Avoiding Common Mistakes When Ordering Concrete
Be Sure to Avoid These Common Mistakes the Next Time You Order Concrete
Ordering concrete may seem straightforward, but for many residential homeowners, it’s where costly and frustrating mistakes begin. Whether you’re pouring a new driveway, patio, sidewalk, or foundation slab, concrete is not very forgiving once it’s placed. Small errors in planning, ordering, or preparation can lead to cracking, weak surfaces, or worse.
To help your project run smoothly, be sure to explore the most common mistakes homeowners make when ordering concrete—and how to avoid them.
Ordering the Wrong Amount of Concrete
One of the most frequent (and expensive) mistakes is miscalculating how much concrete you need.
- Ordering too little can cause delays, cold joints, and uneven finishes if a second load is required.
- Ordering too much means paying for concrete you can’t use or return.
How to avoid it:
Carefully measure length, width, and depth of the area being poured, and calculate volume in cubic yards. Always factor in a small buffer (usually 5–10%) for spillage, uneven subgrade, or form bulging. When in doubt, ask your concrete supplier to help verify your numbers—they do this every day.
Choosing the Wrong Concrete Mix
Not all concrete is the same. Using the wrong mix design can shorten the lifespan of your project or cause premature cracking and surface damage.
Common residential needs include:
- Driveways: Higher strength mixes to handle vehicle loads
- Patios and walkways: Standard mixes with good finishability
- Foundations: Structural mixes with specific strength requirements
- Cold or hot weather pours: Special mixes designed for temperature control
How to avoid it:
Explain exactly how and where the concrete will be used. A reputable supplier can recommend the correct PSI strength, aggregate size, and additives for your project and local conditions.
Poor Site Preparation
Even the best concrete won’t perform well if the ground beneath it isn’t properly prepared.
Common prep mistakes include:
- Pouring over soft or uneven soil
- Skipping proper compaction
- Forgetting a gravel base where needed
- Poor drainage planning
How to avoid it:
Make sure the subgrade is compacted, level, and well-drained before concrete arrives. Concrete should never be used to “fix” a bad base—it will crack and settle over time.
Scheduling Delivery at the Wrong Time
Concrete has a limited working window. If the site isn’t ready when the truck arrives, the concrete may begin setting before placement is complete.
How to avoid it:
Before scheduling delivery, confirm:
- Forms are built and secured
- Reinforcement is in place
- Tools and labor are ready
- Access for the concrete truck is clear
A little coordination prevents rushed work and poor results.
Ensure a Smooth Delivery With Our Residential Concrete Supplier
Ordering concrete doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated—but it does require planning. By avoiding these common mistakes and working closely with an experienced concrete supplier, homeowners can ensure their project is strong, durable, and built to last.
If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, we urge you to
contact one of the knowledgeable representatives at Haley Concrete. For years, our residential and commercial concrete supplier has continued to assist clients across the Arcade, East Aurora, Salamanca, and Springville, NY communities. No matter the scope of your upcoming application, our team is standing by to provide support!
