Accurate Estimates for Portsmouth & Hampshire Construction Projects
Our Portsmouth Concrete Calculator provides accurate estimates for ready-mix concrete volumes, costs, and delivery for construction projects across Portsmouth and Hampshire. Calculate concrete requirements for foundations, slabs, driveways, and extensions with 2026 pricing from Holcim, CEMEX, and local Portsmouth concrete suppliers.
Ready-mix concrete prices in Portsmouth range from £88-£145 per cubic metre depending on grade, delivery distance, and order size. Our calculator factors in Portsmouth-specific costs including typical delivery distances from plants at Kendalls Wharf, Farlington, and Southampton, plus 2026 fuel surcharges to provide realistic project estimates for PO1-PO9 postcodes.
🏗️ Portsmouth Concrete Calculator
Calculate concrete volume and cost for your project
Project Details
Dimensions
Delivery Location
Total Concrete Required
0 m³
Including 10% wastage allowance
Cost Breakdown
Concrete Cost
£0
Delivery Charge
£0
Additional Costs
£0
Total Estimate
£0
Order Details
Concrete MixC20/25 (GEN 3)
Number of Loads1 load
Price Per m³£0/m³
Estimated Delivery Time90 minutes working time
Nearest Plant-
Requirements
Labour Needed2-3 people
Tools RequiredRake, shovel, float, trowel
Curing Time7 days minimum
Portsmouth Ready Mix Concrete Prices 2026
Ready-mix concrete costs in Portsmouth vary based on concrete grade, delivery location, and order quantity. Prices have stabilized in 2026 with moderate increases due to coastal logistics and Hampshire's ongoing construction activity. Major suppliers including Holcim Portsmouth, CEMEX, and Ace Minimix (Tarmac) serve the Portsmouth area.
Concrete Grades and Pricing
Concrete Grade
British Standard
Typical Use
Price Per m³ (2026)
GEN 1
C10/15
Kerb bedding, blinding layer
£88-£105
GEN 2
C15/20
Sheds, lightweight bases
£92-£112
GEN 3
C20/25
House foundations, garage floors
£98-£122
RC 25/30
C25/30
Structural foundations, suspended slabs
£105-£132
RC 30/37
C30/37
Commercial buildings, heavy load areas
£112-£142
RC 32/40
C32/40
Agricultural, industrial applications
£118-£148
PAV 1
C25/30 Paving
Driveways, domestic patios
£108-£128
PAV 2
C32/40 Paving
Commercial paving, heavy traffic
£122-£152
GEN 1 (C10/15)
UseKerbs, Blinding
Price Per m³£88-£105
GEN 3 (C20/25)
UseFoundations
Price Per m³£98-£122
PAV 1 (C25/30)
UseDriveways
Price Per m³£108-£128
Portsmouth Concrete Suppliers
Portsmouth has several ready-mix concrete plants ensuring reliable supply for residential and commercial projects. Coastal location means some suppliers serve Portsmouth from Southampton plants, with delivery costs varying based on distance.
Holcim - Portsmouth Plant
Location: Kendalls Wharf, Eastern Road, PO3 5LY
Coverage: Portsmouth city, Southsea, Fratton, Cosham
Beyond base concrete costs, several additional charges apply to ready-mix concrete deliveries in Portsmouth. Island city geography and narrow Victorian streets can affect delivery accessibility and costs.
📋 Portsmouth Concrete Delivery Charges:
Small Load Surcharge: £30-£55 for orders under 3m³
Choosing the correct concrete grade ensures structural integrity and compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document A. Different applications require specific concrete strengths measured in compressive strength (N/mm²).
⚠️ Common Concrete Grade Mistakes:
Using GEN 1 for foundations: Insufficient strength - use minimum GEN 3 (C20/25)
Domestic driveway with GEN 3: Inadequate for vehicle loads - use PAV 1 minimum
Structural work without engineer: RC grades require structural calculations
Ignoring curing requirements: Concrete needs 7 days minimum curing, 28 days for full strength
Coastal exposure: Portsmouth properties may need marine-grade additives for durability
Preparing for Concrete Delivery Portsmouth
Successful concrete pours require thorough preparation. Ready-mix concrete begins curing immediately upon mixing, giving you approximately 90 minutes working time from plant departure to final finishing. Portsmouth's narrow streets and terraced housing may require special access arrangements.
