Ready mix and mix on-site concrete, which is best for your project?
When it comes to concrete, making the right choice at the start can save you time, money and a lot of stress down the line. Still, with different types of concrete available, it’s easy to feel unsure about what you really need.
At Flowmix, we specialise in ready mix and mix on-site concrete (volumetric) , and customers often ask which is best. The answer is that it depends entirely on your project.
Whether you’re laying a new driveway, building an extension, or working on a large-scale commercial site, choosing the right type of concrete comes down to three key things:
- Volume
- Flexibility
- Timing.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the differences between ready mix and mix on-site concrete and help you decide which option is the best fit for your needs.
What Is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready-mix concrete (volumetric concrete) is exactly what it sounds like: concrete that’s mixed in advance at a batching plant and delivered to your site in a rotating mixer truck.
The mix is carefully measured to meet the strength and consistency your project requires. Once the truck is on the move, you’ve got a limited window to pour and finish before the concrete begins to set.
It’s often the go-to choice for larger jobs or projects where time is critical, like:
- Driveways
- Garage floors
- House foundations
- Large concrete slabs
- Commercial groundworks
At Flowmix, we prepare our ready mix concrete to exacting standards and delivered in our state-of-the-art mixers. For both ready mix and mix on-site, we offer a 2-hour delivery window to keep your project on schedule and reduce downtime on-site.
Pros of Ready Mix Concrete
- Fast & efficient: Ideal when you need a large volume poured quickly.
- Consistent quality: Every batch is measured and mixed under controlled conditions to ensure uniformity. That may include admixtures for special projects.
- Less labour on-site: No need to mix manually or manage materials.
Considerations Before Ordering Ready Mix Concrete
- Fixed volume: You need to know your exact measurements in advance.
- Limited adjustment: Once it’s mixed and in transit, it cannot be changed.
- Potential for waste: Overestimating volume means paying for unused concrete.
This type of concrete is best suited for well-planned projects where timing and precision are key. If you’re working on a job with tight deadlines or strict quality specifications, ready-mix is usually the wise choice.
Ready to Order Ready-Mix 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
So, to compare the differences between ready mix and mix on-site concrete, let’s look at mix on-site concrete.
What Is Mix On-site Concrete?
Mix-on-site concrete gets delivered in a slightly different manner. Instead of arriving pre-mixed, the raw materials—cement, aggregates, water and any required additives—are brought to your site in a specialised volumetric mixer truck. The concrete is then batched and mixed on-site, exactly when you need it.
This method provides you with complete control over your concrete, enabling you to make adjustments to the mix, slump, and quantity in real-time. It’s a flexible, waste-free option that’s ideal for both small domestic jobs and complex builds where conditions can change quickly.
Common uses include:
- Utility trenches
- Driveways and patios
- Jobs with tricky access
- Garden walls and shed bases
- Projects with uncertain volume requirements
At Flowmix, our mix-on-site service means you only pay for what you use, no more, no less.
Pros of Mix On-Site Concrete
- No waste: You only pay for the exact amount poured.
- Customisable: Adjust the mix strength, slump or additives on the day.
- Flexible timing: You create the mix when you’re ready to pour.
- Ideal for tricky access or remote sites
Considerations Before Ordering Mix On-Site Concrete
- Slightly longer setup time: Mixing occurs on-site, meaning the process can take a bit longer than with ready-mix.
- Not ideal for very high-volume pours: If you need several cubic metres poured within a tight timeframe, ready-mix may be faster.
Mix on-site is especially helpful for projects where you’re unsure how much concrete you’ll need or where conditions change throughout the day. It’s a smart, efficient option for both homeowners and builders who value flexibility.
Now, you know that ready mix and mix on-site are best for different applications, you may be ready to place an order with Flowmix.
Ready to Order Mix-on-Site Concrete?
If you are ready to order a mix-on-site 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
When to Choose Ready Mix or Mix On-site Concrete
Now that you understand how each ready mix and mix on-site concrete works, how do you know which one is right for your project?
The choice often comes down to your project size, site conditions, timing, and budget. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide:
Choose Ready Mix Concrete If:
- You want to reduce labour time on-site
- Your site has good access for a mixer truck
- You need consistent quality across a big pour
- You’re working on a large project where time is tight
- You have accurate volume measurements in advance
Ideal for: Foundations, large slabs, commercial works, housing developments
Choose Mix On-site Concrete If:
- Site access is limited or unpredictable
- You need to adjust the mix or slump as you go
- You’re unsure how much concrete you’ll need
- You’re working on a smaller job or DIY project
- You want to avoid waste and only pay for what you use
Ideal for: Domestic jobs, extensions, paths, jobs with tight access or tricky timelines
Why Flowmix Customers Choose Us
At Flowmix, we know that no two jobs are ever the same. That’s why we offer both ready-mix and mix on-site concrete, because sometimes you need speed and volume, and other times you need flexibility and control.
Our customers range from homeowners pouring their first patio to experienced contractors working on multi-property developments.
Some choose ready mix for large foundations, then switch to on-site mixing for the finishing touches. Others start with on-site mixing to test ground conditions, then scale up with ready-mix once everything is in place.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll benefit from:
- Over a decade of concrete experience
- A dedicated 2-hour delivery window
- Expert advice from our friendly team
- Competitive pricing across Gloucestershire, the West Midlands and beyond
We don’t just deliver concrete. We help you deliver your 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, 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 the Difference Between Ready Mix and Mix On-site Concrete?
Ready mix concrete is batched at a plant and delivered directly to your site, while mix on-site concrete is prepared at your location in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire or Aldridge, West Midlands. On-site mixing gives you more flexibility to adjust the proportions as work progresses.
Which Type of Concrete Is More Cost-Effective?
Costs vary depending on your project. Ready mix is often the best choice for large-scale projects where you need consistency and speed. Mix on-site concrete can be more economical for smaller jobs in Gloucestershire or the West Midlands, as you only pay for what you use, helping reduce waste.
Is On-site Mixed Concrete Stronger Than Ready Mix?
Both ready mix and on-site concrete supplied by Flowmix can achieve the same strength and durability. The main difference is that on-site mixing allows adjustments to be made instantly, which is especially useful for complex projects with varying requirements.
How Do I Choose Between Ready Mix and Mix On-site Concrete for My Project?
Think about project size, access and timeline. Ready mix concrete is ideal for quick pours and large foundations, while mix on-site is better for jobs with restricted access or when you need flexibility. Flowmix’s experts in Tewkesbury and Aldridge can advise on the most suitable option for your specific project.
Can Flowmix Supply Concrete for Both Domestic and Commercial Projects?
Yes, Flowmix supplies both ready mix and mix on-site concrete for a wide range of projects, from driveways, patios and extensions to commercial builds and industrial flooring across Gloucestershire and the West Midlands.
Which Option Produces Less Waste?
Mix on-site concrete often produces less waste because Flowmix only mixes the exact amount you need on your property. With ready mix, over-ordering can leave you with excess material, which is harder to reuse.
