Free Ready-Mix Volume, Weight and Cost Calculator for Brighton and Hove — Updated 2026 Local Prices
Whether you're laying a new driveway in Hove, building an extension foundation in Kemp Town, pouring a garage slab in Woodingdean, or constructing a retaining wall in Saltdean, accurate concrete calculation for Brighton projects is essential before calling a ready-mix supplier or ordering bagged cement. Brighton and Hove's unique combination of chalk geology, coastal exposure, dense urban street access, and a high proportion of Victorian and Edwardian properties requiring careful extension work makes local knowledge critical when specifying and ordering concrete in the area. This concrete calculator Brighton guide gives you the volumes, weights, grades, and 2026 local pricing you need to plan your project correctly from the start.
The Brighton and Hove area is served by several ready-mix concrete batching plants within practical delivery distance, with plants in Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Lewes, and Crawley all serving the BN1, BN2, BN3, BN41, BN42, and surrounding postcode areas. Ready-mix concrete pricing in Brighton in 2026 reflects the South East England premium — typically £138–£168 per m³ for standard C25/30 and £148–£178 per m³ for C30/37, with short load surcharges of £35–£90 for volumes below the minimum 3–4 m³ order threshold. Inner Brighton and Hove urban deliveries may attract additional access surcharges for narrow residential streets.
Choosing the correct concrete grade is one of the most important specification decisions for any Brighton construction project. The grade determines both the structural performance and the durability of the finished concrete in Brighton's coastal environment — where salt-laden air from the English Channel, periodic frost, and the specific ground conditions of chalk and clay across the area all affect long-term durability. Using the wrong grade — either under-specifying for structural applications or unnecessarily over-specifying for simple garden slabs — wastes either structural integrity or budget.
GEN3 (C20/25) is appropriate for non-structural Brighton applications including garden paths, patio slabs, fence post foundations, kerb haunching, and non-load-bearing garden wall bases where vehicular loading is absent. It is the minimum grade specified by BS 8500 for domestic concrete in contact with the ground but does not carry loads. C25/30 is the standard grade for domestic house foundations, extension strip foundations, and ground-bearing floor slabs throughout Brighton and Hove — it meets Building Regulations Part A requirements for domestic construction and is the most commonly ordered ready-mix grade in the area. C30/37 is required for driveways subject to vehicular loading, exposed external ground slabs, and any above-ground concrete element in Brighton's coastal exposure environment where enhanced durability against carbonation and freeze-thaw is required.
Brighton Ready-Mix Concrete Suppliers 2026: Building materials at Travis Perkins Brighton | Concrete supplies at Buildbase | Trade at Jewson
Brighton and Hove sits primarily on Upper Chalk — a relatively strong, free-draining geology that generally provides good foundation conditions for domestic and light commercial construction. However, the area's chalk geology is not uniform: flint horizons, solution features (cavities and pipes), areas of made ground (particularly in the former seafront and harbour areas), and localised clay deposits (particularly towards the northern fringe of the city bordering the Weald) all present site-specific foundation challenges that affect both the depth and specification of concrete foundations.
The sulphate class of ground in Brighton varies — most chalk areas present DS-1 (negligible sulphate) conditions, but areas with clay-rich soils, localised fill, or organic ground may present DS-2 or higher sulphate exposure requiring sulphate-resisting cement (SRPC) or GGBS blend concrete per BS 8500. Always obtain a Ground Investigation Report and percolation test for new builds and significant extensions — never assume ground conditions without investigation. Brighton City Council Building Control requires foundation design calculations and ground information for all new build applications in the BN1, BN2, and BN3 postcodes.
Concrete driveways are increasingly popular across Brighton and Hove in 2026 as an alternative to block paving and tarmac, offering greater durability, lower maintenance, and a contemporary aesthetic particularly suited to the area's many period properties. A concrete driveway in Brighton requires C30/37 minimum with air entrainment (4–6% entrained air for freeze-thaw resistance), laid at minimum 100mm depth for cars and 150mm for vans and light commercial vehicles, on a compacted sub-base of minimum 100mm Type 1 granular fill.
The total installed cost of a concrete driveway in Brighton in 2026 typically ranges from £80–£140 per m² depending on sub-base requirements, reinforcement, surface finish, and access. For a standard 40m² driveway, this equates to £3,200–£5,600 installed — comparable with quality block paving and significantly cheaper over the long term due to reduced maintenance. The concrete material cost alone (C30/37 ready-mix at 150mm depth) for a 40m² driveway is approximately £890–£1,070 at 2026 Brighton prices, representing 25–30% of the total installed cost with the remainder comprising sub-base, labour, edgings, and drainage.
All structural concrete work in Brighton and Hove — including foundations for new builds, extensions, outbuildings over 30m² floor area, and structural alterations — requires Brighton and Hove City Council Building Control approval. For domestic extensions, a Full Plans or Building Notice application must be submitted before work commences, with the foundation design and concrete specification confirmed by a structural engineer. Brighton Building Control requires concrete foundations to meet the minimum specifications of Approved Document A, including minimum C25/30 grade (GEN3 designation) per BS 8500 for strip foundations.
Brighton's seafront and seafront-adjacent properties in areas such as Kemp Town, Hove seafront, and Shoreham Beach face enhanced Building Regulation scrutiny for concrete durability given the XS1 marine spray exposure class (airborne salt from the English Channel). For these locations, Approved Document C and BS 8500 require enhanced concrete specification — typically C30/37 or C35/45 with SRPC or GGBS cement for any below-ground or exposed elements, with the specific specification to be confirmed by a structural engineer or specialist concrete durability consultant.
