If you’re planning a building project, chances are you’ve come across the term volumetric concrete, but what exactly does it mean, and why is it becoming so popular?
Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or taking on a one-off job at home, understanding the benefits of volumetric concrete and how it works can save you time, money, and hassle.
At Flowmix, we supply volumetric concrete across Gloucestershire and the West Midlands, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through what it is, how it works, and why so many of our customers prefer it.
What is Volumetric Concrete?
Volumetric concrete is a modern alternative to traditional ready mix. It’s produced on site using a specialist vehicle known as a volumetric mixer. Unlike ready-mix concrete, which is batched at a plant and transported in a drum, volumetric concrete is mixed on-site at your location.
Each ingredient — cement, aggregates, water, and any required admixtures — is stored separately in the truck. The operator controls the exact quantities, allowing adjustment of the mix to suit your precise needs on the spot. That means no waste, better quality control, and the flexibility to adjust the mix if site conditions change.
How Does a Volumetric Mixer Work?
A volumetric mixer is essentially a mobile concrete batching plant on wheels. Instead of delivering pre-mixed concrete, it carries all the raw materials separately and combines them fresh on site.
Here’s how it works in practice:
- Separate Storage: Cement, sand, gravel, water, and any admixtures are stored in individual compartments on the truck.
- Controlled Mixing: The operator uses a digital control panel to measure and blend the exact quantities needed for the job.
- On-Demand Production: Concrete gets mixed only when needed, ensuring it remains fresh and workable.
- Flexible Delivery: Since the mix is prepared on-site, it’s easy to adjust quantities or mix specifications during the job.
This process ensures you receive the exact amount and type of concrete you need, with minimal waste and maximum efficiency.
Ready to Order Volumetric Concrete?
If you’re ready to order a volumetric concrete delivery, speak to the friendly team at Flowmix Tewkesbury or Aldridge. We’ll help you choose the perfect mix and quantity for your project and organise quick, reliable delivery straight to your site.
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Aldridge: 01922 741731
What Are the Benefits of Volumetric Concrete?
Volumetric concrete offers several advantages that make it a preferred choice for many projects:
Freshness and Quality
Because the concrete is mixed on-site, it remains fresh and retains its workability for a longer period. That means you get a stronger, more reliable finish, especially important in hot weather or on longer pours where ready mix might start to set before arrival.
Example: For a driveway project on a warm summer day, volumetric concrete ensures the mix stays workable until every section gets poured, preventing cracks or weak spots.
Reduced Waste
You only mix exactly what you need, reducing the amount of leftover concrete that often goes to waste. Not only does this save money, but it also reduces the environmental impact of unused materials.
Example: In a home renovation where only a small quantity of concrete is needed for repairs, volumetric concrete prevents over-ordering and unnecessary waste.
Flexibility
You can easily adjust designs on the fly to suit changing site conditions or specific project needs. Whether you need a higher strength or a different slump, you can make adjustments immediately.
Example: If unexpected soil conditions require stronger concrete for a foundation, the volumetric mixer can alter the mix instantly without waiting for a new batch from the plant.
Cost-Effective for Small Jobs
Traditional ready mix often requires minimum order sizes, which can be costly for small or phased pours. Volumetric concrete allows you to order smaller, precise amounts, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Example: A landscaper installing small concrete features can order precisely the volume needed without paying for excess.
Faster Delivery and Scheduling
Because volumetric mixers mix on-site, they can respond quickly to schedule changes or last-minute additions, thereby reducing downtime.
Example: On a tight construction timeline, if extra concrete is needed unexpectedly, it’s possible to produce volumetric concrete immediately to keep the project on track.
Environmentally Friendly
Less waste, fewer return trips, and optimised batching mean a smaller carbon footprint for your project, aligning with sustainable building practices.
Example: Builders focused on green construction appreciate volumetric concrete for its reduced waste and efficient use of resources.
What Types of Projects Can Volumetric Concrete Be Used For?
Volumetric concrete is versatile and suitable for a wide range of projects. While it offers distinct advantages over traditional ready-mix concrete, both methods still have their unique roles depending on the job.
Thanks to the large capacity of volumetric mixer trucks, this type of concrete is especially well-suited for bigger projects where the volume required can exceed what smaller mixers can handle.
Many projects require multiple concrete mixes with varying ratios to meet different needs throughout the construction process. Additionally, unexpected changes or delays often arise during construction, making the on-site mixing flexibility of volumetric concrete a significant benefit.
Volumetric concrete is popular in domestic settings for applications such as foundations, shed bases, and driveways. On the commercial and industrial side, there are wide applications in construction works, including basement foundations and flooring.
