Ready mix vs site mixed concrete? Which is the best? It’s a question the Flowmix team often get asked.
Whether you’re a contractor working on a commercial or domestic build or a DIY enthusiast planning a new driveway, there’s a lot to consider when sourcing your concrete.
It’s essential to weigh up the many advantages and disadvantages of ready mixed vs site mixed concrete. From calculating the costs, including manual labour and wastage, and your projected timescales
Often, for DIY enthusiasts, the volume of ready mix concrete might be too much for a small project. For contractors, there’s the convenience of ready mix concrete. However, if there are holdups, it could be costly.
This article abour ready mix vs site mixed concrete explains the difference between the two and the pros and cons of each.
What Is Site Mixed Concrete?
Site mixed concrete is when the supplier delivers the “dry” ingredients ready to be mixed on-site for construction or domestic applications.
There are many benefits to having the concrete mixed on-site, but the main criterion for this choice is having sufficient space in the construction area for mixing.
Flowmix Tewkesbury or Walsall provides the precise ratio of ingredients for the desired concrete strength.
Pros And Cons Of Site Mixed Concrete
Mixed on-site has multiple advantages and is entirely suitable for small DIY projects. For contractors, some of the disadvantages can be costly.
Advantages Of Site Mixed Concrete
- On-site mixed concrete offers precise cost control because it reduces waste. You only need to produce the amount of cement required. Any leftover raw materials can be reused.
- On-site production of site-mix concrete can be decreased or increased according to demand. For instance, If there are holdups in the project, you can delay mixing the concrete until needed.
- On-site mixing provides a level of flexibility. You can adapt the mixes if necessary.
Disadvantages of Site Mixed Concrete
- For on-site mixing, you need enough space to mix the concrete.
- If you aren’t mixing immediately, you will need storage space for the raw materials.
- It can be tricky to keep a mix consistency between batches of concrete if you’re mixing yourself because the measurement of raw materials needs to be precise. There is no choice but to rely on the person mixing the concrete to have sufficient skills to mix correctly.
- On-site mixing, if done poorly, can cause time delays and costly wastage. Such waste is also harmful to the environment.
- On-concrete mixing is labour-intensive, from purchasing and handling to the on-site mix and concrete placement. The additional time could delay a project’s timescales and increase costs.
Ready mix vs site mixed concrete choices are best determined by the project requirements.
Read: Ordering eady Mix Concrete Gloucester: A Homeowner’s Guide
What Is Ready Mixed Concrete?
Ready-mixed concrete is pre-mixed to order at the Flowmix concrete plant according to the required amount and strength.
During transit, the drum rotates to prevent the concrete from setting. Once the concrete arrives on-site, it’s ready for pouring.
Advantages and Disadvantages Of Ready Mixed Concrete
When shopping ready mixed concrete, one must know the benefits and potential downsides.
Advantages of Ready Mixed Concrete
- Ready Mixed Concrete is convenient, especially for DIY projects
- Time spent laying the concrete is more efficient than on-site mix. Once the concrete truck arrives, it’s just a case of pouring the concrete into the fill site.
- Ordering ready mix concrete from an established, reputable supplier like Flowmix provides peace of mind. You know it is produced in a controlled environment, using precise measuring techniques to your exact volume and mix specifications.
- You don’t need storage space as the ready mix concrete is ready for pouring immediately on delivery.
- Labour costs are lower. Even if the truck cannot get near the area, you can hire a concrete pump from Flowmix for time efficiency – no need for multiple wheelbarrow trips to the fill.
- There is minimum waste, making the entire process more sustainable
- An expert mixes the ready mix concrete, which guarantees durability, meaning it can endure adverse weather conditions, such as floods, extreme heat or cold, without compromising its stability.
Disadvantages Of Ready Mixed Concrete
- The cost of ready mix vs site mixed concrete may appear more expensive. However, although that may seem like a disadvantage when compared to the time-saving and labour costs, ready-mix concrete often works out to be a cheaper option.
- Ordering ready-mix concrete may not be the best option if it’s a small DIY job requiring little volume.
- When the Flowmix truck arrives on site, it’s essential to use the concrete immediately. If there’s a holdup with the project, that could prove to be costly.
Conclusion: Ready Mix vs Site Mixed Concrete
When deciding between ready mix vs site mixed concrete, consider the differences, and whether you have someone with sufficient skill to mix on site. If you are unsure, contact the Flowmix team for advice.
How Flowmix Can Help With Your Project
Flowmix has two plants, Gloucester and Walsall. We provide ready-mix concrete, mix on-site and liquid screed.
In addition, you can hire a 200′ concrete line pump to reduce manual labour and associated costs, increase efficiency, reduce wastage and clean up. Moreover, we also provide 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