How much does ready mix concrete cost in London? As a general 2026 guide, ready mix concrete can cost roughly £100–£160 per cubic metre, while the final delivered price depends on the concrete grade, quantity, delivery distance, site access, pumping requirements and any additional charges. London prices can be higher than other parts of the UK because of transport, congestion and operating costs.
If you’re planning a driveway, foundation, patio, garage base, extension, commercial slab or another construction project, knowing the likely cost before placing an order can make a major difference to your budget.
The good news is that ready mix concrete can save considerable time and labour compared with mixing concrete on site. The important part is ordering the right concrete, in the right quantity, from a supplier that can deliver when your project is ready for the pour.
How Much Does Ready Mix Concrete Cost in London?
There isn’t one fixed price for ready mix concrete in London because every order is different.
Current 2026 pricing guides put standard ready-mix concrete in the UK at approximately £90–£165 per m³, while London can sit toward the higher end of the range. One recent UK cost guide gives an indicative London range of around £110–£200 per m³ delivered, depending on the project and delivery conditions.
For planning purposes, you may encounter prices around:
| Concrete / Service | Indicative 2026 Range |
|---|---|
| Standard ready mix | £100–£160+ per m³ |
| Higher-strength mixes | £120–£180+ per m³ |
| Small or part loads | Often higher per m³ |
| Concrete delivery | Depends on distance and supplier |
| Concrete pump hire | Additional cost where required |
These figures are guideline prices, not a quotation from Metro Ready Mix, and actual prices can vary according to the specification and delivery location.
The best way to control your project budget is to request a quotation based on your exact concrete volume, mix specification and site requirements.
What Factors Affect Ready Mix Concrete Prices?
The price you pay isn’t determined by the concrete alone. Several factors can influence the final cost of your order.
1. Concrete Grade
Different construction projects require different concrete strengths.
For example, a simple domestic application may require a different specification from a structural foundation or heavy-duty commercial slab.
Higher-strength concrete generally costs more because its mix design and material requirements can be different. Current London pricing guides show standard grades toward the lower end of the market, with stronger and specialist mixes costing more.
Don’t automatically choose the strongest concrete available. The correct specification should be based on the requirements of your project.
If you’re unsure which mix is appropriate, speak with your contractor, structural engineer or concrete supplier before ordering.
2. Quantity of Concrete
Ready mix concrete is normally priced according to cubic metres.
The quantity you order therefore has a direct impact on your overall cost.
A large project requiring several cubic metres may achieve a better effective price than a very small order. Small loads can also attract minimum-order or part-load charges, depending on the supplier.
This is why accurate measurement matters.
Ordering too little can leave you with an incomplete pour and potentially another delivery charge. Ordering too much means paying for material you don’t need.
3. Delivery Distance
Your delivery location also matters.
A concrete mixer has to travel from the batching facility to your site, and longer distances can increase transportation costs.
London presents additional logistical challenges because of traffic, restricted access and busy roads. The location of your project can therefore influence the final delivered price.
When requesting a quote, provide your full delivery postcode and any information about site access.
4. Site Access
Can a concrete mixer reach the exact point where the concrete needs to be poured?
If the answer is yes, standard delivery may be straightforward.
If the truck cannot get close enough, you may require additional equipment such as a concrete pump.
Narrow roads, restricted entrances, rear gardens, basements, elevated areas and properties with limited vehicle access can all affect how concrete is delivered.
Planning this before delivery helps prevent delays on the day.
5. Pumping Requirements
Concrete pumping can be extremely useful when the mixer cannot discharge directly where the concrete is required.
A pump can move concrete over or around obstacles and into areas that would otherwise be difficult to access.
However, pumping is an additional service and therefore needs to be included in your project budget.
Recent UK cost guides indicate that pump hire can add several hundred pounds depending on the type of pump, duration and project requirements.
If you think your project may require pumping, mention this when requesting your quotation rather than arranging it at the last minute.
How Do You Calculate How Much Concrete You Need?
One of the most important steps before ordering ready mix concrete is calculating the required volume.
