Blog>Cost Guides>What is the cost of ready mix concrete per m³?

Last updated: 4 July 2024

What is the cost of ready mix concrete per m³?

Ready-mix concrete is a great alternative to site-mix concrete, but how much does it cost? In this guide, we look at the average cost of ready-mix concrete per m³ in the UK.

What is the cost of ready mix concrete per m³?
The easier way to book quality trades
Verified estimator
Download app

Fast Facts

  • On average, the cost of ready-mix concrete is around £120 per m³

  • The delivery cost of ready-mix concrete is about £150

  • Hiring a concrete pump can cost between £280 and £800 per day

A good concrete mix is the most important part of any construction project. And ready-mix concrete has become a very popular option in the UK.

To help you plan your budget, we've put together the average cost of ready-mix concrete per m³.

Average cost of ready-mix concrete per m³ (cubic metre)

ItemLow costHigh costAverage cost
Ready mix concrete price per cubic metre £100£160£120
Ready mix concrete delivery price£100£200£150
Line pump rental per day£280£300£300
Boom pump rental per day£550£800£600
Total cost full load of 6m3 ready mixed concrete delivered£700£1,960£1,170
Average total cost per m3£117£327£195
Minimum order£500
Last updated: July 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

Ready-mix concrete costs around £100 - £160 per m³.

Since it's more convenient, ready-mix concrete is more expensive than site-mix concrete. When buying, make sure you buy enough to account for any spillage during your project. We recommend you buy 5 to 10% more than you need to avoid running out.

Cost of ready-mix concrete delivery

Delivery of ready-mix concrete costs roughly between £100 - £200 .

The cost of getting your ready-mix concrete delivered depends on the amount of concrete you need.

As the mix will be transported by truck, shipping will cost more than the average parcel. If you're not ordering enough mix, you may be charged a ‘partial load fee’.

Ready mix concrete costs

Ready-mix concrete pump price

There are two main types of concrete pumps: a line pump and a boom pump. You can mount a line pump on a trailer, these are better for smaller-scale projects.

A boom pump carries more concrete and pumps at a higher rate. This pump is better for a large-scale project.

Here are the average costs of hiring a pump for a day:

  • Line pump hire – £280 - £300

  • Boom pump hire – £550 - £800

Checkatrade tick

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Benefits of ready-mix concrete

There are several benefits of using ready-mix concrete. They include:

  • You avoid the risk of human error in the mixing process because it is pre-made with the correct measurements

  • Reduced costs by not needing on-site storage or specialist equipment

  • You can save time by eliminating the need for onsite mixing equipment setup and dismantling

FAQs

Is it cheaper to buy pre-mixed concrete?

No. Pre-mixed concrete is usually more expensive to buy than site-mixed concrete. You are mainly paying extra for the convenience.

How do I calculate ready-mix concrete costs?

  1. Determine how thick you need the concrete to be

  2. Measure the length and width that you need to cover

  3. Multiply the length by the width to determine the square footage

  4. Convert the thickness from inches to feet

  5. Multiply the thickness in feet by the square footage to determine cubic feet

  6. Convert cubic feet to cubic yards by multiplying by 0.037

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

Share this article:

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job