Current UK prices for ready-mixed concrete delivery, regional variations, and factors affecting costs including grade, distance, and minimum orders.
Read Article →Professional tools, comprehensive guides, and accurate calculations for builders, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts across the United Kingdom
Calculate exact concrete volumes and costs for residential and commercial driveways with multiple layout options.
Calculate Now →Determine precise concrete requirements for strip, trench, pad, and raft foundations to BS standards.
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Calculate Now →Perfect for ground floors, garage floors, and shed bases with reinforcement recommendations.
Calculate Now →Calculate strip footings and trench fill volumes for walls, extensions, and building foundations.
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Calculate Now →Calculate concrete volumes for outdoor steps, staircases, and landing areas with rise/tread specifications.
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Calculate Now →BS 8500 compliant mix designs with cement, aggregate, and water ratios for any strength grade.
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Calculate Now →Complete guide to C8/10 through C40/50 grades, strength classes, and when to use each grade for your project.
Read Guide →Understanding UK concrete specifications, exposure classes, and compliance with British Standards.
Read Guide →UK Building Regulations Part A guidance for foundation depths, types, and structural requirements.
Read Guide →Step-by-step instructions for installing concrete driveways including base preparation and finishing techniques.
Read Guide →Planning and building foundations for home extensions with Building Control approval requirements.
Read Guide →Frost protection methods, cold weather concreting techniques, and temperature considerations for UK climate.
Read Guide →Hot weather concreting strategies, curing techniques, and preventing rapid moisture loss in warm conditions.
Read Guide →When to tackle concrete work yourself and when to hire professionals, with cost-benefit analysis.
Read Guide →Building solid foundations for brick and block garden walls with proper depth and reinforcement specs.
Read Guide →Comparing ready-mixed concrete delivery with on-site mixing, costs, quality, and best use cases.
Read Guide →Essential curing techniques for British climate conditions to achieve optimal concrete strength.
Read Guide →How concrete strength is measured, tested, and specified using UK and European standards.
Read Guide →Current UK prices for ready-mixed concrete delivery, regional variations, and factors affecting costs including grade, distance, and minimum orders.
Read Article →Comprehensive breakdown of concrete driveway installation costs including materials, labour, base preparation, and finishing options.
Read Article →Detailed cost and durability comparison between concrete driveways and block paving with long-term maintenance considerations.
Read Article →Essential Building Regulations Approved Document Part A guidance for concrete structures and foundations in the UK.
Read Article →Understanding the European concrete standard BS EN 206 and how it applies to UK construction projects.
Read Article →Complete guide to preparing and pouring a concrete base for garages including thickness, reinforcement, and drainage.
Read Article →Regional labour rates for concrete work, groundworkers, and specialist contractors across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Read Article →Budget planning for extension foundations including excavation, concrete, Building Control fees, and typical price ranges.
Read Article →UK Building Regulations for damp proof courses and membranes, installation requirements, and material specifications.
Read Article →How concrete and construction costs vary across UK regions from London and Southeast to Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Read Article →Step-by-step instructions for creating beautiful concrete patios including edging, finishing, and decorative options.
Read Article →Concrete pump hire prices, types of pumps available, and when pumping is necessary for your project.
Read Article →To calculate concrete volume, multiply length × width × depth (all in metres) to get cubic metres (m³). For example, a driveway 5m × 3m × 0.1m = 1.5m³. Always add 5-10% extra for wastage. Use our calculators above for instant accurate results with project-specific recommendations.
C8/10 for blinding and non-structural work, C15/20 for shed bases, C20/25 for patios and paths, C25/30 for driveways and garage floors, C30/37 for structural foundations, and C32/40 or C40/50 for commercial or heavy-duty applications. Always consult Building Control for structural work.
Ready-mix concrete typically costs £65-£85 per cubic metre depending on grade, location, and delivery distance. C25/30 averages £70-£75 per m³. Minimum delivery charges apply for loads under 4m³ (usually £100-£150). London and Southeast prices are 10-15% higher than Northern regions.
Structural concrete work including foundations, extensions, and load-bearing elements requires Building Control approval under Part A. Domestic driveways and patios typically don't need approval unless they affect drainage. Always check with your local authority before starting any construction project.
For volumes under 1m³, hand-mixing or using a cement mixer is feasible. For larger projects (over 1m³), ready-mix concrete is more economical, ensures consistent quality throughout, saves considerable time and physical effort, and provides better structural performance.
BS EN 206 is the European standard specifying concrete performance, production, and conformity. BS 8500 is the UK complementary standard providing additional guidance specific to British conditions, exposure classes, and construction practices. Both standards work together for UK projects.
Domestic driveways for cars should be minimum 100mm thick using C25/30 concrete. For heavy vehicles or commercial use, increase to 150mm thickness with C32/40 grade. Always install on a properly prepared sub-base of minimum 100-150mm compacted MOT Type 1 or similar granular material.
Concrete reaches initial set in 24-48 hours for light foot traffic. Wait 7 days before driving on driveways. Full strength develops over 28 days. Keep concrete moist during curing by covering with polythene sheeting or spraying with water, especially in hot or windy weather.
Most ready-mix suppliers have minimum orders of 1-2 cubic metres, though some may deliver smaller loads with additional charges. Standard truck capacity is 6-8m³. For very small projects under 0.5m³, consider buying bagged concrete or hiring a volumetric mixer truck that mixes on-site.
Driveways and patios typically use A142 or A193 mesh reinforcement placed at mid-depth. Structural slabs may require specific bar reinforcement designed by an engineer. Garage floors and shed bases benefit from mesh to control cracking. Always follow structural engineer recommendations for foundations.
Slump measures concrete workability. S1 (10-40mm) for very dry mix, S2 (50-90mm) for standard paving, S3 (100-150mm) for easier placement, S4 (160-210mm) for pumping. For driveways request S2, for pump work S4. Slump affects strength - don't add water on site to increase slump.
Yes, but take precautions. Don't pour when temperature is below 2°C or likely to drop below freezing within 48 hours. Use insulated blankets to protect fresh concrete. Consider using rapid hardening cement or heated concrete in very cold conditions. Avoid pouring on frozen ground.