How to Choose the Right Concrete Mix for Your Project

Whether you're a contractor working on a commercial slab or a homeowner pouring a new shed pad, selecting the right concrete mix is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The mix you choose will determine the strength and durability of the finished product. At kreitmaker, we can help you choose the right mix, and our on-site volumetric mixing can help get the job done right.

Understand Your Project Type

Different types of projects call for different concrete mixes. The amount of load the concrete will bear, its exposure to weather and chemicals, and its role in the structure all influence the kind of mix you’ll need.

Residential Projects

These projects include driveways, sidewalks, patios, and garage slabs. A typical mix ranges from 20–35 MPa with air entrainment to help resist freeze-thaw cycles. Fibre reinforcement is often added to control shrinkage cracks without complicating finishing work.

Commercial or Structural Work

Commercial builds such as warehouses, office buildings, and public infrastructure place high demands on concrete performance. These applications call for higher-strength concrete that often incorporates additives that increase resistance to moisture, chemical exposure, and mechanical stress.

Foundations & Footings

Foundations provide critical load-bearing support and must perform under constant pressure from the structure above and the soil beneath. These mixes typically require compressive strengths of 20 MPa and above, with lower water-to-cement ratios for reduced shrinkage.

Decorative or Specialty Applications

For exposed aggregate or stamped concrete, a mix that holds its shape properly is ideal. These mixes may include specific aggregate sizes for aesthetic purposes.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mix

Every concrete mix is made from the same basic ingredients: cement, sand, stone, and water. Adjusting the ratios, additives, and admixtures can change how the finished product behaves. When planning your project, you’ll want to factor in the following:

Compressive Strength (MPa): Measured in megapascals (MPa), this is the most basic benchmark for concrete.

Workability: If your crew needs to hand-finish concrete or pour it into tight forms, a more workable mix with a higher slump will make life easier. However, too much water can reduce strength and durability.

Set Time: A benefit of volumetric concrete delivery with kreitmaker is that the concrete is ready when you are. Your concrete is mixed as you need it, so you don't have to worry about it starting to set before it gets to you.

Durability & Environment: If your project will be exposed to road salts, heavy traffic, or constant wetting and drying, you will need to choose a mix designed for high durability and reduced permeability. For exterior concrete in the GTA, air entrainment is also a must.

Finish & Appearance: The finish you're looking for will influence your choice of aggregate, slump, and even curing strategy.

The Role of Additives & Admixtures

Additives and admixtures can completely change the game when it comes to tailoring your concrete to specific needs.

Common & Popular Additives:

• Fibre Reinforcement: Reduce the risk of cracking and improve impact resistance.
• Air Entrainment: Introduces tiny air bubbles to improve freeze-thaw durability.
• Water Reducers: Enhance workability without increasing water content, which preserves strength.
• Accelerators: Speed up curing for a quicker turnaround or cold weather.

With kreitmaker's volumetric mixing, these can be adjusted on the fly, allowing for mid-pour changes if site conditions or project needs evolve.

Why Volumetric Concrete Mixing Makes a Difference

Traditional drum truck concrete delivery comes with significant limitations. Once that concrete is batched at the plant, the clock starts ticking. If there's a delay on-site or due to traffic on the way to the site, the mix can begin to set or lose workability, leading to waste, added costs, and generally subpar results.

Volumetric concrete trucks avoid this.

Customize Your Mix in Real Time

Do you need a higher slump for a tricky form halfway through the job? Want to switch from a fibre-reinforced slab to a smooth-finish sidewalk? Volumetric mixing makes it easy to adapt the blend without needing a second truck or separate batch. This also means you won't have to wait for the new mix to be delivered.

Fresh Mix On-Site

Our volumetric concrete trucks mix on demand at the job site. That means the mix is always fresh, and there's no concern about timing the delivery perfectly because the mix can't degrade on the way.

Pay Only for What You Use

With volumetric mixing, overordering is a thing of the past. Instead, you pay only for the concrete you actually pour. This means no waste and no guesswork.

No Waiting on the Plant

With three strategic concrete delivery locations, Scarborough, Downtown Toronto, and Stouffville, our volumetric mixing trucks eliminate the need to batch at a plant and then rush to your site. We bring the plant to you.

Concrete Delivery in Toronto and the GTA Made Easy

At kreitmaker, we make concrete delivery simple and reliable. Regardless of whether you're working in Toronto, Mississauga, Markham, or Oshawa, our team is ready to help you order concrete the smart way. With same-day delivery six days a week and an easy-to-use app for ordering, you can stay focused on your project while we handle the logistics.

We proudly serve contractors, landscapers, concrete forming professionals, underpinners, and homeowners alike. And because we offer expert, personalized support, you can call us anytime to discuss your mixing needs. We have been answering Toronto's concrete questions for more than 20 years, and we're honoured to help you.

Match Your Mix to Your Mission

Choosing the right concrete mix is about more than just strength. It’s about matching your material to the environment, application, and crew capabilities. With the flexibility of volumetric concrete and the expertise of kreitmaker's team, you’re set up for success on every pour.

Ready to order concrete that’s customized for your project? Use the kreitmaker app or get in touch with our team today.