The cost of ready mix concrete in the UK typically ranges from £100 to £160 per m³ in 2026-27, with an average price of around £120 per m³ before additional project-specific costs.
The price you pay can vary depending on the concrete grade, quantity required, delivery distance, location and any additional services such as concrete pumping.
For projects in London and Greater London, prices can sit towards the higher end of the UK range because delivery conditions, traffic, site access and local operating costs can affect the final price. Cost around £100–£150 per m³ before VAT and delivery, depending on the grade.
What Is the Average Ready Mix Concrete Price Per m³?
As a general UK guide, you can expect ready mix concrete to cost approximately:
| Concrete Grade | Typical Use | Price Per m³ |
| C10 / C15 | Blinding, pathways and other lower-strength applications | £90–£118 |
| C20 / C25 | Foundations, footings and domestic floors | £100–£135 |
| C25 / C30 | Driveways, slabs and patios | £105–£142 |
| C30 / C35 | Structural slabs and commercial applications | £120–£145 |
| C40 | Higher-strength and heavy-duty applications | £130–£150+ |
| Specialist mixes | Waterproof or other specialist applications | £165–£189+ |
These figures provide a general indication rather than a fixed quotation.
What Affects the Price of Ready Mix Concrete?
The price per cubic metre does not tell you the complete cost of a concrete delivery. Several factors can increase or reduce the final quotation.
Concrete Grade
Higher-strength concrete generally costs more because the mix requires different material proportions and specifications.
For example, a C20 mix can cost less than a C30 or C40 mix. You should choose the concrete grade based on your project’s requirements rather than simply selecting the cheapest option.
Amount of Concrete
The amount you order can affect the overall price.
A larger order can spread delivery costs across more cubic metres, while a small order may attract a minimum order or part-load charge.
You should calculate the required volume carefully before placing your order.
Delivery Distance
The distance between the concrete supplier and your site can affect the delivery cost.
Longer journeys can increase transport costs, particularly when the delivery requires additional travel time.
Location
Concrete prices vary across different parts of the UK. London and the South East can have higher prices than some other regions because of transport conditions, congestion and local operating costs.
Site Access
Difficult site access can affect the delivery arrangements.
A concrete mixer needs enough space to reach the required position safely. If the truck cannot discharge directly where you need the concrete, you may need a concrete pump.
How Much Does Concrete Delivery Cost?
Ready mix concrete delivery commonly adds a separate charge to the concrete price.
Typical ready-mix delivery at around £100–£200, although the actual charge depends on the supplier, location, quantity and delivery requirements.
Small orders can sometimes cost more per cubic metre because the supplier still needs to send a vehicle and allocate delivery time even when the load remains relatively small.
Before ordering, ask whether the quoted price includes delivery and whether the supplier applies a minimum order or part-load charge.
Does Ordering Less Concrete Make It More Expensive?
It can.
Concrete suppliers have transport and delivery costs regardless of the size of the order. A small delivery may therefore carry a minimum charge or part-load surcharge.
For example, ordering 2 m³ does not necessarily mean that you will pay exactly twice the price of 1 m³.
You should ask the supplier for the total delivered price rather than calculating the cost only from the advertised price per cubic metre.
How Much Does a Full Load of Ready Mix Concrete Cost?
A standard ready-mix concrete truck can commonly carry around 6 m³, although truck capacity varies between suppliers and vehicle types.
Cost is around £700–£1,960 for a full 6 m³ load including delivery, with an average around £1,170.
The large range shows why you should not use a single national figure as a quotation. Concrete grade, location, delivery arrangements and supplier pricing can significantly change the final amount.
How Much Does Ready Mix Concrete Cost in London?
London prices can sit above the wider UK average. For example, proximate prices before VAT and delivery of:
- C10–C15: around £100–£118 per m³.
- C20: around £100–£135 per m³.
- C25: around £110–£139 per m³.
- C30: around £120–£142 per m³.
- C35: around £124–£145 per m³.
- C40: around £130–£150 per m³.
Your actual price can differ because the supplier needs to consider the quantity, delivery address, concrete specification and site requirements.
How Much Does Concrete Pump Hire Cost?
You may need a concrete pump when the mixer truck cannot discharge directly into the area where you need the concrete.
- Line pump hire: approximately £280–£300 per day.
- Boom pump hire: approximately £550–£800 per day.
