What Type of Concrete Do I Need? A Guide for Builders & Contractors
Choosing the right concrete for a construction project isn't always as straightforward as it might seem.
Different projects can require different concrete strengths, mixes and delivery methods, and the right choice will depend on factors including the application, structural requirements, ground conditions and how the concrete needs to be placed.
Whether you're building an extension, pouring foundations, constructing a floor slab or working on a larger commercial project, getting the specification right from the outset can help the job run smoothly and ensure the finished concrete is suitable for its intended use.
At William The Concreter, we supply concrete to builders and contractors throughout East Sussex and Kent, and have been doing so for 40 years. In this guide, we look at some of the most common applications and the things you should consider when deciding what concrete you need.
What Do Concrete Grades Mean?
One of the first things you'll encounter when ordering concrete is its grade.
Concrete is commonly classified according to its compressive strength, with grades such as C20, C25, C30, C35 and C40 frequently used within construction.
As the number increases, so does the specified compressive strength of the concrete.
However, that doesn't mean simply choosing the strongest concrete available is the right approach. Different applications have different requirements, and factors such as exposure conditions, reinforcement and the structural design of the project may all influence the specification.
Where concrete forms part of a structural design, you should always work to the specification provided by your structural engineer, architect or other suitably qualified professional.
What Concrete Do I Need for Foundations?
Foundations are one of the most common reasons builders and contractors order concrete.
The appropriate specification will depend on the type of foundation being constructed, the loads it will carry, ground conditions and the requirements of the building design.
Concrete may be required for:
Strip foundations
Trench-fill foundations
Pad foundations
Extensions
New-build properties
Garages and outbuildings
Grades such as C20 and C25 are commonly encountered in general foundation work, but you should never assume that a particular grade is suitable for your project without checking the specification.
We have a separate guide explaining what concrete mix you need for foundations, including the differences between C20 and C25.
What Concrete Do I Need for a Floor Slab?
Concrete floor slabs are used across everything from domestic extensions and garages to workshops, warehouses and commercial buildings.
The concrete specification will depend on how the finished floor will be used and the loads it needs to withstand.
A domestic floor slab, for example, may have very different requirements from a commercial floor that will regularly support heavy machinery or vehicle traffic.
Reinforcement may also form part of the design. Depending on the project, this could involve traditional steel reinforcement or concrete containing fibres designed to improve particular characteristics of the finished material.
What Concrete Do I Need for an Extension?
House extensions often require concrete at several stages of the build.
You may need concrete for the foundations, footings and floor slab, with potentially different specifications required for different parts of the project.
Access is another important consideration.
Extensions are frequently built at the rear or side of existing properties where getting a concrete mixer close to the pour isn't possible.
In these situations, concrete pump hire can provide a much more efficient way of moving concrete from the delivery vehicle to the required location.
At William The Concreter, we provide both concrete supply and in-house pump hire, helping builders coordinate the delivery and placement of concrete through a single supplier.
What Concrete Do I Need for External Projects?
Concrete is also widely used for external construction, including:
Driveways
Paths
Hardstandings
Garage bases
Shed and outbuilding bases
External slabs
Agricultural areas
The appropriate concrete will depend heavily on the intended use.
A small domestic shed base won't experience the same loading or operating conditions as an agricultural yard or commercial hardstanding used by heavy vehicles.
Exposure to the weather, traffic and ongoing wear should therefore all be considered when choosing the concrete specification.
Do I Need Reinforced Concrete?
Not every concrete project requires reinforcement.
However, reinforcement may be specified where additional structural performance is required or where the concrete will be subjected to particular loads and stresses.
Traditional reinforced concrete incorporates steel reinforcement, while fibre-reinforced concrete can provide benefits for certain applications.
We've covered this subject in more detail in our guide Do I Need Reinforced Concrete?, which explains some of the circumstances where reinforcement may be considered.
Ready-Mix or Volumetric Concrete?
The type of concrete isn't the only decision you'll need to make. You'll also need to consider how it is supplied.
Ready-mix concrete is produced to the required specification before being transported to site.
Volumetric concrete, meanwhile, is mixed on site using a specialist vehicle carrying the individual ingredients. This allows the required quantity to be produced as the job progresses and can offer greater flexibility where the precise volume required is difficult to predict.
Both methods have their advantages, and the best option will depend on the project.
Our guide to Ready-Mix vs Volumetric Concrete looks at the differences in more detail.
How Much Concrete Do I Need?
Once you've established the correct specification, you'll need to calculate how much concrete the project requires.
For a straightforward rectangular area, volume is generally calculated by multiplying:
Length × Width × Depth
Measurements need to be converted into metres to calculate the volume in cubic metres (m³).
Real construction sites aren't always perfectly uniform, however. Excavations can vary in depth and width, while uneven ground and other site conditions can affect the actual quantity required.
Our online Concrete Calculator provides a quick way to estimate the volume required for your project.
Think About Access Before Ordering
Choosing the right concrete is only part of planning a successful pour.
You also need to consider how the delivery vehicle will access the site and how the concrete will travel from the vehicle to where it is needed.
Ask yourself:
Can a concrete delivery vehicle safely access the site?
How close can the vehicle get to the pour?
Is there restricted access?
Will wheelbarrows be practical?
Would a concrete pump make placement easier?
Is the site fully prepared before the concrete arrives?
For difficult-to-access areas, a concrete pump can significantly simplify placement and help move concrete efficiently to foundations, slabs and other locations that cannot be reached directly by the delivery vehicle.
Concrete for Builders & Contractors in East Sussex and Kent
William The Concreter works with builders, groundworkers, contractors and construction companies across East Sussex and Kent, supplying concrete for projects of all sizes.
From extensions and foundations in Battle, Bexhill and Hastings to construction projects around Eastbourne, Hailsham, Rye, Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas, our team can help you arrange the concrete, quantity and delivery method appropriate for your project.
We supply both ready-mix and volumetric concrete, with our own concrete pump hire available where required.
For larger developments, groundworks and construction schemes, you can also explore our dedicated Commercial & Infrastructure services.
Speak to William The Concreter
If you already have a concrete specification, simply let us know what you require and we'll help arrange your delivery.
If you're unsure about the most appropriate supply or delivery option, our experienced team will be happy to discuss your project and the practical requirements of the pour. Where the concrete forms part of a structural design, the required grade and specification should always be confirmed by the relevant engineer or project professional.
With more than 40 years of experience supplying concrete across East Sussex and Kent, William The Concreter supports everyone from local builders and groundworkers to larger contractors and commercial construction teams.
Call us today on 01424 775388 or contact William The Concreter online to discuss your next concrete delivery.
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