The basic calculation is:
Length × Width × Depth = Volume
For example, suppose you’re pouring a slab that is:
- 8 metres long
- 4 metres wide
- 0.1 metres deep
The calculation would be:
8 × 4 × 0.1 = 3.2 cubic metres
You would therefore require approximately 3.2 m³ of concrete, subject to the exact project specification and allowances for waste or variations in the ground.
For irregularly shaped areas, divide the project into smaller sections and calculate each section separately before adding the volumes together.
It is also sensible to allow a small margin rather than ordering exactly the theoretical volume. Current UK guidance commonly recommends allowing around 5–10% extra for potential waste, spillage or measurement differences.
However, don’t simply add a large amount of extra concrete without checking your calculation. Over-ordering can unnecessarily increase your costs.
What Does a Full Load of Ready Mix Concrete Cost?
A full mixer load can vary depending on the supplier and vehicle capacity, so there isn’t one universal price.
As an example, one current UK cost guide uses a 6 m³ load for its calculations and estimates a broad delivered total of approximately £700–£1,960, illustrating how significantly concrete grade, delivery and other project factors can change the final price.
For this reason, comparing a “price per cubic metre” in isolation isn’t always enough.
When comparing suppliers, check whether the quoted figure includes:
Concrete + delivery + VAT + part-load charges + pumping + any additional services
A quote that initially looks cheaper may not remain cheaper after additional charges are included.
Why Is Ready Mix Concrete Worth Considering?
For many construction projects, ready mix concrete offers practical advantages over traditional site mixing.
Faster Installation
The concrete arrives ready for use, reducing the time required to mix individual batches on site.
This can be particularly valuable when a large volume needs to be poured within a limited timeframe.
Consistent Mix
Ready mix is produced according to a specified mix design, helping provide greater consistency than repeatedly mixing batches manually on site.
Less Labour
Mixing concrete manually requires materials, equipment and labour.
Ready mix can reduce the amount of preparation required at the project site, allowing the team to concentrate on placing, levelling and finishing the concrete.
Better for Larger Pours
Large foundations, slabs, driveways and commercial projects can require substantial quantities of concrete.
Producing that volume manually can be slow and labour-intensive.
Ready mix delivery provides a more practical approach for many larger pours.
How Can You Reduce Your Ready Mix Concrete Cost?
Getting the lowest price isn’t simply about finding the cheapest concrete supplier.
The goal is to achieve the best overall value without compromising the concrete specification or delivery reliability.
Measure Your Project Carefully
Accurate measurements can prevent unnecessary over-ordering.
Calculate length, width and depth carefully and discuss unusual shapes or ground conditions with your contractor or supplier.
Order the Correct Mix
Don’t pay for a higher-strength or specialist mix if your project doesn’t require it.
At the same time, don’t choose a cheaper mix simply because it costs less.
The concrete specification should match the technical requirements of the project.
Prepare the Site Before Delivery
Your site should be ready before the mixer arrives.
Formwork should be prepared, access should be clear and sufficient labour should be available to place and finish the concrete.
Delays can create additional costs, especially where waiting-time charges apply. Current UK pricing guidance specifically highlights site readiness as an important factor when managing ready-mix costs.
Tell the Supplier About Access Restrictions
Don’t wait until delivery day to mention that the mixer cannot reach the pour area.
Tell the supplier about narrow roads, restricted entrances, long discharge distances and other obstacles when requesting your quote.
This allows the correct delivery method or pumping solution to be considered in advance.
Compare Complete Quotes
When comparing ready mix concrete suppliers in London, don’t compare only the advertised price per cubic metre.
Ask:
What exactly is included?
A professional quote should make it easier to understand the concrete specification, quantity, delivery arrangements and any additional services.
What Concrete Do You Need for Your Project?
The correct concrete depends on what you’re building.
A driveway may have different requirements from a foundation. A patio may require a different specification from a structural slab.
Common applications for ready mix concrete include:
Driveways: Concrete can provide a strong and durable surface when correctly specified, prepared and finished.
Foundations: Foundations require careful consideration of structural requirements, ground conditions and concrete specification.
