Ordering ready mix concrete shouldn’t be a challenge for homeowners. Here at Flowmix, we believe in simplifying everything for our customers as much as possible.
Home construction projects can seem like intricate puzzles – just when you think you’ve got everything figured out, a new challenge jumps out and demands your problem-solving skills.
Among the challenges, choosing the best concrete for your project can feel like solving a complex riddle that could make or break your entire project.
Suppose you’re knee-deep in a construction project, juggling a million tasks. Suddenly, concrete selection becomes the most critical decision. It’s not just about mixing wet grey stuff and hoping for the best. The type of ready mix concrete you choose can impact everything from your project’s structural integrity to long-term durability.
Ready-mixed concrete isn’t just a simple commodity – it’s a carefully engineered solution designed to meet specific construction needs. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach many might assume, concrete comes with nuanced specifications that can dramatically influence your project’s success. Still, you don’t have to worry about that because the Flowmix team is here to remove the headaches of ordering ready mix concrete.
In this homeowner guide to ordering ready mix concrete, we’ll break down the mysteries of ready-mixed concrete and help you get the best from your ready mix concrete supplier.
Ready to Order Ready-Mix or Volumetric Concrete?
If you are ready to order a ready-mix concrete delivery, speak to the team at Flowmix Tewkesbury or Walsall. We will help you select the right mix and quantities and arrange for fast delivery to your site.
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731
What Do You Need Ready Mix Concrete For?
Think concrete is just, well, concrete? Think again. Construction isn’t a one-mix-fits-all industry, and ready-mix concrete is like the chameleon of building materials. It’s adaptable, specialised, and packed with potential for a multitude of projects.
Imagine ordering a custom suit. You don’t just grab something off the rack. You specify every detail. Ready-mix concrete works precisely the same way.
Want to add some pizzazz with decorative aggregates? You know, perhaps create a driveway that becomes the envy of your neighbours. We can help guide your creative ideas into reality.
The secret sauce to your home project success is communication. Before booking the concrete truck, you’ll want to have a conversation with Flowmix, your local concrete supplier based in Tewkesbury or Walsall.
Tell us everything: colour preferences, specialist admixtures (don’t worry. We will advise on admixtures), and performance requirements.
From corrosion inhibitors to specialised accelerators, your concrete mix can be as unique as your project. It’s time to get specific, think strategically, and transform that generic grey material into a custom-engineered solution to make your construction dreams a reality.
Need Expert Advice?
Speak to the team at Flowmix Tewkesbury or Walsall. We are happy to help with all your concrete requirements.
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731
How to Order Ready Mix Concrete Correctly
There’s a few guidelines necessaryto ensure you get the right concrete mix at the right time for the right job. However, the Flowmix team have experience in all things concrete and will guide you step by step.
- Calculating The Amount of Concrete Needed: Before ordering ready mix concrete, measure the depth, width and length of the space for the concrete fill. By multiplying those three measurements, you will have cubic metres (m³) volume.
Have you already got a headache from that? If that’s the case, use the concrete calculator on this website or, even better, contact us, and we’ll do the maths for you. The Flowmix team will calculate the exact quantity of concrete needed if you have an irregularly shaped or awkward area. - The Project is On An Awkward Site: Don’t worry. Flowmix can offer several solutions. You may need to hire a concrete line pump if the truck can’t get near the fill site. Or, you may prefer volumetric concrete, which is mixed on site. Give us a call. We can advise.
- Specify the Concrete Strength: Different concrete projects need different mix strengths. Flowmix can advise on this aspect of your project.
- Concrete Density: Take into account how heavy the load will be that the concrete supports. Heavy loads require more concrete density.
- Allow for Excess: Always allow for wastage, spillage, and spreading when ordering ready mix concrete. A typical guide is 5-10% extra. You don’t want to suddenly run out as you near the end of the project.
