FAQs
FAQs
How much concrete do I need for a driveway?
For a typical single domestic driveway (5m × 3m) at 100mm depth you need approximately 1.5m³. A double driveway (5m × 6m) at 100mm needs around 3m³. Use the calculator on our contact form — type length, width and depth in any units and it converts to m³. Domestic driveways are usually 100mm; for HGV or heavy van use go to 150mm or more.
How much concrete do I need for a garage floor?
A standard single garage floor (5m × 3m) at 100mm depth needs around 1.5m³. A double garage (5m × 6m) needs about 3m³. Add 5–10% for an uneven sub-base. Because you only pay for what leaves the mixer, ordering slightly over costs nothing if unused.
How much concrete do I need for a shed or outbuilding base?
Multiply length × width × depth (all in metres). A 3m × 2m base at 100mm = 0.6m³. A 4m × 3m base at 100mm = 1.2m³. Our website calculator accepts any units. Call us if unsure — we'll work it out in minutes.
How much concrete do I need for strip or trench fill foundations?
Calculate: total trench perimeter × trench width × trench depth. For example, a simple rectangular extension with a 16m perimeter, 600mm wide and 900mm deep = 16 × 0.6 × 0.9 = 8.64m³. For irregular shapes, break into sections and add them up. We're happy to help you calculate over the phone.
What if I'm not sure how much I need?
Call us on 01992 714677 — we calculate quantities every day and can advise in minutes. Because our volumetric trucks only charge for what leaves the mixer, there's no penalty for a slight over-estimate. If you run short, we can easily arrange a top-up.
Can you deliver concrete or screed the same day?
Yes. Same-day delivery is available at no extra charge, subject to availability. Call as early as possible on 01992 714677 or 0800 998 1926 (freephone). It's always worth calling — we often have availability that doesn't show online.
Do you deliver on Saturdays?
Yes. We operate Monday to Saturday, all year round — no weekend surcharge, no different timeslots, no extra fees. Saturday bookings work exactly the same as any weekday. We do not operate on Sundays.
Is delivery free?
Yes. No delivery surcharge. You pay only for the volume of concrete, screed or pump hire you use. No hidden charges, no minimum order, no surprises.
Do I pay for concrete or screed I don't use?
No. You pay only for what leaves the mixer. Your order quantity is an estimate — use more or less on the day. No part-load charges, no minimum order, no unexpected extras on the invoice.
How precise is the delivery timeslot?
We work to a 2-hour arrival window. On site we allow 45 minutes to deposit a standard load, and our team stays until the job is done — we will never leave you with concrete/screed still in the mixer. Pump trucks arrive before the mixer so everything is ready to pour on arrival.
What areas do you cover?
We serve London (North, North West, East and wider), Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire and the wider East of England. Towns include Waltham Abbey, Waltham Cross, Epping, Loughton, Broxbourne, Hoddesdon, Ware, Harpenden, Royston and many more. Call us with your postcode if unsure — we'll confirm instantly.
What is the difference between C25 and C30 concrete?
The number is the compressive strength in N/mm² after 28 days. C25/ST2 is for below-ground structural work — foundations, trench fill, reinforced fill, general groundworks and infilling around manholes. C30/ST3 is stronger and designed for exposed surfaces bearing vehicle and foot loads: driveways, patios, garage floors, paths and hard standings. Simple rule: underground/structural = C25; surface you'll drive or walk on = C30.
What mix strengths do you supply?
Five mixes: C20/GEN3 — shed bases, steps, small wall foundations, conservatory bases, internal slabs with no mesh; C25/ST2 — footings, trench fill, reinforced fill, mass concrete, groundworks, kerbing, manhole infill; C30/ST3 — driveways, patios, garages, paths, workshop floors, reinforced hard standings; C35 — raft foundations, piling, commercial bases, kennels, agricultural storage; C40 — roads, swimming pools, septic tanks, HGV hard standings, industrial. All comply with BS8500 and BS EN206.
Which mix do I need for a driveway?
C30/ST3 is the standard choice for a domestic driveway. It creates a durable, frost-resistant surface suitable for cars and light vans. For driveways used regularly by HGVs or commercial vehicles, C35 or C40 is more appropriate — call us and we'll advise based on your traffic.
Which mix do I need for a house extension foundation?
C25/ST2 for standard single-storey trench fill or strip foundations. For raft foundations or two-storey extensions, C35 is typically specified. Ground conditions, sulphate levels and building control requirements can all change the specification — always confirm with your structural engineer or architect before ordering.
Which mix do I need for a patio or shed base?
For a patio: C30/ST3 at 100mm depth — strong, frost-resistant, suitable for foot traffic and garden furniture. For a shed or outbuilding base: C20/GEN3 is usually sufficient for a lightweight structure; step up to C25 or C30 if the building is heavier (large workshop, garage block).
Do I need a concrete pump?