The actual price can vary according to the pump type, access, pumping distance, duration and supplier.
For sites with difficult access, a line pump can move concrete through connected pipes to reach areas that the mixer truck cannot access directly.
Do Concrete Additives Increase the Price?
Yes. Specialist concrete requirements can increase the price per cubic metre.
For example, your project may require additional materials or performance characteristics such as fibres, waterproofing or other additives.
You should tell the concrete supplier about any special requirements before ordering so the supplier can include them in the quotation.
How Much Concrete Do You Need?
The first step in estimating your concrete cost is working out how much concrete your project requires.
For a simple rectangular area, use:
Length × Width × Depth = Volume in m³
For example, a slab measuring 6 metres long, 4 metres wide and 150 mm deep requires:
6 × 4 × 0.15 = 3.6 m³
You would therefore need approximately 3.6 m³ of concrete before allowing for any project-specific considerations.
Accurate measurements can help you avoid ordering too much or too little concrete.
How Can You Reduce the Cost of Ready Mix Concrete?
You cannot always reduce the concrete price itself, but careful planning can help you control the overall cost.
You should:
- Calculate the required concrete volume accurately before requesting a quotation.
- Compare the total delivered price rather than comparing only the price per cubic metre.
- Confirm the concrete grade before ordering so you do not pay for a specification that your project does not require.
- Ask about minimum order quantities and part-load charges before confirming a small delivery.
- Check whether the delivery price includes any additional charges.
- Prepare the site before the truck arrives to reduce waiting time and delivery problems.
- Confirm whether you need a concrete pump before arranging the delivery.
Is Ready Mix Concrete Worth the Cost?
Ready mix concrete can save time and provide a consistent supply for construction projects.
Instead of mixing individual batches on site, a supplier delivers concrete prepared to the required specification. This can make larger pours more practical and reduce the need for on-site mixing equipment.
The overall value depends on your project size, required concrete grade, delivery distance and site conditions.
What Should You Ask for When Getting a Concrete Quote?
A price per cubic metre does not always represent the final amount you will pay.
When requesting a quote, ask the supplier to confirm:
- Confirm the price per cubic metre for the required concrete grade.
- Ask whether the quoted price includes delivery.
- Confirm whether VAT applies to the quoted price.
- Ask whether a minimum order or part-load charge applies.
- Confirm whether the supplier charges for waiting time.
- Ask about concrete pump hire if the site requires pumping.
- Confirm the expected delivery time and available delivery slots.
- You should explain any access restrictions before the supplier provides the final price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is Ready Mix Concrete Per m³ in the UK?
Ready mix concrete generally costs around £100–£160 per m³ in the UK in 2027, although the exact price depends on the concrete grade, order quantity, location and delivery requirements.
How Much Is 1 m³ of Concrete?
One cubic metre of ready mix concrete can cost approximately £100–£160 before additional delivery or project-specific charges.
Is Ready Mix Concrete More Expensive in London?
London prices can sit above the wider UK average because delivery conditions, congestion, site access and local operating costs can affect the final price.
Does the Concrete Grade Affect the Price?
Yes. Higher-strength and specialist concrete mixes generally cost more per cubic metre than lower-strength standard mixes.
Does Ready Mix Concrete Include Delivery?
Not always. Suppliers may quote the concrete and delivery separately, so you should confirm whether delivery is included before accepting a quotation.
How Much Does a Concrete Pump Cost?
Line pump hire at around £280–£300 per day and boom pump hire at around £550–£800 per day, although actual prices vary by supplier and project.
How Do I Get an Accurate Ready Mix Concrete Price?
Provide the supplier with your required concrete grade, estimated volume, delivery address, preferred delivery date and site access details. The supplier can then provide a project-specific quotation.
Final Words
The average UK price for ready mix concrete currently sits around £100–£160 per m³, but the price per cubic metre only forms part of the final cost.
Your final quotation can depend on the concrete grade, quantity, delivery distance, location, minimum order requirements, site access and whether you need pumping.
If you are planning a concrete project in London or the surrounding areas, calculate the required volume first and provide the supplier with accurate project details. This allows the supplier to give you a more accurate delivered price rather than relying on a general per-m³ estimate.
Prices shown in this guide are estimated UK market figures for 2027 and are not a fixed quotation. Contact Best London Concrete for a project-specific price based on your concrete requirements, quantity and delivery location.