Before Delivery (24-48 Hours)
✓ Book concrete: Confirm grade, volume, delivery time
✓ Check access: Measure site access for 8m mixer truck
✓ Prepare formwork: Shuttering level and secure
✓ Arrange labour: Minimum 2-3 people for 3m³+
✓ Hire equipment: Vibrator, float, tamper, wheelbarrows
✓ Check weather: Avoid pouring in frost or heavy rain
✓ Portsmouth access: Check parking restrictions in city areas
✓ Hardcore/sub-base: Laid and compacted MOT Type 1
✓ DPM installed: 1200 gauge damp proof membrane
✓ Reinforcement: Mesh or rebar positioned correctly
✓ Services protected: Cover drains, mark utilities
✓ Tools ready: Check all equipment available and working
Delivery Day Morning
✓ Confirm timing: Call supplier 2 hours before
✓ Clear access: Move vehicles, open gates wide
✓ Lay protection: Board path from truck to pour
✓ Wet formwork: Prevent moisture absorption
✓ Crew briefing: Assign roles and responsibilities
✓ Emergency plan: Know how to contact supplier if delayed
During Pour (Critical)
✓ Direct truck: Position chute efficiently
✓ Pour in layers: Work in sections, don't overfill
✓ Vibrate concrete: Remove air pockets continuously
✓ Level and screed: Use straightedge immediately
✓ Watch time: Driver waits 45 mins max usually
✓ Clean chute: Use wash-out water on rubble, not drains
Portsmouth Building Regulations Compliance
Concrete work in Portsmouth must comply with Portsmouth City Council Building Control or approved inspectors. Foundations and structural concrete require formal inspection before pouring and after completion.
✓ Building Control Requirements:
Foundation Inspection: Mandatory before concrete pour - book 24-48 hours ahead
Approved Document A: Structural requirements for loadbearing concrete
Sulphate Testing: Required for foundations in clay/contaminated ground
Drainage Protection: Pipes must be 150mm below foundation base
Structural Calculations: Required for 3-storey buildings or complex sites
Coastal Exposure: May require additional durability measures for Portsmouth seafront properties
DIY vs Professional Concrete Contractors
Small concrete projects (1-3m³) can be DIY-friendly for competent homeowners, but larger pours require professional groundworkers. Portsmouth has numerous experienced concrete contractors for complex projects requiring skilled finishing and structural expertise.
Labour Costs Portsmouth 2026
Service
Cost Range (2026)
Includes
Groundworker Day Rate
£185-£260 per day
Skilled labour, basic tools
Concrete Finishing (per m²)
£28-£48 per m²
Leveling, screeding, floating, troweling
Driveway Installation
£65-£105 per m²
Excavation, sub-base, concrete, finish
Foundation Pour Complete
£850-£1600
Strip foundations for typical extension
Concrete Pump Operator
£260-£420
Half day hire with operator
Full Garage Base
£1250-£2100
Excavation, hardcore, DPM, concrete, finish
Groundworker Day Rate
Cost£185-£260
IncludesLabour & tools
Driveway Installation
Cost Per m²£65-£105
IncludesFull installation
Full Garage Base
Total Cost£1250-£2100
IncludesComplete service
Portsmouth-Specific Considerations
Portsmouth's unique island geography and coastal environment create specific challenges for concrete work. Understanding these local factors ensures successful projects and long-lasting results.
Coastal Exposure & Salt Air
Challenge: Salt-laden air accelerates concrete deterioration
Solution: Use marine-grade concrete with reduced permeability
Additives: Consider waterproofing admixtures
Coverage: Extra important for Southsea seafront properties
Victorian Terraced Access
Challenge: Narrow streets and rear garden access
Solution: Book minimix trucks or concrete pump
Typical Areas: Southsea, North End, Old Portsmouth
Cost Impact: +£50-£300 for pump or barrow service
Clay Soil Conditions
Ground Type: Portsmouth has areas of shrinkable clay
Impact: Deeper foundations may be required
Recommendation: Ground investigation for major projects
Depth: 900-1200mm typical for clay areas
City Centre Restrictions
Challenge: Parking restrictions and permit zones
Solution: Arrange parking suspension or permits
Contact: Portsmouth City Council in advance
Cost: Parking suspension £50-£100
Portsmouth Concrete Calculator FAQs
How much does ready-mix concrete cost in Portsmouth 2026?
Ready-mix concrete in Portsmouth ranges from £88-£152 per cubic metre depending on grade. GEN 3 (C20/25) for foundations costs £98-£122/m³, PAV 1 for driveways costs £108-£128/m³, and structural grades (RC25-RC32) cost £105-£148/m³. Add delivery charges (£30-£55 for small loads), waiting time fees (£60-£85/hour after first 45 minutes), and Saturday surcharges (+£45-£65) to base prices. Coastal properties may require marine-grade additives increasing costs by £10-£20/m³.
What is the minimum concrete order in Portsmouth?
