If you are planning a concrete job, one of the first things you want to know is how much it will cost. This guide explains what volumetric concrete costs and why. It is written for homeowners and small builders who want to budget carefully before they book.
The short answer is that the price depends on how much concrete you use, the strength of the mix and how far the lorry has to travel. The good news is that with a volumetric mixer you only pay for what actually goes into your job.
What is volumetric concrete?
A volumetric lorry is a mobile mixing plant on wheels. It carries the cement, sand, gravel and water in separate tanks and mixes the concrete fresh on your site, exactly when you need it. Each lorry can carry up to 10 cubic metres.
Because the mixing happens at your gate, you can start and stop whenever you like. If your job needs a bit more, the driver simply mixes more. If you need a bit less, you stop, and you are not charged for concrete you never used. To understand the raw material itself, this Designing Buildings Wiki page on concrete gives a clear, plain overview of what goes into the mix and how it sets.
Pay for what you use
This is the biggest reason people choose a volumetric mixer. With a normal fixed load, you order a set amount in advance, and you pay for all of it, even if some is left over at the end. That leftover concrete is wasted money, and it still has to be cleared away.
With a volumetric lorry, the concrete is measured as it is poured. You only pay for what you use. This is sometimes called part load concrete, because you can take part of a full load rather than the whole thing. For jobs where you are not sure of the exact amount, this can save you a fair bit and takes the worry out of over-ordering.
What affects the price of volumetric concrete?
The price is worked out per cubic metre. Several things push that price up or down. The table below explains the main ones in simple terms.
| Factor | Why it changes the cost | Effect on price |
|---|---|---|
| Volume (how much you use) | Larger jobs share the delivery cost across more concrete, so the price per cubic metre often drops | More volume usually lowers the price per metre |
| Concrete grade (strength) | Stronger mixes use more cement, and cement is the costly part | Higher grade means a higher price |
| Travel distance | Fuel and driver time go up the further the lorry has to come | Longer distance raises the cost |
| Small or part loads | Very small amounts still need a full lorry visit, so there is often a minimum charge | Very small jobs cost more per metre |
| Extras and access | Fibres, waiting time or tricky access can add to the bill | Extras raise the total |
Because of these factors, there is no single fixed price that fits every job. The best way to get an accurate figure is to tell the supplier your measurements and the grade you need, then ask for a quote.
Volumetric or fixed load: which is cheaper?
A fixed drum lorry, often called ready mix concrete, is mixed at a plant and delivered ready to pour. It works well when you know the exact amount you need, and you want a large load in one go.
A volumetric mixer tends to win on cost when the amount is uncertain, or the job is small, because you are not paying for waste. It is also handy when you need two different mixes from the same visit, as the lorry can change the recipe on the spot. For many home projects, mixing on demand simply means less waste and a cleaner site.
How to budget before you book
The easiest way to plan is to work out how much concrete your job needs first. A simple online concrete calculator lets you enter the length, width and depth of your slab or footing and gives you the volume in cubic metres. Once you have that number, you can ask for a price with confidence.
It helps to have a few details ready when you call:
- The size of the area, in metres
- The depth you need
- The grade or the type of job, such as a shed base or a driveway
- Your postcode, so travel can be checked
Small jobs and tight access
Not every job needs a big lorry. For smaller amounts or sites that are hard to reach, mini mixers can get closer to the pour and carry a smaller load. This can be cheaper and easier than trying to squeeze a large vehicle into a narrow space, and it still gives you fresh concrete on the day.
Get an accurate price for your job
Every concrete job is a little different, so the fairest way to know your cost is to get a quote based on your own measurements. Work out your volume, decide on your grade, and give the team your postcode.
To talk it through, call Base Concrete on one of our local numbers:
- Hemel Hempstead 01442 389105
- St Albans 01727 881979
- Watford 01923 571221
- Luton 01582 825545
- Aylesbury 01296 906112
We will help you work out the right amount and give you a clear price, so there are no surprises on the day.
