To give you an accurate concrete quote, a supplier needs six things. These are the type of concrete, the strength grade (MPa), the volume in cubic metres, your delivery address and site access, your preferred pour date and time, and any extras such as colour, fibres or a concrete pump. With those details, your quote will match what turns up on the day, without surprise charges.
This guide explains each item in plain terms, so you can call or email your order once and get it right. It is written for homeowners, owner builders and contractors ordering concrete across Broadford, Kilmore, Seymour, Wallan and the wider Central Victoria region.
What details make a quote accurate?
A concrete quote is only as accurate as the information behind it. Most price changes between quote and invoice come from three gaps:
- The volume was guessed.
- The site turned out to be harder to reach than expected.
- Extras were added on the day.
When you give the full picture upfront, the supplier can price the right mix, the right truck and the right delivery time from the start.
Start with what you are pouring
Tell your supplier what the concrete is for, not just how much you need. A garden path, a house slab, a shed floor and a driveway all call for different mixes. Knowing the job lets the supplier recommend the right product.
The main options are:
- Plain premix concrete for slabs, footings, sheds and standard driveways. See our premix concrete range.
- Exposed aggregate for decorative driveways, patios and pool surrounds. Let us know your preferred stone colour, as this affects the price. See our exposed aggregate concrete options.
- Permeable (no fines) concrete for sites that need water to drain through the surface, often to meet council stormwater requirements.
How much concrete will you need?
Volume is the single biggest factor in your price. Concrete is ordered in cubic metres (m³), and you work it out like this:
Length (m) × Width (m) × Depth (m) = Volume (m³)
For example, a driveway 10 m long, 3 m wide and 100 mm (0.1 m) deep needs 3.0 m³. Add around 5 to 10% for uneven ground and spillage, which brings the order to about 3.2 to 3.3 m³.
Typical depths to use in your calculation:
| Job | Typical slab depth |
|---|---|
| Garden paths and walkways | 75 to 100 mm |
| Patios and shed floors | 100 mm |
| Residential driveways | 100 to 125 mm |
| Driveways for heavier vehicles | 125 to 150 mm |
If you are unsure, our concrete calculator does the maths for you. If you only have rough measurements, send them through and we can help check them.
Which strength grade suits the job?
Concrete strength is measured in megapascals (MPa). The grade affects both performance and price:
- 20 MPa is common for paths, garden edging and light-duty slabs.
- 25 MPa is the usual choice for residential driveways and house slabs.
- 32 MPa is used for heavier loads, commercial work or where an engineer specifies it.
If your project has engineering plans, the required grade will be listed on them. Include it with your quote request. For more detail, read our guide to MPa in concrete and choosing the right grade.
Tell us about site access
Site access is the detail most often left out, and it can change your quote. A loaded concrete agitator truck is large and heavy, so the supplier needs to know whether it can reach the pour safely.
Please include:
- The full delivery address, including any lot number on new estates.
- How close the truck can get to the pour area.
- Slopes, soft ground or tight gates along the way.
- Overhead hazards such as power lines or trees.
- Whether you need a concrete pump or wheelbarrow access because the truck cannot reach the pour.
Photos of the site are often the quickest way to answer all of this at once.
What can add to the final price?
These items are not always included in a basic quote. Mention them early if they apply:
| Extra | Why it affects the price |
|---|---|
| Small loads | Orders under a minimum volume may attract a short-load fee |
| Colour oxides | Pigment is added per cubic metre |
| Fibres or additives | Accelerators, retarders and fibre reinforcement are extra |
| Waiting time | Delays on site beyond the allowed unloading time may be charged |
| Saturday or early starts | Delivery outside standard hours can cost more |
| Concrete pump | Usually arranged and charged separately |
For a broader look at pricing, see our honest guide to concrete cost per m³ in Victoria.
Choose your pour date and time
Let your supplier know your preferred date and a backup date. Mornings are popular for pours, particularly in summer when concrete sets faster in the heat, so booking ahead helps. In winter, ask whether an accelerator is worth adding to help the concrete set in cooler conditions.
A quote checklist you can copy
Copy this list into your email or have it ready when you call:
- What the concrete is for (driveway, slab, path, footing)
- Concrete type (premix, exposed aggregate, permeable)
- Strength grade (MPa), if known
- Volume in m³, or the length, width and depth of the area
- Delivery address and site access notes, with photos if possible
- Whether a pump is needed
- Extras such as colour, fibres or additives
- Preferred pour date, time and a backup date
- Your name, phone number and email
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a concrete quote without exact measurements?
Yes. Rough measurements give you an estimate, but the quote becomes accurate once the length, width and depth are confirmed.
Does the quote include delivery?
That depends on the supplier and the delivery location. Ask whether delivery, unloading time and any short-load fees are included so you can compare quotes fairly.
How far in advance should I book my concrete?
Book at least a few days ahead, and earlier during busy periods or for Saturday pours.
Why did my final price differ from my quote?
The most common reasons are a change in volume, extra waiting time on site, or additives requested on the day.
