Comparing Ready-Mix and Self-Mix Concrete for Your Project
When planning foundations or any construction work, you will face the choice: buy ready mix concrete or mix it yourself? Both have advantages and drawbacks. Your decision will affect your costs, schedule, and the quality of the finished work.
What is Ready-Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete, often called premix concrete, is produced by a concrete supplier and delivered ready to pour. You get a consistent mix without handling the raw materials. It suits larger jobs like driveways, patios, and foundations, making it a common choice for ready mix for construction.
What Does Mixing Concrete Yourself Involve?
Mixing concrete yourself means sourcing cement, sand, gravel, and water. You will also need a mixer, wheelbarrow, and enough space to work. For small repairs, this may be practical. For larger tasks, it becomes time-consuming and physically demanding.
Cost Breakdown: Ready-Mix vs Self-Mix
Material Costs
Self-mixed concrete may look cheaper when comparing just the cost of materials. Cement, aggregates, and water will cost less than ordering ready mix concrete by the cubic metre. However, you also need to factor in equipment hire, delivery fees, and fuel costs.
Wastage and Ordering Errors
Ready mix concrete lets you order exactly what you need. A concrete supplier can help you calculate this. With self-mixing, it is easy to under or overorder. Overordering wastes money. Underordering causes delays and extra expense.
Time and Labour
Mixing concrete yourself takes time and effort, especially for larger projects where you will need multiple batches. Ready mix for construction arrives prepared, saving you hours of manual work and reducing labour costs.
Is Ready-Mix Actually Cheaper?
At first glance, ready mix concrete may seem more expensive. But when you factor in equipment hire, material waste, extra labour, and project delays, ready mix often comes out cheaper. For substantial jobs like foundations or structural work, ready mix concrete usually makes more sense.
If you are doing a small patch or repair, self-mixing might still be the budget-friendly option. For anything larger, it rarely is.
More than Just Cost
Consistency and Strength
With ready mix, you get a consistent and reliable product. Concrete suppliers use precise batching and controlled mixing. This ensures strong, durable results and reduces the risk of weak spots.
Convenience
Ready mix concrete saves you from sourcing, storing, and mixing materials. It arrives on-site when you need it and in the exact volume required.
Sustainability
Working with a local concrete supplier like ECO Concrete reduces transport distances and cuts down on waste. Using ready mix for construction helps lower your environmental impact.
For most projects, ready mix concrete will save you time, money, and hassle while delivering better results. While mixing your own concrete may still work for the smallest jobs, ready mix is usually the smarter choice.
If you need a trusted concrete supplier, ECO Concrete is ready to help you get the right mix for your project
