Find the Best Concrete Supplier Near You

Concrete prices are generally affordable across Australia. You can expect to pay $119 to $150 per cubic yards. There may be extra costs depending on the distance for delivery. Most concrete supply companies offer delivery up to 32 kilometres.

When it comes to pouring concrete on-site, you can expect to pay between $5 and $10 per square foot. Coloured, stamped and stained concrete costs more where you may expect to pay between $8 and $20 for installation.

Obviously, ready mix concrete is the easiest and most economical option you can use when pouring a concrete slab, building a patio, paving a driveway, maintaining a sidewalk or adding steps.

In addition to concrete supply prices, these factors can also increase the cost of your project:

• Grading the land
• Preparing the sub-base
• Installing any reinforcements
• Pumping and finishing the installation

The inherent strength and flexibility of concrete means you can adapt its durability based on the water to cement ratio. This includes how much water, cement, air, sand, gravel and stone aggregate a concrete supplier uses.

However, the minimum measure of strength concrete must have on any project is 2,500 psi to 3,000 psi. Generally, the higher the psi, the better the quality of the concrete.

Concrete used for footings or slabs usually calls for 3,500 psi to 4,000 psi. However, suspended slabs, beams or girders used in bridges require up to 5,000 psi. Similarly, walls and columns are weight-bearing, so they also require up to 5,000 psi, especially in cooler climates.

Besides compressive strength, the ‘strength’ of concrete is also defined by:

• Tensile strength — The ability of concrete material to resist breaking under tension. Traditionally, concrete has a lower tensile strength but has a higher compressive strength.
• Flexural strength — The ability of a concrete grade to resist bending when unreinforced. This should be around 10% to 15%, depending on the proportions of the concrete supply mix.

Choosing the right concrete supplier is determined by their quality of service and cost of concrete. However, there are a few other factors you should consider in your decision:

• Distance to your site — The further the distance between your site and the concrete supplier, the more you’ll pay in extra costs. To minimise costs, it is important to choose a concrete supplier who is within about 30 kilometres. Concrete also needs to be discharged within 90 minutes of being dispatched, which is another crucial reason to have a nearby supplier.
• Size of available trucks — If the size of your supplier’s concrete truck is too large in comparison to the site, you could encounter some issues when the concrete is being discharged.
• Site visits — Experienced and reputable concrete suppliers should allow you to check the concrete mixture before it’s poured. They should also be open to you checking the preparation of the site to ensure all specifications are being met.
• Qualified, professional and expert crew — For successful projects, you need expert contractors who understand how to work well with concrete supplies. They will have a history of working with concrete mixtures and discharge trucks.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of skilled concrete suppliers operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer concrete supply solutions in all major towns and cities from Mackay down to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Central Coast and Geelong.

To find the right concrete supply companies for your project, begin with iseekplant’s Get a Quote tool. You can also call us on 1300 691 912 or email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au for more information and your personalised service today.

Calculating the amount of concrete required involves determining the volume of the area to be filled. This is done by multiplying the length by the width (area) by the height (depth or thickness) of the space in metres (or L x W x H).

For example, if you're laying a slab that is 5m long, 4m wide, and 0.1m thick, the volume of concrete needed would be 5 x 4 x 0.1 = 2 cubic metres. It’s wise to add an additional 5-10% to account for any irregularities in surface levels of measurement inaccuracies. Use iseekplant’s materials calculator to help estimate your concrete needs more accurately and ensure you order the correct amount.

Read our blog and use the concrete calculator to get the right amount of concrete for your project.

The cost of 1 cubic meter of concrete varies depending on the type of concrete, the location, and the quantity ordered. Generally, the price can range from $200 to $300 per cubic meter for standard concrete. If you require special additives or higher grades of concrete, the price can increase. For accurate pricing based on your specific requirements and location, it is advisable to request a quote from local suppliers. Iseekplant’s platform can connect you with multiple suppliers to ensure you get competitive rates and the right type of concrete for your project.

The most cost-effective method to obtain concrete is to order bulk quantities, which often reduces the per unit cost. Additionally, choosing a local supplier can significantly decrease delivery charges. Pre-mixed concrete can be more affordable than buying individual components and mixing it yourself, especially when considering the cost of time and potential waste. For small projects, using bagged concrete mix might be the most practical choice. Always compare quotes from several providers to ensure you are getting the best deal available.

To fill one cubic metre, you will need approximately 75 bags of 20kg concrete mix. This calculation assumes that each bag will cover around 0.013 cubic metres when mixed with the appropriate amount of water. It is crucial to follow the mixing instructions on the bag to achieve the correct consistency and strength. Buying in bulk may be necessary for larger projects, and suppliers often offer a bulk bag or ready-mix concrete as an economical and convenient option. Planning the exact quantity needed in advance can help in reducing waste and managing project costs effectively.

Mixing your own concrete can be cheaper for very small projects or in situations where you have the time and capability to do so effectively. However, for larger projects, the cost of purchasing the necessary quantities of cement, sand, and aggregate can become substantial.

Furthermore, the time and labour involved in mixing concrete by hand or even with a small mixer often do not justify the minimal savings. Purchasing ready-mix concrete delivered to your site not only saves time but also ensures consistency in the mixture, which is crucial for the structural integrity of your project. Typically, the convenience and quality assurance of ready-mix outweigh the cost savings of DIY mixing.

The recommended thickness of a concrete slab depends on its intended use. For most residential projects such as driveways and pathways, a thickness of 100mm is usually sufficient. However, if the slab is to support heavier loads, such as a garage for vehicles, a minimum thickness of 125mm might be necessary. For commercial projects or where there is heavy traffic, thicknesses of 150mm to 200mm are not uncommon. It is essential to consult with an engineer or a construction professional to determine the appropriate slab thickness based on the specific conditions and load requirements of your project.

The number of 20kg bags required for a post hole depends on the diameter and depth of the hole. For a typical fence post, with a hole about 200mm in diameter and 600mm deep, you would need approximately 2 to 3 bags of concrete. To calculate, determine the volume of the hole (using the formula for the volume of a cylinder: πr²h) and then convert this to how many cubic metres that quantity of bags will fill. Always prepare a little extra to account for spillage and settling. Checking the specific mixing and usage instructions on the concrete bag for post holes is also advisable to ensure stability and longevity of your installation.