Most Portsmouth concrete suppliers accept minimum orders of 1m³, but small load surcharges of £30-£55 apply for orders under 3m³. Holcim Portsmouth (Kendalls Wharf) and CEMEX both offer 1m³ minimum orders. Ace Minimix specializes in small loads for restricted access sites. For very small jobs (under 1m³), consider bagged concrete from builders merchants like Travis Perkins or Jewson, though cost per m³ is significantly higher.
Which concrete grade do I need for a driveway in Portsmouth?
Domestic driveways in Portsmouth require PAV 1 (C25/30) minimum specification for car use. This costs £108-£128/m³. For commercial drives or heavy vehicles, use PAV 2 (C32/40) at £122-£152/m³. Thickness should be 100-150mm on well-compacted MOT Type 1 hardcore sub-base. Properties near seafront should consider marine-grade concrete or waterproofing additives for enhanced salt resistance. Standard GEN 3 foundation concrete is insufficient for vehicle traffic.
Can a concrete mixer truck access my Portsmouth property?
Standard mixer trucks are approximately 8m long, 2.5m wide, and weigh 26 tonnes when loaded. Portsmouth's Victorian terraced streets and narrow lanes often restrict access, especially in Southsea, Old Portsmouth, and North End. Check for narrow alleys, parked cars, low bridges, and permit parking zones. If access is restricted, options include: Ace Minimix small trucks (4m³ capacity), concrete pump hire (£220-£420), or barrow run service (£35-£55/hour). Always measure access and discuss with supplier before booking.
How long does ready-mix concrete take to cure?
Concrete reaches 75% strength after 7 days under normal conditions (above 5°C), allowing light foot traffic. Full design strength develops at 28 days. For driveways, wait minimum 7-10 days before driving on concrete, 14 days for heavy vehicles. Protect fresh concrete from frost, direct sun, and rain for first 3-7 days using plastic sheeting or curing compound. Portsmouth's coastal humidity can benefit curing, but protect from salt spray. Cold weather (below 5°C) significantly extends curing time.
Do I need Building Control approval in Portsmouth?
Yes for foundations and structural concrete. Portsmouth City Council Building Control must inspect foundation trenches before concrete pouring (book 24-48 hours ahead). Building Regulations Approved Document A covers structural requirements. Driveways, patios, and garden paths generally don't require approval unless they affect drainage or are near boundaries. Seafront properties may have additional conservation area requirements. Always check with Building Control if uncertain.
What's the best time to order concrete in Portsmouth?
Avoid pouring concrete: when frost is forecast (temperature below 3°C), during heavy rain or storms (common in autumn/winter), in extreme heat (above 30°C), late Friday (limits weekend curing issues), December-February (frequent frost and storms). Best conditions are mild dry weather (10-20°C), early morning deliveries (more working time), midweek (supplier availability), spring or autumn seasons. Book 3-7 days ahead for best prices and time slots. Saturday deliveries cost £45-£65 extra. Consider tides if working in flood-risk coastal areas.
How many people needed to pour concrete in Portsmouth?
Labour requirements depend on volume: 1-2m³ needs 2 people (one directing, one spreading), 3-5m³ needs 3 people (directing, 2 spreading/leveling), 6-10m³ needs 4-5 people (team approach essential). Mixer trucks discharge approximately 1m³ in 5-10 minutes. You have 90 minutes total working time before concrete starts hardening. For large pours (8m³+) or restricted Portsmouth terraced access, hire professional groundworkers - DIY teams often struggle with speed, finishing, and barrow runs through houses.
Should I use special concrete near Portsmouth seafront?
Yes, properties within 1km of Portsmouth seafront (especially Southsea, Old Portsmouth, Eastney) should consider marine-grade concrete or protective additives. Salt-laden air causes chloride attack and accelerated corrosion of reinforcement. Solutions include: specify C28/35 minimum grade with reduced permeability, add waterproofing admixtures (£10-£20/m³ extra), use stainless steel or epoxy-coated reinforcement, ensure adequate concrete cover (50-75mm minimum), apply surface sealers after curing. Consult structural engineer for foundations close to sea wall or exposed locations.
What if I need concrete delivered to Portsmouth city centre?
Portsmouth city centre deliveries require advance planning due to parking restrictions, permit zones, and narrow streets. Steps: Contact Portsmouth City Council about parking suspension (£50-£100), book delivery for early morning (less traffic), measure access routes for 8m mixer truck, consider pump hire if direct access impossible (£220-£420), arrange traffic management if needed, inform supplier of restrictions in advance. Holcim Portsmouth plant (Kendalls Wharf) has good city centre knowledge and can advise on local delivery challenges.
