If it is your first time ordering concrete, the process can feel confusing. How much do you need? What strength is right? What happens if you order too much, or not enough? Whether you are a homeowner or a contractor, understanding the basics will save you time, money, and frustration.
This guide covers everything you need to know before scheduling your concrete delivery, especially when using a volumetric concrete truck, which mixes fresh concrete on-site and offers far more flexibility than traditional ready-mix trucks.
What Is Volumetric Concrete?
Volumetric concrete is produced on-site using a truck that stores raw materials separately. The mix is created exactly when you need it, ensuring maximum freshness and precision.
Benefits:
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You only pay for what you use
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No risk of concrete setting before you are ready
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Slump, strength, and additives can be adjusted on-site
For beginners, this removes a lot of the stress and uncertainty that comes with ordering premixed concrete.
1. Know Your Project Requirements
Different projects require different concrete strengths measured in MPa (megapascals) in Canada.
Typical MPa ranges:
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20 to 25 MPa for patios, walkways, and shed slabs
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25 to 32 MPa for driveways and garage pads
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32 to 40 MPa or higher for foundations, footings, and structural applications
If you are unsure which strength you need, your concrete supplier can help ensure you select the right mix.
2. Calculate How Much Concrete You Need
Concrete is ordered by the cubic metre.
Formula:
Length × Width × Depth = Total m³
Example:
A 3 m × 3 m patio at 10 cm thickness
→ 3 × 3 × 0.10 = 0.9 m³
Need help measuring?
Our website has a simple concrete calculator that removes the guesswork:
https://concretetogo.ca/concrete-calculator/
Bonus:
With a volumetric truck, you do not have to over-order. If you end up needing more than expected, the operator can simply mix more on-site.
3. Check Site Access
Before your pour, ensure the truck can get close to your work area.
Consider the following:
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Width of driveway or access paths
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Overhead clearance such as trees, wires, or overhangs
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Ground conditions
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Distance from truck to pour area
If access is tight, you may need wheelbarrows or a concrete pump.
4. Watch the Weather
Temperature plays a big role in how concrete behaves.
Hot weather:
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Faster setting times
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May require plasticizers
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Early morning or shaded pours recommended
Cold weather:
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Slower curing
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May require accelerators
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Avoid pouring on frozen ground
Volumetric trucks are ideal in fluctuating conditions because slump and mix adjustments can be made instantly.
5. Prepare Your Forms and Base
Before the truck arrives, ensure your site is ready:
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Forms installed, level, and secure
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Properly compacted gravel base
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Rebar or wire mesh positioned
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Tools ready such as screed, float, rake, trowel, and broom
Even though volumetric trucks give you more flexibility, site preparation is still key for a smooth, efficient pour.
6. Slump vs. Strength, Understand the Difference
Beginners often confuse slump, which is workability, with MPa strength.
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Slump refers to how wet or workable the concrete is
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MPa rating refers to the compressive strength
With a volumetric truck, slump can be adjusted on-site without changing the strength of your concrete.
7. Understand How You Are Charged
Traditional ready-mix trucks require you to estimate your concrete volume in advance, and you pay for whatever you ordered whether you use it or not.
With volumetric delivery,
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You only pay for what you pour
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There is no leftover waste
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There are no penalties for ordering too much
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There is no stress if you underestimate
This is one of the most beginner-friendly benefits.
Final Tips for First-Time Concrete Buyers
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Use a concrete calculator to double-check your measurements
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Confirm which MPa rating your project requires
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Prep your site before delivery
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Choose volumetric delivery for maximum flexibility and cost savings
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Ask questions, your supplier is there to help