Choosing the right type of concrete is crucial to the success, durability and safety of any construction project. With so many different concrete mixes available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs – especially if you’re not in the trade. In this post, we’ll aim to explain the main types of concrete, what they are used for and how to pick the best option for your job. At Eazylay Concrete, we supply a full range of Ready-mix concrete options to suit both domestic and commercial applications. Read on to find out which type is right for you.
Understanding Concrete Grades
Concrete is typically graded by strength, usually indicated by a ‘C’ followed by a number (eg C25, C35). The higher the number, the stronger the concrete. Here’s a quick breakdown below of some of the most common grades and their potential uses:
- C10/C15 – Light-duty work such as kerb backing, garden walls and trench fill.
- C20/C25 – Domestic foundations, paths and floors.
- C30/C35 – Heavy-duty driveways, shed bases and commercial flooring.
- C40+ – Industrial and agricultural applications and high strength structural concrete.
Specialist Concrete Types
While standard ready-mix concrete works for most general applications, certain projects require something more tailored. At Eazylay Concrete, we offer a range of specialist mixes designed to meet specific structural, environmental aesthetic needs. Heres a breakdown of some of the most commonly used specialist concretes and where they are best applied:
- Fibre-Reinforced Concrete – This mix contains added fibres (typically polypropylene or steel) to increase tensile strength, reduce cracking and improve durability. It’s ideal for projects that experience heavy traffic, such as warehouse floors or farmyard.
- Waterproof Concrete – Waterproof concrete includes additives that repel moisture, making it resistant to water ingress. It is commonly used for any below-ground work where water resistance is crucial.
- Sulphate Resistant Concrete – When concrete is exposed to sulphates in soil, slurry or sewage it can corrode overtime. Sulphate resistant mixes are specifically designed to prevent this chemical attack, making them perfect for slurry pits, cattle sheds and coastal construction.
- Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) – SCC flows easily into formwork without the need for vibration. It is perfect for jobs with dense rebar or where achieving a high quality finish is key – such as decorative walls, pillars or precast panels.
- Foamed Concrete – Foamed concrete is a lightweight, free-flowing mix with excellent thermal properties. It is ideal for non-structural fills, such as pipe bedding, road reinstatement or infilling disused basements and tunnels.
- Coloured Concrete – Pigments can be added during batching to produce coloured concrete. Combined with stamping or polishing, it offers an attractive and durable finish for outdoor and architectural work.
Order the Right Concrete With Confidence.
At Eazylay Concrete, we supply high-quality, affordable ready-mix concrete across Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds. Our concrete is mixed to order and delivered straight to your site, on time and ready to pour. We also offer concrete pumping for fast, clean placement.
Need help deciding?
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