The Difference Between Ready Mix Concrete and Precast Concrete
Concrete is one of the most versatile and widely used building materials in the world. From residential driveways to large-scale infrastructure projects, it’s the foundation for countless structures we rely on every day. At J.J. Kennedy Inc., we supply high-quality ready mix concrete for projects of all sizes, but we also know that not all concrete is used in the same way. Two of the most common applications are ready mix concrete and precast concrete. While both serve essential roles in construction, they differ in how they are made, transported, and installed.
Understanding the difference between ready mix and precast concrete can help homeowners, contractors, and builders choose the right solution for their specific needs.
What is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete is a custom-made mixture of cement, water, aggregates, and admixtures that is prepared at a batching plant and delivered to the job site in a rotating drum truck. At J.J. Kennedy Inc., we carefully measure and mix each batch to meet project specifications, ensuring consistency and quality.
Once delivered, the concrete is poured directly into forms on-site, where it is molded, finished, and allowed to cure. Ready mix concrete is extremely versatile and can be used in projects of all sizes, including:
- Foundations and footings
- Driveways and sidewalks
- Patios and pool decks
- Parking lots
- Roads and highways
Because it’s mixed and transported fresh, ready mix concrete provides flexibility for a wide range of applications, especially where concrete must be placed in specific shapes or large pours are required.
What is Precast Concrete?
Precast concrete, on the other hand, is made in a controlled factory environment. Instead of being mixed and poured on-site, the concrete is cast into reusable molds at a manufacturing facility. Once the pieces have cured, they are transported to the construction site and installed.
Precast concrete is often used for products such as:
- Pipes and culverts
- Utility vaults
- Wall panels
- Beams and columns
- Bridge components
Because precast is manufactured indoors, the process isn’t affected by weather conditions, and quality control is very consistent. Each piece is designed and formed to exact specifications, making precast ideal for standardized or repetitive elements in construction.
Key Differences Between Ready Mix and Precast
While both ready mix and precast rely on the same basic ingredients, their differences lie in production, delivery, and use:
- Location of Casting
- Ready mix concrete is delivered fresh and cast directly at the job site.
- Precast concrete is manufactured in a plant and delivered as completed sections.
- Flexibility vs. Uniformity
- Ready mix offers flexibility, allowing contractors to pour custom shapes and adjust to site-specific needs.
- Precast offers uniformity, as every piece is molded under controlled conditions.
- Installation Time
- Ready mix requires curing time after it is poured on-site, which can slow down a project.
- Precast pieces arrive cured and ready to install, speeding up the construction timeline.
- Transportation
- Ready mix is transported wet in mixer trucks and must be poured before it begins to set.
- Precast pieces are transported as solid units, which can require heavy equipment for placement.
- Project Type
- Ready mix is best for foundations, large slabs, or projects requiring poured-in-place customization.
- Precast is ideal for standardized elements like beams, panels, or underground utilities.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between ready mix and precast concrete depends on the nature of your project. For custom pours, large slabs, and on-site construction, ready mix is the best option. Its flexibility allows contractors to create unique shapes and handle large-scale foundations and flatwork efficiently.
Precast, on the other hand, is best suited for structural elements that can be produced in advance and installed quickly. If you need consistent, high-quality components such as wall panels, beams, or pipes, precast provides an efficient and reliable solution.
At J.J. Kennedy Inc., our specialty is ready mix concrete. We provide contractors, builders, and homeowners with the materials needed to complete their projects on time and on budget. With our fleet of modern trucks and expert team, we ensure every batch meets strict standards for strength, durability, and performance.
Both ready mix and precast concrete play vital roles in construction, but they are designed for different purposes. Ready mix is versatile, fresh, and ideal for on-site pours, while precast offers precision, consistency, and efficiency for prefabricated elements.
When planning your next project, understanding the difference between these two concrete types will help you make the best choice for your needs. And if you need quality ready mix concrete, J.J. Kennedy Inc. is here to deliver. Our commitment to service and reliability makes us the trusted choice for concrete supply across the region.
Contact us today to learn more about how our ready mix solutions can support your next project.