The Different Types Of Concrete Available
Concrete is the backbone of modern construction – quite literally. Whether you’re laying a driveway in Devon, putting up a new extension in Edinburgh, or tackling a major infrastructure project in London, the right type of concrete is crucial for safety, longevity, and performance.
But not all concrete is created equal. Depending on the job, there are several different types available, each with its own properties and best use cases. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of concrete used in the UK, highlight where each is typically applied, and reveal what the strongest type of concrete is today.
1. Ordinary Portland Cement Concrete (OPC)
Use: General construction – pavements, floors, footpaths, residential foundations
Strength: Moderate
This is the standard concrete used in most domestic and light commercial building projects across the UK. It’s made by mixing cement (typically Ordinary Portland Cement), water, and aggregates like sand and gravel. While it’s versatile and cost-effective, it’s not suitable for heavy loads or extreme conditions.
This is the most used type of concrete that homeowners will come across in their own homes. Best to familiarise yourself with is as much as possible!
2. Reinforced Concrete
Use: Bridges, foundations, high-rise buildings, retaining walls
Strength: High (varies depending on reinforcement)
Reinforced concrete includes embedded steel bars (rebar), meshes, or fibres that improve tensile strength. This makes it ideal for load-bearing structures and large-scale engineering projects. The combination of steel and concrete allows for flexibility and resilience under heavy stress.
*Beware, if you use this at home it’s a nightmare to remove, when the times comes.
3. Precast Concrete
Use: Floor slabs, beams, walls, stairs, garden furniture
Strength: High
Precast concrete elements are cast in a factory and transported to site for installation. This method ensures high-quality control and reduces on-site labour. It’s a common choice in UK housing developments for speed and efficiency.
4. Prestressed Concrete
Use: Bridges, parking structures, railway sleepers
Strength: Very high
Prestressed concrete involves steel tendons that are tensioned before the concrete is cast, which compresses the concrete and significantly increases its strength. It’s often used in infrastructure where span and load capacity are critical.
5. High-Performance Concrete (HPC)
Use: Skyscrapers, marine structures, tunnels, nuclear plants
Strength: Very high, with enhanced durability
HPC is formulated to offer higher strength, reduced permeability, and longer service life. It often includes admixtures like silica fume or fly ash. Though more expensive, it’s ideal for demanding environments – such as coastal or chemically aggressive areas.
6. Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC)
Use: Complex formwork, decorative concrete, tight spaces
Strength: Moderate to high
SCC flows easily into formwork and around rebar without the need for vibration. It’s a game-changer for projects where access is limited or finishes need to be impeccable. Common in urban UK developments and high-spec architectural builds.
7. Foamed or Lightweight Concrete
Use: Roof screeds, partition walls, thermal insulation
Strength: Low
Lightweight concrete contains air bubbles or lightweight aggregates like expanded clay or perlite. It’s not for structural use, but it excels in insulation, noise reduction, and applications where weight is a concern.
🏗️ What Is the Strongest Type of Concrete?
If you’re after sheer compressive strength, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) takes the crown.
Strength: Over 150 MPa (megapascals), compared to 20–50 MPa for standard concrete
Use: High-security buildings, military bunkers, landmark bridges, and innovative architectural projects
UHPC contains a mix of fine powders, steel or polymer fibres, and special additives. While not yet common in most UK domestic builds due to cost and complexity, it’s being used increasingly in civil engineering and prestigious commercial builds where extreme durability and load capacity are essential.
Concrete Mixing Methods: The Four Key Classifications
Now that we’ve explored the different types of concrete and their applications, let’s look at something equally important – how concrete is mixed.
The way concrete is mixed affects its quality, workability, and durability. Whether you’re pouring a garden path or constructing a multi-storey car park, choosing the right mixing method ensures your concrete performs exactly as it should.
Here are the four main classifications of concrete mixing used in the UK construction industry:
1. Hand Mixing
Best for: Small-scale DIY projects, minor patching jobs
Tools: Shovel, wheelbarrow, mixing tray
Hand mixing is exactly what it sounds like – manually combining cement, aggregate, and water. It’s the simplest (and most labour-intensive) method, typically reserved for minor domestic tasks like repairing cracks or laying a small patio. While it’s low-cost and flexible, consistency can be an issue, especially for beginners.
✅ Tip: Always mix on a clean, non-absorbent surface and measure your ratios carefully to avoid weak or crumbly concrete.
2. Machine Mixing
Best for: Medium-sized projects – driveways, small extensions, sheds
Tools: Drum or pan-type concrete mixer
Machine mixing uses a mechanical mixer to blend the ingredients evenly. This is ideal when consistency, speed, and quality control are needed, but the project doesn’t justify a ready-mix delivery. Portable concrete mixers are a common sight on UK building sites and can handle multiple batches a day.
✅ Popular choice for tradespeople doing domestic groundwork or general building.
3. Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC)
Best for: Large-scale builds – foundations, floors, structural walls
Delivered by: Ready-mix concrete lorry
Ready-mix concrete is manufactured in a batching plant and delivered to site in a transit mixer lorry. This ensures extremely precise mixing and consistent quality, tailored to the exact specifications of the job. In the UK, ready-mix is a go-to choice for new builds, commercial properties, and infrastructure projects.
✅ Time-saving and reliable, especially when you need large volumes or specialty mixes like fibre-reinforced or waterproof concrete.
4. Batch Mixing (Site Batching)
Best for: Projects requiring custom mix designs or multiple phases
Used in: On-site batching plants for large developments
Batch mixing involves measuring ingredients in specific proportions and mixing them on-site in batches. This can be done manually or using automated batching equipment. It’s often used on major UK construction sites that need different grades or admixtures during various project stages.
✅ Offers full control over the mix and is ideal for phased or complex construction work.
Final Thoughts
When choosing concrete in the UK, consider climate, load requirements, budget, and construction method. While traditional OPC concrete might suit a patio or shed base, projects like foundations for a multi-storey block or a marine wall call for reinforced or even high-performance mixes.
If you’re unsure which type to use, consult a structural engineer or your concrete supplier – most UK suppliers are well-versed in recommending mixes based on local regulations and ground conditions.