When you are working on a home improvement project that requires concrete, like a new patio or walkway, ordering the right amount and being ready for delivery are critical elements to success. Ordering ready mix concrete ensures that you have a consistent mix of the right ingredients for your specific project, but you want to be sure you order enough. Otherwise, you might run out before the project is complete, and need to use a different batch, which can affect the quality of the finished project. The following guide will  help you order the right amount the first time and prepare for delivery. 

How Much Ready Mix Concrete Do You Need?

While you can purchase dry cement at any hardware store to mix with water yourself, that is usually best for very small projects. If you are working on a larger project, like a patio, ready mix concrete is a better option. It arrives in a truck already mixed with the perfect amount of water, ensuring consistency. It's also less labor-intensive than transporting multiple wheelbarrows back and forth while you pour small batches. 

A good rule of thumb is to order ready mix concrete if you need more than a cubic yard to complete your project. This is equal to about nine wheelbarrows full of concrete. Ready mix concrete is sold by the cubic yard; the average cement mixer truck can hold 9-11 cubic yards of concrete. 

To determine how much ready mix concrete you need, first determine how thick the slab will be in inches, and convert that number into feet by dividing by 12. Calculate the area of the slab by multiplying the length times the width, then multiply that number by the thickness to determine the volume. Multiply that number by .037 to calculate the number of cubic yards you need. 

For example, a four-inch thick, 12 x 12 patio needs about 1.75 cubic yards of ready mix concrete: .33 x 144 x.037 = 1.75. Always order 5-10% more than you need to ensure you have enough.

How to Prepare for Delivery 

The most important part of any concrete project is preparing the base. Without a solid base, the concrete is vulnerable to cracks, deterioration, and other problems. 

Before the ready mix is delivered, prepare a base of compacted stone, make sure the forms are secure and in place, and the area is reinforced with rebar. Once that is complete, you need to make sure the truck can access the area where the concrete will be poured, and you have the tools and equipment for spreading and smoothing the mix ready.

If your home improvement project requires ready-mix concrete, call Weeks Sand & Concrete in Cameron, NC. The leading supplier of concrete to the Sandhill Region since 1984, they will help you calculate exactly how much you need and deliver a high-quality product. To get help with your next project, call (919) 499-4272 and learn more about their services online .