How to Order Ready Mix Concrete

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Calculate the right volume.

   In the U.S.
   
   Concrete is always ordered in cubic yards.
   
   First figure out the cubic footage, then convert to yards by dividing by
   27.
   
   Here’s how: multiply the length of your project times the width times the depth (4 in. = . 33 ft.) and divide the total by
   27.
   
   Using a sidewalk as an example: 60 feet (18.3 m). (long) x 4 feet (1.2 m). (wide) x .33 feet (0.1 m). (deep) =
   79.2 cu. ft. ÷ 27 =
   2.93 cu. yards.You can also figure your cubic yards by this example: length, times, width, divided by, 12, times, thickness, divided by,
   27. using the figures from above example. 60 ft ( length ), times 4 ft (width), divided by 12, times 4 inches (10.2 cm) (thickness), divided by 27 =
   2.96 cubic yards.
   
   Concrete is cheap and nothing is worse than coming up short (except rain).
   
   A good rule of thumb is to order an extra 5 percent rounded up to the next 1⁄4 yard (0.2 m). to handle spillage and uneven bases.
2. 2

   Step 2: Order from the nearest supplier.

   Get fresh concrete mixed near the site, not mixed across town by some company with a lower price. , Suppliers add a chemical that traps microscopic air bubbles to help the concrete handle the expansion and shrinkage caused by climatic changes such as freezing. , Tell them you’re pouring an exterior sidewalk and they’ll recommend the correct “bag mix” (ratio of cement to gravel and sand).
   
   In cold climates, they’ll probably suggest at least a 3,000-lb. mix.
   
   That means concrete that’ll handle a 3,000-lb. load per square inch without failing. , You’ll have to pay on delivery after the concrete’s unloaded.
3. 3

   Step 3: Ask for 5 percent “air entrainment” in the mix.

4. 4

   Step 4: Get the right strength.

5. 5

   Step 5: Have your checkbook ready.

Detailed Guide

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