With any project, planning is an essential part of the process. When your task involves ready-mix concrete, there are steps you’ll need to take to avoid the pitfalls of ordering the wrong blend. Concrete doesn’t come in a one-size-fits-all solution, since it has to be adjusted and mixed according to application and use. Follow the three tips below to get the perfect mix.    

What to Do When Ordering Ready-Mix Materials

1. Know the Basics

Ready-mix concrete is made up of various components, such as water, cement, sand, and rock. These elements are blended in batches at a plant for delivery. The paste, which consists of water and cement, binds the rock and sand together upon hardening.

Mixes can be modified by adjusting the ratio of ingredients to fit your project requirements. Understanding how the components interact allows you to tweak your concrete recipe. However, remember that small changes in the proportion can have a significant impact on a concrete’s performance. Ready-mix that contains excessive cement paste creates a smooth surface, for instance, but it’s more likely to crack soon after installation.

2. Meet Your Requirements

Determine how much you’ll need for your project and how strong the product should be upon hardening. For instance, concrete for footing or bases should be strong enough to withstand heavy weight and pressure. The required compressive strength will dictate the right mix, and typically ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi), depending on usage.

Aside from strength, figure out the size of coarse aggregates. The thickness and use of finished concrete will determine this. For thin sections with minimal weight-bearing capacities, small coarse aggregates work better than larger ones.

Lastly, slump is the consistency of the ready-mix when poured. This factor also varies depending on how the concrete will be used and where it will be placed. Pavements generally require slump of at least two inches, while footings need an inch.

Ordering the right amount of concrete is necessary to avoid costly errors like waste and inadequate supply. Buying too little could cause delays as you await another delivery. Purchasing too much, on the other hand, causes disposal problems and unnecessary costs.   

3. Source Materials Locally

Always order from a trustworthy concrete supplier for quality products. Be sure to obtain estimates from different companies to compare costs. Don’t simply choose the least expensive supplier, as they might be cutting corners with the mix. Whenever possible, get your materials at a nearby supplier to save on transportation costs and ensure that your concrete arrives on time.

For high-quality ready-mix, look no further than Childers Concrete, the premier concrete supplier in High Point, NC. Serving the Piedmont Triad area since 1946, they deliver a wide array of products, including decorative and precast concrete. They also carry an impressive selection of accessories, from concrete stamps to finishing tools. Call (336) 841-3111 today for help, or visit them online to learn more.