Is It Cheaper To Make Your Own Concrete Or Have It Delivered?

At Evolution Contractors, we know that choosing the right concrete solution can make or break your project. As Hillsboro’s trusted experts in concrete and excavation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality results tailored to your needs. Whether you’re planning a residential driveway, a commercial foundation, or a custom path, the decision to mix your own concrete or have it delivered is crucial. In this blog, we’ll help you weigh the costs, benefits, and practical considerations to determine the best option for your project.

The Basics of Mixing Your Own Concrete

Mixing your own concrete involves combining the raw materials—cement, sand, aggregate (gravel), and water—in the right proportions. Here are some of the primary factors to consider:

Pros of Mixing Your Own Concrete:

Cost Savings for Small Projects: For smaller jobs like patching a driveway or creating a small slab, mixing your own concrete can be more cost-effective. A standard 60-pound bag of pre-mixed concrete costs around $5 to $7, and you’ll only need a few bags for minor projects.
Control Over the Mix: If you’re working on a custom project, mixing your own concrete allows you to adjust the proportions for specific strength or texture needs.
Flexibility: You can mix as much or as little concrete as you need, reducing waste.

Cons of Mixing Your Own Concrete:

Time-Consuming: Manually mixing concrete takes time, effort, and precision to get the right consistency and strength.
Labor-Intensive: Mixing concrete by hand or with a small mixer can be physically demanding, especially for larger projects.
Inconsistent Quality: Without professional equipment, achieving a perfectly uniform mix can be challenging, potentially compromising the final product.

The Convenience of Delivered Concrete

Delivered concrete, often called ready-mix concrete, is prepared at a batching plant and transported to your site in a truck. Here are the main factors to weigh:

Pros of Delivered Concrete:

Time Savings: Ready-mix concrete is a quick and efficient solution for large-scale projects, such as driveways or foundations. The truck arrives with the exact amount you need, ready to pour.
Professional Quality: Delivered concrete is mixed with precise ratios of materials, ensuring consistency and durability.
Volume Efficiency: For projects requiring large quantities, ready-mix concrete can actually be more cost-effective due to economies of scale.
Reduced Labor: You won’t need to worry about the physical demands of mixing or the logistics of sourcing materials.

Cons of Delivered Concrete:

Higher Initial Cost: The upfront cost of ready-mix concrete is typically higher than mixing it yourself. Prices range from $190 to $220 per cubic yard, depending on location and concrete grade.
Minimum Order Requirements: Many suppliers have minimum order requirements (often one yard or more), which may not be cost-effective for smaller projects.
Logistics Challenges: You’ll need to coordinate delivery times and ensure your site is ready for the truck to pour immediately upon arrival.

Cost Comparison: Mix Your Own vs. Delivered

Here’s a simple breakdown to illustrate the cost differences:

Scenario: A 10×10-Foot Slab (4 Inches Thick)

DIY Mix:
- Volume needed: 1.23 cubic yards (approx.)
- Pre-mixed 60-lb bags required: 67
- Cost per bag: $5
- Total cost: $335 (excluding labor, tools, and time)
Delivered Concrete:
- Volume needed: 1.23 cubic yards
- Ready-mix price: $205 per cubic yard
- Delivery fee: $50
- Total cost: $258

In this scenario, delivered concrete is more cost-effective due to the volume needed. However, for smaller projects requiring less than a cubic yard, mixing your own concrete would likely save money.

Other Considerations

Project Size:
- For small repairs, mixing your own concrete is practical and affordable.
- For larger projects, ready-mix concrete saves time, reduces labor, and ensures quality.
Tools and Equipment:
- Mixing your own concrete requires tools like a wheelbarrow, hoe, and possibly a portable mixer. These costs add up if you don’t already own the equipment.
Expertise:
- If you’re inexperienced, ready-mix concrete ensures professional-grade quality, reducing the risk of costly mistakes.

Conclusion: Which Option is Right for You?

Choosing between mixing your own concrete and having it delivered depends on your project’s size, budget, and your comfort level with the process. For smaller projects or those requiring a custom mix, DIY might be the way to go. For larger jobs, where consistency and efficiency are critical, delivered concrete is often the better investment.

At Evolution Contractors, we specialize in concrete solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re planning a residential driveway, a commercial foundation, or a custom path, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get a free quote!