Reviewed, sourced guidance

Concrete order checklist

Published 23 Sept 2026Reviewed 28 Sept 20262 min read

Direct answer

Before a scheduled concrete delivery, confirm the measured volume, specified depth and mix, supplier minimum, site access and placing arrangements. A calculator estimates quantity; it does not choose the specification or arrange delivery.

Confirm quantity, specification, access and placing arrangements before you order.

Key takeaways

Quantity, depth, mix, access and placing are the five things to settle first.
Measure the real pour rather than the drawing, and add a waste allowance.
Confirm the supplier minimum load and whether a part load is charged.
Agree how the concrete reaches the pour before the lorry arrives.

Evidence note

Source-led homeowner information with its scope, limits and commercial status recorded.

View the full evidence note

Produced by: My Concrete Calculator
Jurisdiction: Applies to work in the United Kingdom; specification requirements vary across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Page scope: A pre-order checklist for a straightforward concrete pour.
Default subject: Concrete quantity estimation for slabs, footings and similar straightforward pours, including waste allowances and optional product-specific bag estimates.
Excludes: Structural, engineering or specification advice; Mix design or strength class selection for any specific job; Prices, quotations or supplier comparisons; Supplier recommendation, ranking or referral; Concrete supply, delivery, placing or finishing
Published: 2026-09-23
Reviewed: 2026-09-28
Commercial status: Information publisher only. No supplier is active, no lead capture runs, no enquiries are collected and no affiliate links are present.

A general checklist. Any specification, approval or warranty that applies to your job takes precedence over anything here.

How this guidance is produced · Correction submission status

Quantity and specification

The quantity comes from measuring the real pour. The specification comes from whoever defined the job.

Keep them separate. A calculator can produce the first and cannot produce the second.

The Concrete Society gives a general overage guide of 5 per cent for formed elements and 10 to 15 per cent for unformed elements; site conditions still matter.

Length, width and depth measured on site, not scaled from a drawing.
Depth confirmed as the specified figure.
Strength class confirmed and written down.
Fresh-concrete consistence requirement confirmed with whoever specified the job and the supplier.
Desired surface finish stated, and who will deliver it confirmed.
Waste allowance chosen for the forms, excavation, reinforcement and project specification.

Sources for this section: The Concrete Society, Estimation of concrete volume requirement (published 2025-06-03; observed 2026-09-25)

Logistics

A delivered load needs a practicable access route and placement sequence. Extended delays between layers can result in a cold joint if the earlier layer has started to set.

Confirm the practical details with the supplier rather than assuming them.

Minimum load and any part-load charge.
Delivery window, and whether waiting time is charged.
Lorry access to within discharging distance of the pour.
Whether a pump is needed, and who is arranging it.
Number of people available to move and place the concrete.

Sources for this section: BRMCA, Ready-Mixed Concrete practical guide for site personnel (July 2020; observed 2026-09-25)Heidelberg Materials, Merchant concrete guide (December 2025; observed 2026-09-25)

After the pour

The job is not finished when the concrete is in. Curing protection depends on the cement and conditions; follow the job specification and product instructions.

Records are worth keeping for any future repair or query.

Agreed approach to keeping the surface damp during curing.
Weather protection planned for the days after the pour.
Keep the delivery note, including the date and mix supplied.
Note where the pour boundaries and any joints are.

Sources for this section: The Concrete Society, Curing concrete (published 2025-06-03; observed 2026-09-25)

Next steps

Run the volume calculation and write the number down.
Walk the delivery route and confirm access.