You need a pump when the pour location is more than about 4–5 metres from where the truck can park, or if access is blocked by a gate, wall, slope or building. Typical pump jobs: rear garden foundations, basement slabs, extensions set back from the road. Without a pump, a full 10m³ truck requires 250 wheelbarrow loads. Our pump empties the same load in 30 minutes.
How far can you pump concrete?
Up to 120 metres from the mixer truck. Each pump carries 60m of flexible pipe as standard. If you need to go beyond 60m, tell us when booking and we'll bring an extra 60m. The hose bends around corners, through doorways, up or down ramps and stairs, and can be used vertically.
Can you pump concrete over a wall or through a gate into a back garden?
Yes — one of our most common pump jobs. The flexible hose routes through side gates (pipe is approx. 100mm diameter), around corners, over low walls and through buildings to reach any rear or set-back area. Our pump operatives handle all the pipework and operate the pump — you just direct the pipe end to the pour point.
How much space do the pump and mixer trucks need?
Together they need roughly the equivalent of five cars in a row. The pump truck is 3.8m high, 3.2m wide and 8.5m long, weighing 30 metric tonnes. Both vehicles need ground strong enough to take their combined weight.
Who sets up and operates the pump?
Our team does everything. Experienced pump operatives arrive before the mixer, lay out the pipework to your instructions and operate the pump throughout the pour. The mixer and pump trucks are co-ordinated by us to arrive in the correct order.
What is floor screed and what is it used for?
Floor screed is a 4:1 sharp sand and CEM1 cement mix batched fresh on site. Applied over a structural concrete slab, it creates a smooth, flat surface — the ideal substrate for tiles, hardwood, vinyl, laminate and underfloor heating systems. Suitable for most domestic and commercial flooring applications.
Can floor screed be pumped?
No. Our traditional sand-and-cement screed cannot be pumped. We deposit it from the chute onto plastic sheeting (provided by you) at an accessible external location, from where your team wheelbarrows it to its final position. Screed deliveries are always the first slot of the day at 8am.
What additives are available for screed?
Polyurethane fibres help control surface cracking during drying — useful for larger or thinner pours. A retardant slows set time, giving up to 8 extra hours of workability — ideal for large pours, complex layouts or hot-weather jobs where you need more time to float and level.
What size are your mixer trucks?
Our mixers are 3.8m high, 3.15m wide and 10.85m long. Fully loaded: 42 metric tonnes. The chute extends 4.45m from the truck's side. Any surface the truck drives over or parks on must support 42 tonnes. If access is restricted, add a pump.
Will the truck damage my driveway or block paving?
A fully loaded truck weighs 42 tonnes. Standard domestic driveways — block paving, typical asphalt — are not rated for this weight and may be damaged. If vehicle access is across a domestic driveway, discuss this before booking. We can advise on ground protection boards, alternative parking positions, or using a pump to keep the truck on the public road.
What if the truck can't get close enough to pour directly?
Add a concrete pump to move concrete up to 120m from the truck. Alternatively, concrete can be deposited into a holding area and moved by dumper or wheelbarrow. We can also pour directly into prepared trenches or bases if the truck can park within 4.45m.
What is volumetric concrete and why is it better than traditional ready-mix?
Unlike traditional ready-mix (batched at a plant, which can start setting before arrival), volumetric concrete is mixed at your location on demand. Our truck carries 20mm virgin ballast, CEM1 cement and water in separate compartments and blends them on arrival. Result: fresher, more workable concrete, zero waste, and you pay only for what leaves the mixer. You can also fine-tune workability on the day.
Do your mixes comply with BS8500, BS EN206 and the NHBC Standards?
Yes. All mixes are produced to BS8500 and BS EN206. For new-build residential projects, Chapter 3.1 of the NHBC Standards 2024 sets mix requirements by application and exposure class. Always confirm the specific designation with your structural engineer or building control officer — site conditions such as sulphate exposure can change what's required.
What safety precautions should I take when handling concrete?
Fresh cement is highly alkaline and can cause serious skin burns, eye damage and dermatitis. Always wear gloves, goggles, impervious boots, long trousers and a long-sleeved top. Wash any material off skin immediately with clean water; flush eyes thoroughly if contaminated. Keep children well away. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
How long has Ronimix been trading and who do you supply?
Ronimix was founded by Luke Scarbrow in 2008 — over 16 years of experience. We supply everyone from homeowners pouring a first shed base to self-builders, trade contractors, housing developers and large commercial projects. Every job gets the same level of care, and our driver-operators are trained to help customers who aren't sure what they need.
How do I get a quote or place an order?
Call 01992 714677 or freephone 0800 998 1926, email sales@ronimix.co.uk, or use the quote form. Tell us what you need, how much and where — we'll confirm availability, advise on the right mix and give you a clear, no-surprises price. Same-day and next-day slots available, so never assume it's too late to call.