Concrete is one of the most important materials in construction. What is ready mix concrete? It has shaped the world around us for thousands of years, from ancient Roman roads and aqueducts to modern bridges, skyscrapers, housing developments and garden landscapes.
Today, the construction industry relies heavily on ready mix concrete, a modern innovation that makes building faster, safer, and more reliable. But what exactly is ready mix concrete, and why has it become the go-to choice for builders and landscapers across the UK?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of ready mix concrete, its many uses, and how it is delivered directly to sites of all sizes. As a trusted supplier here at Borley’s, we’re proud to provide high-quality ready mix concrete throughout the East Midlands, and we’ll also explain how our delivery methods ensure that your job runs as smoothly as possible.
What is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete is a specially designed mixture of cement, water, and aggregates such as sand and gravel, prepared in a controlled environment to guarantee quality and consistency. Unlike traditional methods, where builders would mix raw materials manually on site, ready mix concrete is batched in a dedicated plant and then transported to where it’s needed.
The concept was first introduced in the early 20th century, with the very first ready mix concrete delivered by truck in the 1920s. This was a game-changing innovation for the construction industry, as it allowed for accurate ratios, stronger mixes, and far less time spent labouring over wheelbarrows and mixers on site.
Over the years, advances in technology and transport have made ready mix concrete more accessible, reliable, and versatile than ever before.
In essence, ready mix concrete ensures that every pour has the correct balance of materials, producing a durable and high-performance finish. Whether you are building the foundations of a new home, laying a driveway, or pouring industrial flooring, ready mix concrete guarantees strength and consistency from the very first batch.
What is Ready Mix Concrete Used For?
The beauty of ready mix concrete lies in its versatility. Across the UK, it is used in both domestic and commercial projects, ranging from small-scale landscaping jobs to large-scale infrastructure developments.
For residential builders and homeowners, ready mix concrete is ideal for driveways, patios, garden paths, garage bases, and house foundations. Its strength and smooth finish make it particularly popular for outdoor projects, where durability against weather and wear is vital. Landscaping projects also benefit, as ready mix concrete can be poured into decorative moulds, retaining walls, and edging to create lasting results that look professional.
In the commercial and industrial sectors, ready mix concrete is the backbone of construction. It is essential for multi-storey buildings, warehouses, factories, schools, and hospitals. Contractors rely on it for floor slabs, structural columns, and reinforced foundations, as well as for car parks, roadworks, and even airport runways.
Another important benefit is the ability to order different mixes for specific requirements. From high-strength grades designed to withstand heavy loads, to fast-setting mixes that save valuable time, ready mix concrete offers solutions for virtually every type of project. Builders know that when they choose ready mix concrete, they are choosing reliability, efficiency, and long-lasting results.
How is Readymix Concrete Delivered?
One of the biggest advantages of readymix concrete is the way it can be delivered directly to site, tailored to your needs. At Borley’s, we provide a flexible service to ensure that whether you’re working on a tight residential street, a large commercial site, or a rural property, your concrete arrives exactly how and where you need it.
We use two main types of vehicles for delivery: drum mixers and volumetric mixers. Drum mixers are the traditional trucks you often see on the road, with a large rotating drum that keeps the concrete agitated and prevents it from setting before it reaches site.
Volumetric mixers, on the other hand, are mobile batching plants. They mix the ingredients on site, which allows for precise quantities and the option to adjust the mix at the last moment if required. This flexibility is particularly useful if you’re unsure of the exact volume needed, as it means you only pay for what you use.
When it comes to placement, we offer a range of options to suit the demands of your project. Our team can pour concrete straight into wheelbarrows for smaller jobs, pump it into difficult-to-reach areas, or carry out direct pours where access is straightforward. Using concrete pumps is especially effective when working on sites with limited space, awkward layouts, or higher elevations, as it reduces manual labour and speeds up the process.
By combining the right delivery vehicle with the appropriate placement method, we make sure that your concrete is delivered efficiently, safely, and with minimal disruption.
The Benefits of Readymix Concrete
Builders and contractors return to ready mix concrete time and again because of the numerous benefits it provides. Consistency is one of the biggest advantages. Every batch is carefully measured and produced to the same high standard, eliminating the risks associated with manual mixing.
It also saves valuable time on site. Rather than allocating workers to mix materials manually, ready mix concrete arrives ready to pour. This improves efficiency, reduces labour costs, and ensures projects are completed more quickly.
Durability is another key factor. Ready mix concrete is designed to meet strict strength and performance standards, meaning the finished product can withstand heavy loads, weather conditions, and general wear and tear for decades.
From an environmental perspective, ready mix concrete also reduces waste. Because it is mixed in exact proportions, there is far less risk of excess material being left unused. Combined with advances in eco-friendly cement substitutes and recycling practices, ready mix concrete is becoming a more sustainable option for modern construction.
Why Builders in the East Midlands Choose Borley’s
Here at Borley’s, we have built a strong reputation across the East Midlands for delivering high-quality ready mix concrete with excellent service. We understand the challenges that builders and landscapers face on site, which is why we provide flexible delivery solutions that make your job easier.
Our fleet of drum mixers and volumetric mixers allows us to serve projects of all sizes, from small domestic jobs to large commercial developments. Whether you need a single cubic metre for a garden project or multiple loads for a housing site, we are equipped to deliver exactly what you require.
We pride ourselves on reliability, punctuality, and professionalism. When you order from Borley’s, you can be confident that your concrete will arrive on time, mixed to the correct specification, and delivered in the most convenient way for your site. Our team is always happy to provide guidance on the best mix for your project, ensuring that you get the best possible results every time.
Ready mix concrete has transformed the construction industry, offering builders, landscapers, and contractors a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective solution for projects of every size. From its early beginnings in the 1920s to its widespread use today, it has become the backbone of modern construction, providing strength and durability to homes, commercial spaces, and infrastructure across the UK.
At Borley’s, we are proud to supply high-quality ready mix concrete throughout the East Midlands. With our drum mixers, volumetric mixers, and flexible delivery options – including wheelbarrows, pumps, and straight pours – we make sure that every customer receives a service tailored to their needs.
If you’re planning a project and need dependable concrete delivered straight to site, Borley’s is here to help. Get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss your requirements, and discover why so many builders trust us as their ready mix concrete supplier.