Patios and paths: Ready mix can make domestic outdoor projects faster and more practical.
Garage bases: A properly prepared base and appropriate concrete specification are important for supporting the intended use.
Extensions: Extension foundations and floor slabs should follow the requirements of the construction design.
Commercial slabs: Larger commercial applications may require stronger or specialist concrete depending on loading and design requirements.
The important point is that there is no single “best” concrete for every application.
Ready Mix Concrete Delivery in London: What Should You Prepare?
A successful concrete delivery depends on more than ordering the material.
Before the mixer arrives, make sure the access route is clear and suitable for the delivery vehicle.
Check that your formwork and reinforcement are ready and that there are enough people available to handle the pour.
You should also know exactly where the concrete needs to go and whether additional equipment is required.
If the concrete truck has to wait because the site isn’t ready, the project can become more expensive and the pour may become more difficult to manage.
Good preparation helps the delivery run smoothly from the moment the mixer arrives.
Why Choose a Local Ready Mix Concrete Supplier?
Working with a supplier familiar with London deliveries can make project planning easier.
A local supplier understands that concrete delivery isn’t simply about transporting material from one location to another.
Traffic conditions, access restrictions, delivery scheduling and site requirements all matter.
For contractors and homeowners, the ideal supplier should provide clear communication, suitable concrete and dependable delivery arrangements.
Metro Ready Mix provides ready mix concrete and concrete pumping services for projects across London and surrounding areas, helping customers arrange concrete delivery according to their project requirements.
Whether you’re working on a domestic driveway, foundation, extension, commercial development or another concrete project, discussing your requirements before ordering can help you avoid unnecessary costs and delivery problems.
Ready Mix Concrete London: Get Your Project Costed Correctly
The cost of ready mix concrete in London depends on far more than the price printed beside “per m³.”
Your concrete grade, quantity, delivery distance, site access, part-load requirements, pumping and project timing can all influence the final amount.
As a general 2026 planning figure, standard ready mix concrete can fall around £100–£160+ per cubic metre, but your actual quotation should always be based on your specific project and delivery location.
The smartest approach is simple: calculate your volume accurately, choose the correct specification, prepare the site and request a complete delivered quotation.
If you’re looking for ready mix concrete in London, Metro Ready Mix can help you plan the concrete delivery around your project requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ready mix concrete cost in London?
Ready mix concrete can cost approximately £100–£160 or more per cubic metre in 2026, depending on the mix, quantity, delivery location and additional requirements. London pricing can be higher than other UK regions because of delivery and operating costs.
How much concrete do I need?
Calculate concrete volume by multiplying the length by width by depth, using metres for each measurement. For example, an 8 m × 4 m × 0.1 m slab requires approximately 3.2 m³ before allowing for any appropriate margin.
Is ready mix concrete cheaper than mixing concrete on site?
Ready mix may have a higher material price than some site-mixing methods, but it can reduce labour, preparation time and mixing requirements. For larger pours, the convenience and consistency can make ready mix a practical choice.
Does concrete delivery cost extra?
Delivery may be included in some supplier quotations but charged separately in others. Always check whether the quoted price includes delivery, VAT, part-load charges and any additional requirements.
Do I need a concrete pump?
You may need a concrete pump if the mixer cannot discharge directly where the concrete is required. Pumps are particularly useful for difficult access, long discharge distances, rear gardens, elevated areas and certain commercial or structural projects.
How far in advance should I order ready mix concrete?
The ideal lead time depends on the supplier, project size and delivery schedule. For larger or time-sensitive pours, arranging delivery in advance gives you more opportunity to secure a suitable delivery slot and prepare the site properly.
What is the cheapest way to buy ready mix concrete?
The cheapest overall option isn’t necessarily the supplier with the lowest advertised price per cubic metre. Compare complete quotations that account for concrete grade, quantity, delivery, part-load charges, pumping and other applicable costs.
Can Metro Ready Mix deliver concrete across London?
Metro Ready Mix provides ready mix concrete delivery for projects across London and surrounding areas. Availability, delivery arrangements and pricing depend on the project location, required quantity and concrete specification.