Ordering concrete isn’t something most people do every day. For homeowners, it’s often a one-off job such as laying a patio, building a shed base, or repairing a driveway. For small building teams, it’s business as usual but with very real costs attached if something goes wrong. Either way, there’s a lot more to it than just booking a delivery.
Over the years, we’ve seen the common pitfalls, the avoidable last-minute panics, and the simple tweaks that make all the difference.
So whether you’re a first-timer or just looking to stay one step ahead on-site, here are five practical things to think about before ordering your concrete.
Five Things to Get Right Before You Order Concrete
1. Be Clear on the Volume You Actually Need
Let’s start with the basics: how much concrete do you need?
Concrete is ordered in cubic metres (m³), and calculating it isn’t just guesswork. If you under-order, you could end up with uneven coverage or a cold joint if you have to order more after the first batch has started setting. If you over-order, you’ll pay for concrete you don’t use, and disposal isn’t cheap or simple.
To get the volume, you’ll need three key measurements:
- Length (m)
- Width (m)
- Depth (m)
Multiply them together to get your base volume. For example:
A slab that’s 4m long, 3m wide and 0.1m deep = 1.2m³ of concrete
Now here’s the insider tip: always allow for a little extra. A 5–10% contingency covers dips in the sub-base, minor miscalculations, or spillage. So for 1.2m³, order around 1.3–1.4m³.
If you’re a homeowner working on a driveway or shed base, don’t be afraid to ask your supplier to double-check your measurements. For commercial contractors, especially those managing multiple trades, confirm the final pour area with your groundworks team to avoid any costly miscommunication.
If the shape is more complex (slopes, curves, multiple levels), it’s worth giving us a ring. We’re happy to help you calculate it accurately based on your site plan or even arrange a site visit if needed.
2. Choose the Right Type of Mix for the Job
It’s not just about how much concrete you need, but what kind of concrete. One mix doesn’t suit every project.
Concrete comes in different grades, and the right one depends on how the surface will be used and what it needs to support.
If you’re a homeowner laying a garden path or garage base, a standard mix like C25 will often be fine. But if it needs to handle heavy vehicles or freeze-thaw conditions, you might want something stronger or more durable. Adding fibres or retarders might also help, depending on the weather and the type of finish you’re after.
For commercial projects, it’s even more important to specify the right grade. A structural slab, for example, will need something like C35 or C40, and if it’s going to be pumped, that will affect the consistency you need.
Here’s a quick guide:
- C20/C25: Ideal for domestic work like patios, driveways, and paths
- C30/C35: Stronger mix for house foundations, structural work, or heavy loads
- C40+: Often used in commercial or industrial settings
- Fibre-reinforced or waterproof mixes: Great for garages, basements, or wet conditions
You may be interested in : What Type of Concrete is Used for Commercial Buildings?
3. Timing is everything
Concrete doesn’t wait for anyone. Once it’s mixed and on the way, the clock is ticking. So it’s crucial to get your timing right.
For domestic projects, this means making sure the site is 100% ready before the delivery arrives. That includes any prep work, like digging out, shuttering, and having the right people on hand to help with the pour.
For commercial sites, the schedule can be more complicated. You might be coordinating concrete with other trades, road closures, or crane access. In these cases, make sure you’re booking the pour for a day and time when you’ve got full access and clear lines of communication. If the site isn’t ready, you could end up paying for delays or sending the truck away.
Here’s a checklist we recommend:
- The area is cleared, levelled, and free of debris
- Shuttering or formwork is installed and secure
- The sub-base is compacted with hardcore or Type 1 MOT (don’t skip this—it’s vital)
- Any reinforcement like mesh or rebar is laid and positioned properly
- You’ve got the right team and tools to level, tamp, and finish the pour
4. Is the site ready for delivery?
This one’s more common than you’d think. The concrete is ordered, the site is prepped, the team’s ready, and the truck arrives but can’t reach the pour site.
Our mixers are large vehicles, and fully loaded, they weigh up to 32 tonnes. That means access matters.
Ask yourself:
- Can the truck reverse to within 3–4 metres of where the concrete’s going?
- Are there any tight turns, height restrictions, or narrow gates in the way?
- Is the ground solid enough to support the weight?
The key is letting us know early, so we can make sure the delivery is safe, smooth, and on time.
5. Budgeting beyond the quote
Concrete is one of the most cost-effective building materials out there but it’s still an investment, and it helps to be informed.
Here’s what your quote usually includes:
- The concrete itself, charged per m³
- Delivery costs, depending on distance and access
- Any waiting time beyond the free grace period (usually 30–60 mins)
- Pump hire, if needed
- Optional additives or specialist mixes
Our advice? Don’t just shop on price. A slightly cheaper mix with poor service or late delivery can end up costing you far more on the day.
At Eco Concrete, we believe in straightforward pricing. We’ll give you a clear quote, explain what’s included, and help you avoid unnecessary extras.
Get a quick quote from Eco Concrete
Want to Talk It Through? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you’re laying a simple shed base or managing a full commercial slab, we’ll help you get the mix, volume, and timing right, without overcomplicating things.
Call Eco Concrete today