A guide to selecting the best concrete mix for foundations and footings

When it comes to building strong and durable foundations, selecting the right concrete mix is essential and will depend on several factors, including the structure you’re supporting and any reinforcement requirements. In this guide we’ll take you through the step-by-step process to selecting the right concrete.

For further support please get in touch with our friendly team who will be happy to help or visit our help and advice page – here you’ll find useful information on how to place an order, what to expect on delivery day and more.

Step 1: Prepare your foundations

Preparing for your concrete delivery will ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. See our quick guide which will take you through the essentials from preparing your base to achieving a smooth finish.

Step 2: Calculate your concrete

Our easy-to-use concrete calculator can be used for guidance to help you work out how much concrete you need

Step 3: Selecting the right mix for your foundations

Foundations do more than support a building, they define its strength and durability. The concrete mix you choose plays a vital role in creating a long-lasting structure and selecting the wrong one can lead to costly issues later.

From single-story extensions to double-story builds and reinforced foundations, understanding the different mixes available will help you make the right choice. Always check your architectural drawings or plans, as they may specify the exact mix required.

GEN 1 Suitable for domestic single-story foundations.
Gen 1 concrete is often more cost-effective due to its lower cement content, and there’s no need to pay for extra strength if it’s not required. Our Gen1 concrete is typically supplied in an S3 slump making it easy to work with, but other slump levels are available depending on your placement conditions. Gen1 concrete is also suitable for applications such as cavity filling, kerbing and haunching.

GEN 3 Suitable for domestic double-story foundations.
Gen 3 can support the additional weight of a double-story extension, without the need for steel reinforcement. Similarly to Gen1, this is typically supplied in a S3 slump making it easy to work with.

RC35 Suitable for metal reinforced foundations.
RC35 concrete mixes are designed for metal reinforced foundations or structural concrete bases that require steel reinforcement in the form of rods, bars, fibres or mesh, and help to increase the ultimate tensile strength of the concrete structure. This mix is typically supplied in an S2 or S3 slump and is widely used in more demanding structural and civil engineering projects, but it can also be used for domestic garages that are being used as workshops.

Concrete foundation mix comparison table

Choosing the correct slump level

Concrete slump is a measure of workability and consistency. A higher slump means the concrete is more fluid before it sets. Choosing the right slump is important and will save you time and trouble.

S3 is typically used for foundations however we offer different levels of slump for example S1 and S2.

S3 slump is commonly used for foundations because it offers good workability and ease of placement. This level of slump ensures that the concrete can flow around reinforcement and fill formwork effectively, which is essential for structural integrity in foundation work. In comparison, S1 slump is much stiffer and is generally used for applications like road pavements where minimal workability is needed, while S2 slump provides moderate workability suitable for floors and slabs.

Step 4: Place your order and get ready for your delivery

Our ordering process is quick and easy – order online and our customer service team will contact you or give us a call. There is no need to set up an account as we accept card payments.

Our Minimix trucks are designed to access hard-to-reach areas with compact dimensions (3m wide x 3.9m high x 9m long) compared to a standard concrete truck. This allows for a tighter turning circle and easier manoeuvring on residential streets or smaller sites. However, they are heavy, at over 20 tonnes, and can only travel over ground that is rated for heavy-goods vehicles.

You also need to consider how the concrete will be offloaded from the mixer once it arrives. It’s not always possible to position the vehicle exactly where you need the pour. Many customers opt to use wheelbarrows or build a wooden chute, while others hire a mini dumper. In select locations we provide a concrete pump line service for added convenience.

Why Choose Breedon Minimix? 

If you need ready-mix concrete, we’ve got you covered. With over 130 locations across the UK, our fleet of minimix concrete trucks are perfect for small volume deliveries and restricted access sites.

Our experienced local teams know your area and understand your challenges and are here to help you choose the right mix for your project. From footings, garden shed slabs to agricultural floors, small commercial projects and more we have a minimix option to suit your project.