You Need Flexibility During the Pour
Construction does not always follow an exact schedule.
Volumetric concrete can offer flexibility because the concrete is produced as required during the project.
Ready Mix vs Volumetric Concrete: A Quick Comparison
| Factor | Ready Mix Concrete | Volumetric Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing | Prepared before delivery | Mixed on site |
| Quantity | Best when requirements are known | Useful when requirements may change |
| Flexibility | Based on pre-planned order | Concrete can be mixed as required |
| Large pours | Suitable | Depends on project requirements |
| Multiple mixes | Usually planned in advance | Can offer more flexibility |
| Waste risk | Accurate calculations are important | Can help when the exact volume is uncertain |
The best option depends on the specific requirements of your project.
Don’t Make This Common Concrete Ordering Mistake
One of the most common mistakes is focusing only on the price per cubic metre.
The cheapest-looking option is not always the most cost-effective choice.
Before ordering concrete, think about:
- How accurate your quantity calculations are
- Whether your project requirements could change
- The size of your pour
- Access to the site
- The concrete mix required
- The equipment needed to place the concrete
- The risk of ordering too much or too little
A better decision considers the total project requirements, not just the initial price.
What About Concrete Pumping?
Choosing the right concrete is only part of the planning process.
You also need to consider how the concrete will get from the delivery vehicle to the exact location where it needs to be placed.
For projects with restricted access, long distances, difficult terrain, or areas that cannot be reached directly by a concrete truck, concrete pumping may be an effective solution.
Concrete pumping can help deliver concrete to locations such as:
- Rear extensions
- Basements
- Upper floors
- Large construction sites
- Properties with restricted access
Planning your concrete supply and pumping requirements together can make the delivery and pouring process more organised.
6 Questions to Ask Before Ordering Concrete
Before placing your order, ask yourself:
1. What Is the Total Volume Required?
Measure the length, width, and depth of the area carefully.
Even small measurement errors can affect the amount of concrete required.
2. What Is the Concrete Being Used For?
A driveway, foundation, floor, and structural application may have different requirements.
Always make sure the concrete specification is suitable for its intended use.
3. Is My Quantity Calculation Accurate?
If you’re unsure about the amount required, discuss your project details with an experienced concrete supplier before ordering.
4. Can the Delivery Vehicle Access the Site?
Consider road access, parking space, gates, and the distance between the delivery point and the pour location.
5. Will I Need a Concrete Pump?
If the concrete cannot be discharged directly where it is needed, pumping may be necessary.
6. Is Ready Mix or Volumetric Concrete Better for My Project?
There is no single answer for every project.
The right option depends on your quantity, schedule, access, flexibility requirements, and the type of construction work being completed.
Get the Right Concrete Solution for Your Project
Whether you are working on a home extension, driveway, foundation, commercial development, or larger construction project, choosing the right concrete supply method can help you avoid unnecessary delays and material issues.
Metro Readymix provides ready mix concrete solutions for residential and commercial projects, helping customers choose suitable concrete based on their project requirements.
If your project requires ready mix concrete, volumetric concrete, or concrete pumping, discussing your requirements before ordering can help you plan the right approach for your site.
Ready to Order Concrete?
Don’t guess when it comes to your concrete requirements.
Whether you know exactly what you need or want help choosing between ready mix concrete, volumetric concrete, and concrete pumping, speak with the team at Metro Readymix before your project begins.
The right planning can help you avoid wasted material, unnecessary delays, and costly changes once the concrete pour is underway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ready mix concrete better than volumetric concrete?
Neither option is automatically better. Ready mix concrete can be suitable when the required quantity and mix are known, while volumetric concrete can offer flexibility when the exact quantity may change.
Is volumetric concrete suitable for small projects?
It can be useful for smaller projects, particularly when the final concrete quantity is uncertain.
How do I calculate how much concrete I need?
You generally calculate concrete volume by multiplying the length × width × depth of the area. For more complex projects, it is best to confirm your measurements with a professional.
Do I need concrete pumping?
Concrete pumping may be useful when the delivery vehicle cannot access the pour location directly or when concrete needs to travel over a longer distance.
Can I use ready mix concrete for a driveway?
Ready mix concrete can be used for driveways when the appropriate concrete specification and preparation are selected for the project.