In the Vancouver and Richmond areas, ready-mix concrete is often the preferred choice over concrete that is mixed on-site. Ready-mix concrete is mixed at a concrete facility and then delivered to the desired site. This allows for more precise mixing and for less confusion at the worksite.
At Yard At A Time Concrete LTD., we specialize in delivering ready-mix concrete across the Lower Mainland. But before placing your order, it’s important to calculate how much concrete you’ll need to avoid delays or unnecessary costs.
Calculating Your Ready-Mix Concrete Needs
In order to find out how much ready-mix concrete your Vancouver area project will require, you need to find out the volume of the area you plan to be filling. If you’re planning only to fill a simple, rectangular shape, then you’ll need only to multiply the length, width, and height of the space.
If the area you need to fill is more complex in shape, then you can use this handy concrete calculator to find out exactly how much ready-mix concrete from a Surrey, Richmond, and Vancouver supplier you’ll have to order.
Once you know how much volume you’re dealing with, you should also take into account the possibility of concrete waste and spillage. It is a good idea to add about 5% to 10% extra ready-mix concrete to your order.
Before placing an order, the first step is to determine the volume of the area you’re planning to fill. This ensures you don’t run short or end up overspending on excess material.
Simple Shapes
If your project is a basic rectangle or square (like a patio or shed foundation), calculating volume is straightforward. Multiply the length × width × depth to get the cubic measurement of the space. For example, a patio that’s 10 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4 inches deep will require about 1 cubic yard of concrete.
Complex Shapes
Many projects aren’t perfectly square. For curved walkways, round footings, or irregular slabs, manual calculations can be tricky. That’s where our concrete calculator comes in handy. Simply enter your dimensions, and it will do the math for you—saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.
Ordering Extra
Even the most careful calculations can’t account for every variable. Spillage, uneven ground, or slight measurement errors are common in construction. That’s why we recommend adding a 5–10% buffer to your order. This small adjustment ensures you won’t run short in the middle of a pour, which can delay your entire project.
Think in Yards (or Meters)
Ready-mix concrete is typically sold by the cubic yard in Canada. One cubic yard covers about 81 square feet at 4 inches thick, which is helpful when visualizing how far your order will go.
? Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, don’t stress. Our team at Yard At A Time can double-check your measurements and recommend the right amount before you place your order.
Typical Concrete Requirements by Project Size
| Project Type | Approx. Dimensions | Concrete Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Small Patio | 10 ft × 10 ft × 4 in | ~1.25 cubic yards |
| Driveway (Single Car) | 20 ft × 12 ft × 4 in | ~3 cubic yards |
| Driveway (Double Car) | 20 ft × 20 ft × 4 in | ~5 cubic yards |
| Shed Foundation | 12 ft × 8 ft × 4 in | ~1.25 cubic yards |
| Sidewalk / Pathway | 50 ft × 3 ft × 4 in | ~1.85 cubic yards |
| Garage Slab | 24 ft × 24 ft × 6 in | ~10.5 cubic yards |
(These estimates do not include the recommended 5–10% buffer for waste and spillage.)
Other Important Considerations
On top of knowing how much ready-mix concrete you need, it is beneficial to have an idea of how strong and dense you need it to be. Higher- and lower-grade mixes are used for different applications. For example, house foundations which receive only foot traffic don’t need to be as high in density as concrete meant to withstand vehicle traffic.
You should also consider how much water content you’d like the mix to have. Ready-mix concrete with a high moisture level is easier to pour, but may also lose some of its strength.
Don’t worry; if you’re not sure about these other specifications, then your concrete supplier can help you figure it out.
Knowing how much ready-mix concrete you need is just the first step. To ensure your project is durable and long-lasting, it’s also important to think about what type of concrete mix is right for the job. Different applications require different strengths, densities, and water contents.
Concrete Strength (PSI Ratings)
Concrete mixes are often categorized by their strength, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI).
2,500–3,000 PSI: Ideal for sidewalks, patios, and residential slabs where only foot traffic is expected.
3,500–4,000 PSI: Suitable for driveways and floors that need to handle occasional vehicle traffic.
4,500–5,000+ PSI: Best for heavy-use areas like commercial slabs, industrial flooring, or surfaces exposed to frequent vehicle loads.
Density and Durability
Higher-density mixes are designed for heavy loads and longer life spans, while lighter mixes may be more affordable for projects that don’t face as much stress. Choosing the right density helps avoid cracking and ensures your concrete stands the test of time.
Water Content (Workability)
A wetter mix flows more easily, making it simple to place and finish. However, too much water can reduce strength over time. A drier mix offers greater strength but may require more effort during installation. The right balance depends on your project’s design and your crew’s needs.
Weather and Climate Factors
Vancouver and the Lower Mainland experience plenty of rain and fluctuating temperatures. Using the right mix helps concrete set properly and resist long-term damage from moisture and freeze-thaw cycles.
? Good news: You don’t have to figure all of this out alone. At Yard At A Time Concrete, our team will recommend the right mix for your project based on its size, use, and site conditions. That way, you get concrete that performs well from day one—and lasts for years.
Order Ready Mix Concrete in Vancouver and Richmond
Yard At A Time is a Vancouver, Richmond, and Surrey ready-mix concrete supplier that will be more than happy to work with you and help you find out how much concrete you need, as well as what type of mix would be most beneficial for your project.
Yard At A Time has been supplying ready-mix concrete throughout the Vancouver area for over 25 years. We are known for our specialty of delivering ready-mix concrete in small, “one yard at a time” quantities, helping clients reap the benefits of ready-mix concrete no matter how small their project is.
Our concrete delivery professionals are also equipped to handle much larger projects, and are available for flexible delivery Monday through Saturday.
Conclusion
Every project is unique. A small patio slab has different requirements than a heavy-duty driveway or commercial foundation. That’s why it’s important to think beyond just how much concrete you need and also consider what kind of mix will give you the best results.
The good news? You don’t need to make these decisions alone. At Yard At A Time, our team is here to help you choose the right strength, density, and water content for your project. With over 30 years of experience serving Vancouver, Richmond, and Surrey, we’ll make sure you get a mix that’s easy to work with, durable, and built to last.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Yard At A Time for all of your ready-mix concrete needs in the Vancouver and Richmond areas. Have your measurements ready and one of our representatives can help you book a ready-mix concrete delivery straight to your worksite.