Readymix concrete in the UK costs between £100 and £165 per cubic metre in 2026. Standard C25 and C30 grades, which cover most domestic projects, typically fall between £110 and £142 per m³ before VAT. The final price shifts based on grade strength, delivery location, volume ordered, and any additives mixed in. Knowing the real cost upfront helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises when the truck arrives.
Average Cost of Readymix Concrete Per Cubic Metre in 2026
Readymix concrete in the UK costs between £100 and £165 per cubic metre in 2026, depending on grade, location, and order volume. The UK average for standard C25/C30 grade sits around £110–£142 per m³ before VAT and delivery.
London and the South East run 15–25% higher than the national average. Most suppliers apply a minimum charge of roughly £625 + VAT per order, so small pours cost more per cubic metre than large ones. Quoted prices usually exclude VAT, delivery, pump hire, and additives.
Readymix Concrete Prices by Grade
Concrete prices rise with grade strength because stronger mixes use more cement, which is the most expensive ingredient in any mix. The table below shows typical 2026 UK prices per cubic metre for each standard grade.
| Grade | Typical Use | Price per m³ (2026) |
| C10–C15 | Blinding, light foundations | £100–£118 |
| C20 | Footings, domestic floors | £100–£135 |
| C25 | Driveways, patios, and light structural | £110–£139 |
| C30 | Structural beams, slabs | £120–£142 |
| C40 | Heavy-duty structural, industrial | £135–£165 |
Speciality mixes cost more. Waterproof concrete reaches £165–£189 per m³, and steel fibre-reinforced concrete adds around £35 per m³ but saves on reinforcing mesh.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Readymix Concrete
Four main factors decide the final price of readymix concrete: grade, volume, location, and additives. Each one can swing the total by 10–25%, so understanding how they work together helps you plan a realistic budget.
Grade and Cement Content
Higher-strength mixes cost more because they need more cement. A C40 mix can cost up to 30% more than a C15 mix for the exact same volume. Cement is the most expensive component in any concrete batch, so every jump in grade adds to the bill. The right grade depends on what you’re building. A heavy-duty industrial floor needs C40, but a simple garden shed base runs fine on C15.
Grade-related cost factors include:
- Cement content per cubic metre
- Strength class required by building regulations
- Durability specifications (freeze-thaw, sulphate resistance)
Volume Ordered
Order size has a direct impact on your per-cubic-metre rate. Most UK suppliers set a minimum efficient load of 4–6 m³, and anything below that threshold triggers a small-load surcharge of £40–£80. Larger orders, on the other hand, benefit from economies of scale.
A few things to keep in mind with volume:
- Minimum order charges typically sit between £500 and £625
- Mini-mix services cover pours of 0.5–3 m³ at a premium rate
- Pump hire costs spread across larger pours, lowering the effective per-m³ cost
Location and Delivery Distance
Where your project sits in the UK has a major impact on the price. London and the South East run 15–25% above the national average, and central London postcodes push even higher thanks to the £15/day congestion charge and £12.50/day ULEZ fee.
Outer boroughs and regional areas pay less overall, though delivery charges still range from £50 to £200 depending on how far the batching plant is from your site. Sites with narrow access roads or restricted parking can also add time to the delivery, and time on-site often translates to extra cost.
Additives, Fibres and Speciality Mixes
Anything added to a standard mix pushes the price up. Common upgrades and their rough cost impact:
- Steel or polypropylene fibres: +£25–£40 per m³
- Waterproofing admixtures: up to £189 per m³ total
- Rapid-setting additives: +£15–£25 per m³
- Colour pigments: +£20–£50 per m³
These additions are worth the cost when the project calls for them. Steel fibre reinforcement, for example, often saves money overall by replacing traditional mesh. For standard domestic work, though, a plain mix usually does the job.
What Hidden Costs Are Added to Readymix Concrete?
Beyond the quoted price per cubic metre, expect VAT, pump hire, surcharges, and waiting-time fees. These extras can add 20–40% to your total spend, so factor them in before you commit to a supplier.
Common extra charges include:
- VAT at 20%: Often quoted separately from the base price
- Line pump hire: £275–£450 flat fee for most domestic jobs
- Boom pump hire: £500–£800 for long reach or tricky access
- Short-load surcharge: £40–£80 for orders under 4 m³
- Saturday delivery premium: £50–£120 extra per load
- Waiting time: charged after the standard 30-minute off-load window
- Cancellation fee: equivalent to the first load if cancelled under two hours before delivery
Ways to Reduce the Cost of Readymix Concrete
You can cut readymix concrete costs by ordering smart, comparing suppliers, and avoiding surcharges. Prices vary by 15–30% between suppliers for identical specifications, so a little planning pays off.
Five ways to save on your next order:
- Get three or more quotes: Prices for the same mix can differ by hundreds of pounds across suppliers in the same area.
- Order at least 4 m³: This avoids small-load surcharges and lowers your per-cubic-metre rate.
- Book weekday deliveries: Saturday prices cost £50–£120 more, and winter bookings sometimes attract a 5–10% discount.
- Use a concrete calculator: Accurate volume estimates prevent over-ordering and waste.
- Consider mix-on-site for smaller jobs.: You only pay for what you use, which works well for variable or staged pours.
Important FAQs
How much is 1 cubic metre of concrete in 2026?
1 cubic metre of readymix concrete in the UK costs £100–£165 in 2026 before VAT and delivery. The standard C25 grade used for most domestic jobs sits around £110–£139 per m³.
How much does it cost to pour 1 m³ of concrete?
Pouring 1 m³ of concrete typically costs £130–£250 once delivery, VAT, and pump hire are added. Labour for finishing the pour is charged separately, often £30–£60 per m³ depending on the contractor.
Is readymix concrete cheaper than site-mix concrete?
Readymix concrete is usually more expensive per cubic metre than site-mix concrete, but it often works out cheaper overall. Site-mix charges only for what you use, while readymix reduces labour, waste, and quality risks on pours above 1 m³.
Bottom Line
Readymix concrete in the UK runs £100–£165 per cubic metre in 2026, with most domestic projects landing between £110 and £142 per m³ for C25 or C30 grade. Grade, location, volume, and extras all shift the final number. A formal quote from a local supplier remains the only way to pin down the exact cost for your project.
Pro-Mix Concrete is one of London’s trusted readymix concrete suppliers, with over 20 years of experience serving domestic, commercial, and industrial projects across the UK. The company supplies ready mix concrete and mix-on-site concrete with same-day and next-day delivery available on most orders. Every batch meets British Standards, and tailor-made mixes are available for specific project requirements.
To get a free quote or estimate your volume, customers can use the Pro-Mix Concrete calculator or call the team directly on 020 7458 4747 or 0800 772 3808.