- Curing Time: Weather affects concrete curing time. In hot weather, it cures quickly, weakening the mix, which can later cause cracking. As concrete cures, it becomes less workable. In cold and wet weather, curing takes longer. Talk to the Flowmix team about the best time to plan your home concrete project.
- Cost Considerations: You don’t want any surprises, so before starting your project, contact Flowmix for a quote for ready-mix concrete.
Other Considerations for Ordering Ready Mix Concrete
Suppose your concrete project is in an awkward area. Perhaps the concrete truck cannot park near the intended concrete fill, and you dread long hours of backbreaking work pushing wheelbarrows full of wet concrete. If that’s the case, one popular alternative is to hire a concrete line pump from Flowmix. It’s 200 metres long, saves time and effort and significantly reduces the risk of spillage and wastage.
Read: Concrete Line Pump: 7 Unexpected Benefits for Your Project
Ordering ready mix concrete need not be confusing, even if it’s your first time. Our guide will hopefully help you understand the critical factors of the concrete ordering process, allowing you to choose the right type and amount of ready-mix concrete for your construction project.
How Flowmix Can Help With Your Project
Flowmix has two plants, Gloucester and Walsall. We provide the following services (with time slots):
- Ready-mix concrete, mix on-site (volumetric concrete) and liquid screed.
- 200′ Concrete line pump Hire to reduce manual labour and associated costs, increase efficiency, reduce wastage and clean up.
- Interlocking concrete blocks for temporary or permanent barriers.
Flowmix has the BSA-approved Ready Mix Concrete Kitemark KM683844, a certification that “confirms a product or service’s claim has been independently and repeatedly tested by experts” (source BSI).
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731
FAQs
What Is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete is a pre-mixed blend of cement, aggregates, water, and sometimes admixtures, delivered to your site in a concrete mixer truck. It’s ready to pour, saving time and labour on site.
How Do I Know How Much Concrete I Need?
Please measure the length, width, and depth of your project area (in metres), then multiply them together to get the volume in cubic metres. Most suppliers offer a concrete calculator or can help you work it out over the phone.
The best option is to give us a call:
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731
What’s The Minimum Order For Ready Mix Concrete?
Minimum orders vary by supplier, but many offer deliveries from as little as 0.5 to 1 cubic metre. Small loads may incur a part-load fee, so it’s best to check in advance.
How Much Notice Do I Need To Give For Delivery?
Most companies recommend booking at least 24–48 hours in advance. For large jobs or peak periods, giving more notice ensures you get your preferred delivery slot.
Do I Need To Prepare The Site Before Delivery?
Yes. Make sure there’s clear access for the delivery truck (usually around 3 metres wide) and the area is level, safe, and ready for pouring. If access is tight, consider a concrete pump.
Can You Deliver Concrete If I Don’t Have Good Access?
Yes. The way around this issue is to hire our 200’concrete pump, which the driver can position over walls, through buildings, anywhere that’s awkward, up to 200 metres away from the truck.
How Long Will The Concrete Truck Stay On Site?
Most ready mix deliveries include around 30–45 minutes on site for unloading. Extra time may incur additional charges, so make sure your team is ready to pour on arrival.
Can I Change Or Cancel My Order?
Most companies allow changes or cancellations up to 24 hours before delivery. Short-notice changes may result in a fee, especially if batching has already started.
What Happens If I Order Too Much Or Too Little?
Ordering a little extra is often wise to account for spillage or uneven ground. If you order too little, the supplier may be able to send a small top-up load, though this will cost more. Too much may result in wasted concrete, so accurate measuring is key.
One way around this issue is to order volumetric concrete, which means the truck delivers the dry materials to mix on-site. That means you only use and pay for what you need.
Ready to Order Ready-Mix or Volumetric Concrete?
If you are ready to order a ready-mix concrete delivery, speak to the team at Flowmix Tewkesbury or Walsall. We will help you select the right mix and quantities and arrange for fast delivery to your site.
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731
