Choosing the right concrete supply method can make a significant difference to the cost, efficiency and smooth running of a construction project. If you are planning a foundation, driveway, extension, slab or commercial development in London, you may be deciding between volumetric concrete and ready mix concrete.
While both options provide high-quality concrete for construction projects, they work differently. Ready mix concrete is batched before delivery, while volumetric concrete is mixed on-site using a mobile batching system.
So, which option is better for your project?
The answer depends on factors such as the amount of concrete required, site access, project flexibility, mix requirements, potential waste and how predictable your concrete volume is.
Metro Ready Mix provides both volumetric concrete London and ready mix concrete solutions, helping homeowners, builders, contractors and developers choose a practical option for their project.
What Is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete is concrete that is professionally batched at a concrete plant before being transported to your construction site in a mixer truck.
The cement, aggregates, water and other required materials are combined according to the specified mix before delivery. Once the truck arrives, the concrete is ready to be discharged and placed.
Ready mix concrete can be suitable for a wide range of projects, including:
- House foundations
- Driveways
- Patios
- Groundwork
- Floor slabs
- Property extensions
- Commercial construction
- Structural concrete work
For projects where the required quantity and concrete specification are known in advance, ready mix can provide a straightforward and efficient solution.
If you are planning a project in the capital, see our guide to ready mix concrete in Greater London for more information about delivery, access and ordering considerations.
What Is Volumetric Concrete?
Volumetric concrete is produced using a specialised mobile mixing vehicle that carries the individual materials required to make concrete.
Instead of receiving a fixed quantity of pre-mixed concrete, the materials are measured and mixed on-site according to the requirements of the project.
This gives contractors and customers greater flexibility when the exact concrete quantity is difficult to predict.
For example, if you initially estimate that you need 6 cubic metres but discover during the project that another 1 or 2 cubic metres are required, volumetric mixing can provide additional flexibility without relying on a predetermined load of ready mixed concrete.
Metro Ready Mix provides volumetric concrete London solutions for projects where on-site mixing and quantity flexibility may be beneficial.
Volumetric Concrete vs Ready Mix Concrete: Key Differences
The biggest difference between the two methods is where the concrete is mixed.
| Factor | Ready Mix Concrete | Volumetric Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Where mixing happens | At the batching plant | On-site |
| Quantity flexibility | Usually ordered in advance | Can be mixed according to requirements |
| Waste potential | Extra concrete may remain if quantities are overestimated | Can reduce unnecessary surplus |
| Mix flexibility | Specification selected before delivery | Mix can be adjusted according to project requirements |
| Best for | Predictable quantities and planned pours | Variable quantities and projects requiring flexibility |
| Delivery method | Mixer truck delivers prepared concrete | Mobile mixer carries materials and mixes on-site |
| Site requirements | Suitable access for mixer truck | Suitable access for volumetric vehicle |
Neither option is automatically better for every project. The right choice depends on your site, concrete requirements and project circumstances.
1. Quantity: How Much Concrete Do You Need?
The amount of concrete required is one of the most important factors when comparing volumetric vs ready mix concrete.
With ready mix concrete, you normally calculate the required volume before ordering. For example, if your project requires approximately 8 cubic metres, you arrange delivery based on that estimated requirement.
This works particularly well when the dimensions of the pour are known accurately.
Volumetric concrete can provide more flexibility when the exact quantity is uncertain.
This may be useful for:
- Irregular foundations
- Groundwork projects
- Variable excavation depths
- Large construction sites
- Projects where the required quantity may change
- Jobs where avoiding excess concrete is important
Accurate measurement is still important, but volumetric mixing can give you greater control over the amount produced on-site.
2. Waste and Unused Concrete
Concrete waste can become an unnecessary project expense.
With traditional ready mix delivery, you generally order a specified quantity. If your calculations are inaccurate and you order more concrete than required, you may have surplus material that needs to be dealt with.
Ordering too little can also create problems because the pour may need additional concrete.
Volumetric concrete can help reduce this issue because the concrete can be mixed according to the amount required on-site.
This does not mean there is never any waste with volumetric concrete. Site conditions, calculations and project management still matter. However, the ability to produce concrete according to the actual requirement can provide additional flexibility.
3. Flexibility on Site
Flexibility is one of the major advantages of volumetric concrete.
With ready mix concrete, the concrete is prepared before the truck leaves the batching facility. The order therefore needs to be planned around the expected volume and specification.
Volumetric concrete works differently because the mobile mixer carries the raw materials and produces the concrete at the site.
This can be particularly useful when:
- The required volume is difficult to estimate
- Site conditions are changing
- Different quantities are required during a project
- Additional concrete may be needed
- You want greater control over production
For straightforward projects with predictable requirements, however, ready mix concrete may still be the simpler option.
4. Speed and Project Efficiency
Both ready mix and volumetric concrete can help construction teams avoid the time-consuming process of manually mixing concrete on-site.
Ready mix concrete arrives prepared and can be discharged when the delivery reaches the site.
Volumetric concrete also provides efficient on-site production without requiring workers to manually batch and mix the materials.
