When planning your next build, choosing the right concrete type makes all the difference. At Eco Concrete Ltd, we supply both volumetric concrete and ready-mix concrete, each with unique benefits tailored to your project needs. Understanding the difference helps you make informed decisions that save time and money while ensuring quality.
What Is Volumetric Concrete?
Volumetric concrete is mixed on-site using a mobile batching unit. The raw materials – cement, aggregates, water, and additives – are stored separately and blended on demand. This method allows you to adjust the mix in real-time, ensuring you get precisely what your project requires.
Advantages of Volumetric Concrete
- Flexibility: You can change the mix design during the pour if project conditions change.
- Zero waste: You only produce what you need, cutting material waste and cost.
- Pay for what you use: Pricing is based on the actual volume used, not estimated quantities.
- Fresh mix every time: Since the concrete is mixed on-site, there’s no risk of setting during transport.
Best Uses for Volumetric Concrete
Volumetric concrete is ideal for:
- Small domestic projects like driveways and patios
- Sites with unpredictable access or volume requirements
- Projects needing different concrete grades in one delivery
What Is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready-mix concrete (or ready-mixed concrete) is batched in a plant under controlled conditions and delivered to your site in a rotating drum. The mix is consistent and ideal for projects requiring large, uniform batches.
Advantages of Ready Mix Concrete
- Consistency: Uniform quality from a controlled batching environment.
- Speed: Delivered pre-mixed, ready to pour on arrival.
- Quality assurance: Manufactured to strict industry standards.
Best Uses for Ready Mix Concrete
Ready mix concrete suits:
- Large commercial pours
- Foundations and structural slabs
- Projects with easy site access and predictable demand
Cost Comparison
The cost varies depending on distance, volume, and the type of mix. Generally:
- Volumetric concrete saves money for smaller or variable jobs since you only pay for what you use.
- Ready-mix concrete can be more cost-effective for large-scale or continuous pours, where consistency and speed are more important.
Typical Price Range (UK 2025 estimates)
- Volumetric concrete: £100 – £140 per m³ (pay for actual volume used)
- Ready mix concrete: £90 – £120 per m³ (based on ordered volume)
Prices fluctuate depending on additives, site distance, and delivery conditions. For an accurate quote, contact Eco Concrete Ltd for tailored pricing.
Delivery and Efficiency
Volumetric Delivery
- On-site mixing avoids delays and waste.
- Ideal for remote or tight access sites.
- Mix consistency can be changed mid-pour.
Ready Mix Delivery
- Best for large-scale, time-sensitive pours.
- Requires precise scheduling to avoid setting in transit.
- Limited flexibility once batched.
Environmental Considerations
Volumetric concrete reduces waste by producing only what is needed. This approach cuts CO₂ output and leftover material disposal. Ready-mix concrete can also be sustainable when supplied from local batching plants using low-carbon materials.
At Eco Concrete Ltd, sustainability is at the core of every mix we produce. Our trucks utilise modern volumetric batching systems, designed to minimise waste and reduce fuel consumption.
Which Concrete Type Should You Choose?
| Project Type | Recommended Concrete | Reason |
| Small domestic driveway | Volumetric concrete | Pay for the exact volume used |
| Large commercial foundation | Ready mix concrete | Ready mix concrete consistency and scale |
| Site with limited access | Volumetric concrete | On-site batching flexibility |
| Tight schedule project | Ready mix concrete | Pre-mixed and fast delivery |
Simple Diagram: Mixing Process
Volumetric Concrete: Materials stored separately → Mixed on-site → Fresh concrete delivered instantly.
Ready Mix Concrete: Materials batched at plant → Mixed before transport → Delivered ready to pour.
Common FAQs
1. Is volumetric concrete better than ready mix?
It depends on your project. Volumetric concrete offers flexibility and waste reduction. Ready-mix concrete provides consistency and speed.
2. How long does ready-mix concrete last once delivered?
Typically, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours for it to begin setting, depending on the temperature and additives.
3. Can I use volumetric concrete for a commercial project?
Yes. Many ready-mixed concrete for commercial project applications now use volumetric systems for efficiency and control.
4. What if I order too much ready-mix concrete?
Unfortunately, excess ready mix often goes to waste, as it can’t be reused once mixed. Volumetric concrete avoids this issue.
5. Which type is more environmentally friendly?
Volumetric concrete generally has a smaller carbon footprint, as it produces minimal waste and requires fewer return trips.