With its clear advantages, such as minimising waste and offering adaptable mixing options, it’s no wonder volumetric concrete is becoming the preferred choice across projects of all sizes and complexities.
Need Volumetric Concrete Delivered?
Contact the expert team at Flowmix in Tewkesbury or Aldridge for all your volumetric concrete needs. We’ll guide you through selecting the right mix and volume, ensuring fresh concrete is delivered on time to keep your project running smoothly.
Call Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 or Flowmix Aldridge: 01922 741731
Volumetric vs Ready Mix: What’s the Difference?
Both volumetric and ready mix concrete provide high-quality results, but they differ significantly in how and when the concrete is prepared.
- Ready-mix concrete is batched and mixed at a central plant. It’s then transported to the site in a rotating drum truck, where it is poured soon after arrival. This method works well for large, continuous pours where timing and quantity are predictable.
- Volumetric Concrete gets mixed fresh on site, using a specialised truck that carries raw materials separately and combines them as needed. That allows for greater flexibility, precision, and control.
Key differences include:
| Feature | Ready Mix Concrete | Volumetric Concrete |
| Mixing Location | Off-site at batching plant | On-site using a volumetric mixer |
| Mix Flexibility | Fixed before delivery | Adjustable on demand |
| Waste | Potential for leftover concrete | Mix the exact amount needed |
| Ideal Job Size | Large, continuous pours | Small or phased jobs |
| Delivery Timing | Scheduled with fixed delivery | Flexible, on-demand mixing |
| Workability | May reduce during transport | Always fresh, mixed on site |
Choosing between the two depends on your project size, schedule, and specific requirements.
Why Choose Flowmix for Volumetric Concrete?
With over a decade of experience serving Gloucestershire and the West Midlands, Flowmix is a trusted name in volumetric concrete supply.
Our modern fleet of volumetric mixer trucks and expert team ensure you get fresh, high-quality concrete delivered precisely when and where you need it.
We offer:
- Precise mix-on-site batching tailored to your project requirements
- Flexible volumes, ideal for both small residential jobs and large commercial projects
- Competitive pricing with transparent quotes
- Reliable 2-hour delivery slots, helping you plan your work without delays
- Friendly support and expert advice every step of the way
- Interlocking concrete blocks for temporary or permanent barriers.
- Ready-mix concrete, mix-on-site (volumetric concrete), Traditional and liquid screed.
- 200′ Concrete line pump Hire: Reduce manual labour, associated costs, increase efficiency, reduce wastage and clean up.
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).
Whether you’re a builder, contractor, or homeowner, Flowmix is committed to providing a seamless, hassle-free concrete supply experience that keeps your project moving forward smoothly.
Ready to Order Volumetric Concrete?
Call us at Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 or Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731
FAQs
How Does Volumetric Concrete Work?
A volumetric mixer carries sand, gravel, cement, and water in separate compartments. The operator controls the exact mix on-site, producing the precise amount needed with the ability to adjust the mix mid-pour if required.
What Are The Benefits Of Volumetric Concrete?
- Pay for what you use – no waste
- On-site mixing means fresher concrete
- Mix flexibility – change slump or strength on demand
- Perfect for remote or complex sites where timing and quantity are hard to predict
Is Volumetric Concrete Cheaper Than Ready Mix?
It can be more cost-effective because you only pay for the exact amount used. It also eliminates part-load charges and minimises waste, which can make a big difference on small or unpredictable jobs.
How Accurate Is A Volumetric Mixer?
Very accurate. Volumetric mixers are equipped with precise measurement systems to ensure consistent batching. Most are also computer-controlled for added accuracy.
What Kind Of Projects Use Volumetric Concrete?
Volumetric concrete is ideal for:
- Domestic jobs (driveways, patios, extensions)
- Commercial pours
- Emergency repairs (like roadworks or utility reinstatements)
- Projects requiring multiple mix types in one visit
Can You Change The Mix On-Site With Volumetric Concrete?
Yes. That’s one of its biggest advantages. The operator can change the slump, strength, or mix design on the spot, making it perfect for varied site conditions.
Is Volumetric Concrete Suitable For Large Jobs?
Absolutely. Volumetric trucks can produce large volumes continuously. For very large pours, multiple volumetric trucks can be scheduled in rotation to ensure a steady supply.
What’s The Difference Between Volumetric And Ready Mix Concrete?
The key difference is when and where it’s mixed.
- Ready mix is batched at a plant and delivered in a drum mixer
- Volumetric is mixed fresh on-site using separate materials
Volumetric offers more flexibility, less waste, and precise control over quantity.