The faster option depends on the project rather than simply the type of concrete.
Site access, preparation, pumping requirements, delivery distance, traffic and the size of the pour can all influence how efficiently the concrete can be placed.
If access is difficult, concrete pumping may also be worth considering. A pump can help move concrete from the delivery vehicle to areas that are difficult to reach directly.
5. Site Access and Concrete Placement
Access should always be considered before ordering concrete in London.
Narrow roads, restricted entrances, parked vehicles, overhead structures and limited space can affect how a concrete delivery vehicle reaches the pour location.
The important question is not only:
“Which concrete should I order?”
It is also:
“How will the concrete reach the exact location where it needs to be placed?”
For difficult-access projects, concrete pumping can make placement considerably more practical.
Metro Ready Mix provides concrete pump hire for projects where concrete needs to be transported from the delivery point to a harder-to-reach location.
6. Which Option Is More Cost Effective?
There is no single answer to whether volumetric or ready mix concrete is cheaper.
The final cost can depend on:
- Concrete volume
- Concrete grade
- Delivery distance
- Site location
- Access requirements
- Pumping requirements
- Labour
- Potential surplus concrete
- Project duration
- Specific mix requirements
Ready mix concrete can be highly practical when the required volume is known and the project involves a straightforward pour.
Volumetric concrete can be attractive when flexibility is more important and the exact quantity is difficult to predict.
Instead of choosing based only on the price per cubic metre, consider the total project cost, including delivery, labour, waste and potential additional loads.
Volumetric Concrete vs Ready Mix Concrete: Pros and Cons
Ready Mix Concrete Advantages
Ready mix concrete can be a strong choice when:
- The required quantity is known
- You have a planned concrete pour
- The mix specification is clear
- You want concrete delivered ready to use
- The site has suitable mixer truck access
- You are working to a specific delivery schedule
Ready Mix Concrete Considerations
You should carefully calculate your required volume before ordering.
If you significantly underestimate the amount required, another delivery may be necessary. If you overestimate it, surplus concrete may become a waste-management issue.
Volumetric Concrete Advantages
Volumetric concrete can be particularly useful when:
- The exact quantity is uncertain
- The project requires flexibility
- You want concrete mixed on-site
- Different quantities may be required
- Reducing surplus material is important
- Site conditions may change during the pour
Volumetric Concrete Considerations
Volumetric concrete still requires suitable site access and careful planning. The vehicle needs enough space to safely access and operate at the project location.
It is also important to discuss your required concrete specification with the supplier before the pour.
Which Concrete Is Best for Your Project?
The best option depends on what you are trying to achieve.
Choose Ready Mix Concrete If:
You have a clearly calculated concrete requirement and want a straightforward delivery of prepared concrete.
It can be a practical choice for foundations, driveways, slabs, extensions and many commercial construction projects where the required volume is predictable.
Choose Volumetric Concrete If:
You need greater flexibility because the exact quantity is difficult to determine or may change during the project.
It can be particularly useful for projects involving variable quantities, irregular areas or situations where reducing surplus concrete is a priority.
Consider Concrete Pumping If:
Your main challenge is getting concrete from the delivery vehicle to the actual pour location.
A concrete pump can be useful for restricted-access sites, rear extensions, foundations, basements, slabs and other projects where direct discharge is difficult.
Can Volumetric Concrete and Ready Mix Be Used for the Same Projects?
Yes. Both methods can be suitable for many of the same types of construction work.
For example, foundations, driveways, slabs, extensions and groundwork may use either ready mix or volumetric concrete depending on the project requirements.
The key difference is how the concrete is produced and delivered.
Rather than choosing based solely on the name of the service, consider:
- How much concrete do you need?
- How accurately can you calculate the volume?
- Is the site easy to access?
- Could the required quantity change?
- Do you need concrete pumping?
- What concrete specification does the project require?
- What is the overall cost of each option?
Answering these questions can make the decision much easier.
Why Choose Metro Ready Mix?
Metro Ready Mix supplies both ready mix and volumetric concrete solutions for residential, commercial and construction projects across London.
The company provides ready mix concrete, volumetric concrete, concrete delivery and concrete pumping, allowing customers to choose a solution based on their project requirements.
Whether you are working on a small domestic project or a larger construction development, discussing your requirements with a concrete supplier before ordering can help you select the appropriate delivery and mixing method.
Final Verdict: Volumetric or Ready Mix Concrete?
There is no universal winner in the volumetric vs ready mix concrete comparison.
Ready mix concrete is often a practical choice when you know the required volume, have a planned pour and want prepared concrete delivered directly to your site.
Volumetric concrete can be the better option when you need greater flexibility, the required quantity is uncertain or you want concrete mixed according to your requirements on-site.
The right choice ultimately depends on your project size, concrete specification, site access, quantity and budget.
If you are unsure which option is suitable, speak with a professional concrete supplier before placing your order. Metro Ready Mix can help you compare your options and arrange the appropriate volumetric concrete London, ready mix concrete or pumping solution for your project.
Planning a concrete project in London? Contact Metro Ready Mix to discuss your requirements and request a project-specific quotation.