Create with Concrete: Why Ready-Mix Is the Smarter Choice for DIY Projects

Concrete has long been a favorite material for DIYers and homeowners. Strong, durable, and endlessly versatile, it can be shaped into everything from sturdy patios and walkways to decorative planters and countertops. But when you’re planning a project, there’s an important question to answer: Should you mix concrete yourself, or use ready-mix (also called “redi mix”)?

Ready-Mix Concrete by Becker & Scrivens

For most home projects, ready-mix concrete is the smarter, easier option. Delivered to your site in a ready-to-pour state, it eliminates the hassle of measuring and mixing while ensuring consistent quality. Here’s why more homeowners are turning to ready-mix for their DIY concrete work.

What Is Ready-Mix (Redi Mix) Concrete?

Ready-mix concrete is produced in a batching plant under strict quality controls, then delivered directly to your project site in a truck. Unlike bagged mixes you prepare by hand, ready-mix arrives pre-measured, thoroughly blended, and ready to pour.

That means you can skip the mess and focus on building.

Sidewalk made using Ready-Mix Concrete by Becker & Scrivens

Benefits of Using Ready-Mix Concrete for Home Projects

1. Consistent Quality and Strength

When mixing concrete yourself, even small errors in water or aggregate proportions can weaken the final result. Ready-mix is professionally produced with precise ratios, giving you uniform strength and durability every time. Whether you’re pouring a patio slab or crafting a countertop, that consistency ensures your project will last.

2. Time and Labor Savings

Mixing concrete by hand is physically demanding and time-consuming. With ready-mix, the hard work is done for you. The truck arrives with the exact amount you ordered, allowing you to get straight to pouring and finishing — no mixing, no guesswork, no renting equipment.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

While ready-mix may seem like a bigger upfront investment, it often saves money in the long run. Suppliers deliver the exact volume you need, cutting down on wasted material. Plus, you avoid the costs of renting or buying a mixer, hauling heavy bags, and disposing of leftovers.

4. Reduced Waste and Environmental Benefits

Ready-mix is batched to order, so you only receive what your project requires. That means less excess material sitting around — and less concrete waste to deal with afterward. Many suppliers also use efficient batching methods and recycling practices, making ready-mix a more eco-friendly choice.

5. Improved Safety

Hauling heavy bags, breathing in cement dust, and operating mixers can all pose risks during a DIY project. Ready-mix reduces those hazards by eliminating the most labor-intensive steps. You can focus on placement and finishing — the safer, more creative aspects of working with concrete.

6. Better Workability and Finish

Because it’s formulated for optimal performance, ready-mix concrete is easier to pour, spread, and smooth. This leads to a cleaner, more professional finish — perfect for visible projects like patios, polished floors, or decorative crafts.

7. Versatility and Customization

Ready-mix isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can be tailored to your needs, with different strengths, curing times, and finishes available. Whether you’re building a foundation, laying a driveway, or designing a set of planters, there’s a ready-mix formulation to suit your project.

When to Use Ready-Mix vs. Bagged Concrete

• Choose ready-mix for larger projects like patios, driveways, foundations, or multiple planters. Its consistency and convenience make it ideal for high-volume work.

• Choose bagged concrete for very small DIY projects or repairs where you only need a couple of bags.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Becker & Scrivens' Quality Concrete is one of the most rewarding materials to work with — tough, versatile, and creative. But how you source it makes all the difference. Ready-mix (redi mix) concrete gives you professional quality, saves time and energy, and helps you achieve better results for your home projects.

So whether you’re tackling a backyard upgrade or experimenting with decorative designs, consider ready-mix. It’s the easiest way to create with concrete — and to ensure your project stands strong for years to come.