When it comes to concrete, the question of whether to buy ready mix or to mix it yourself is a common dilemma faced by many homeowners and contractors. At Eco Concrete, we understand that cost, quality, and convenience are key factors in making this decision. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options and help you determine which might be more economical for your specific project.
Understanding Ready Mix Concrete
Ready mix concrete is pre-mixed and delivered to your site, ready to pour. It is manufactured in a batching plant and transported in specialised trucks. This option offers the advantage of precision in mixing, ensuring a consistent product every time. The convenience of having the concrete delivered to your location is also a significant time-saver, especially for larger projects.
The DIY Approach: Mixing Your Own Concrete
Mixing your own concrete involves purchasing the individual components—cement, aggregates (sand and gravel), and water—and mixing them on-site. This can be done using a concrete mixer, which can either be hired or purchased. While this method requires more labour and skill, it provides more control over the mix’s consistency and the ability to adjust the formula as needed.
Cost Comparison
Material Costs:
- Ready Mix Concrete: The cost of ready mix concrete in the UK generally ranges from £65 to £85 per cubic metre, depending on the grade and the distance from the batching plant. The price typically includes delivery charges.
- DIY Mixing: The cost of raw materials (cement, sand, gravel) for mixing your own concrete can be lower, potentially around £50 to £70 per cubic metre. However, this does not include the cost of hiring or buying equipment, such as a mixer, and any other tools needed for the job.
Labour and Time:
- Ready Mix Concrete: This option significantly reduces the amount of labour required, as the concrete arrives pre-mixed. This is particularly beneficial for larger projects or when working with tight deadlines.
- DIY Mixing: Mixing concrete yourself can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. The process requires careful measurement and mixing, which can be challenging without prior experience. The added time and effort can increase costs, especially if you need to hire extra labour.
Quality Considerations
Ready Mix Concrete:
- Offers consistent quality and strength, as it is mixed under controlled conditions in a factory.
- Less risk of inconsistencies, which can occur with on-site mixing due to variations in measurement and mixing techniques.
DIY Mixing:
- Allows for adjustments in the mix, such as adding more cement for a stronger mix or more water for easier workability.
- Risk of variability in the mix, which can affect the concrete’s strength and durability.
Environmental Impact
At Eco Concrete, we prioritise sustainability. Ready mix concrete can be more environmentally friendly, as batching plants can optimise the mix and reduce wastage. Moreover, ready mix deliveries can be scheduled to minimise transport emissions by combining deliveries.
In contrast, DIY mixing might lead to over-purchasing of materials, resulting in excess waste. Additionally, the energy consumption associated with multiple trips to the store or batching plant for materials can add to the environmental footprint.
Regulations and Compliance
In the UK, certain regulations must be met when producing and using concrete, especially for structural applications. Ready mix concrete suppliers are typically certified and adhere to British Standards (BS 8500) and European Standards (EN 206), ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
For DIY mixing, it is crucial to be familiar with these standards to ensure that the mix is suitable for the intended use. Non-compliance can lead to structural issues, safety concerns, and potential legal liabilities.
Conclusion: Which Is Cheaper?
The decision ultimately hinges on the specifics of your project. For small, non-structural projects or when precise control over the mix is desired, mixing your own concrete can be cost-effective. However, for larger projects, or when consistency and quality are paramount, ready mix concrete is often the more economical and efficient choice.
At Eco Concrete, we recommend considering the full scope of your project, including material costs, labour, time, and environmental impact. By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision that balances cost with quality and sustainability. Whether you choose ready mix or DIY, we’re here to provide the best eco-friendly concrete solutions for your needs.