Concrete pricing in Brighton and Hove in 2026 reflects the South East England regional premium, with ready-mix prices approximately 8–15% above the UK Midlands and North average. The closest batching plants to Brighton are located in Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, and Lewes — all within 10–18 miles of central Brighton, which is typically within the economic delivery radius for standard ready-mix concrete. Transport surcharges are applied to deliveries requiring over approximately 45 minutes from plant to site, which can affect remote parts of the South Downs National Park fringe adjacent to Brighton.
| Concrete Grade | Brighton 2026 Price (per m³) | Short Load Surcharge | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEN3 / C20/25 | £120–£145 | £35–£80 below 3m³ | Garden paths, non-structural slabs |
| C25/30 RC (most popular) | £138–£165 | £35–£90 below 3m³ | House foundations, ground floor slabs |
| C30/37 | £148–£178 | £40–£95 below 3m³ | Driveways, exposed slabs, commercial |
| C35/45 | £158–£188 | £45–£100 below 3m³ | Structural columns, industrial floors |
| C25/30 with 50% GGBS | £142–£170 | £35–£90 below 3m³ | Low-carbon spec for BREEAM projects |
| Mini-mix / volumetric | £158–£210 | No minimum charge | Small pours, restricted access Brighton streets |
| Pump surcharge | £300–£650 per pour | — | Where chute access is restricted |
Brighton Building Suppliers 2026: Travis Perkins | Buildbase | Jewson | Payless Builders Merchants | Builder Depot
Single and double-storey rear extensions are among the most common concrete projects in Brighton, driven by the area's high property values, shortage of larger family homes, and the popularity of kitchen-diner extensions in the city's many Victorian and Edwardian terraces. Standard strip foundations for a typical 4m × 5m single-storey Brighton extension require excavation to at least 700mm depth (minimum per Approved Document A, extended to 900mm–1,200mm near trees or in clay-influenced zones), with trench fill concrete volumes of approximately 1.5–3.5 m³ depending on foundation width and depth. C25/30 RC is the standard grade for Brighton domestic extensions.
Concrete garden slabs and patios are a cost-effective and durable surfacing choice for Brighton's many compact rear gardens. For a pedestrian-only patio, GEN3 (C20) at 100mm depth is generally adequate. For a slab that will be used as a base for a garden room, studio, or outbuilding, C25/30 at 100–150mm with A142 mesh reinforcement is recommended. Brighton's coastal frost risk — while lower than inland locations — means air entrainment should be specified for any exposed horizontal concrete surface to prevent surface scaling in cold weather. A standard 20m² garden slab at 100mm depth requires approximately 2.0 m³ of concrete — well below the minimum ready-mix order threshold for most plants, making mini-mix volumetric concrete or bagged cement the practical supply options for typical garden projects.
Planning permission requirements for new or replacement driveways in Brighton and Hove depend on the drainage arrangements and the character of the area. Driveways in conservation areas (which cover much of central Brighton and Hove) may require planning permission or prior approval — always check with Brighton City Council Planning before commencing. For a compliant concrete driveway, permeable concrete or a drainage channel to a soakaway or surface water drain is typically required under Schedule 2 of the GPDO 2015. C30/37 concrete with air entrainment at 150mm depth on 100mm Type 1 sub-base is the standard specification for Brighton driveways capable of accommodating domestic cars and light vans.
Detached garages and garden rooms requiring a concrete base are one of the most frequently undertaken concrete projects in Brighton homes. For a standard detached garage base (typically 5.5m × 2.8m internal), a C25/30 slab at 100–150mm depth with A142 reinforcement mesh and DPM on compacted hardcore requires approximately 1.5–2.3 m³ of concrete — typically at the borderline of ready-mix minimum order quantities. For volumes under 2 m³, volumetric mini-mix concrete (which can supply as little as 0.2 m³ with no minimum charge) is frequently the most cost-effective option for Brighton residential projects.
Brighton and Hove's hilly topography — particularly in areas such as Hanover, Queens Park, Bear Road, and the eastern suburbs — creates significant demand for retaining wall construction as gardens are terraced, driveways lowered, and basement extensions are constructed. Reinforced concrete retaining walls up to 1.5m retained height are common in Brighton residential gardens. C30/37 minimum is recommended for all retaining walls given Brighton's coastal exposure and the sustained moisture environment of below-ground soil contact. Any retaining wall over 1.0m retained height should be designed by a structural engineer before construction commences.
Brighton has seen significant growth in basement extension projects over the past decade, driven by the desire to create additional living space without increasing the building footprint and by the high land values in central Brighton and Hove. Basement concrete work in Brighton is highly specialist — the chalk geology provides good temporary excavation stability, but permanent basement retaining wall and floor slab specification must address waterproofing, hydrostatic pressure, and the specific durability requirements of permanently below-ground concrete. C35/45 with a comprehensive waterproofing system (typically Type B tanking or Type C cavity drain membrane per BS 8102) and GGBS blend concrete for enhanced impermeability is the standard specification for Brighton basement construction.
Brighton and Hove's varied geology creates several site-specific considerations for concrete specification that differ from many other UK locations. Understanding these local conditions ensures the correct concrete grade and cement type is specified for the specific ground and exposure conditions of each project.
| Brighton Area / Location | Typical Geology | Key Consideration | Recommended Concrete Spec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Brighton, Hove, Kemptown | Upper Chalk | Good bearing, solution features possible | C25/30 RC — standard domestic |
| Seafront / Marina area | Made ground / Chalk | XS1 marine spray — enhanced durability | C30/37 + GGBS or SRPC below ground |
| Whitehawk / Bevendean | Chalk with clay pockets | Variable bearing — investigate | C25/30 RC — GI report recommended |
| Patcham / Withdean | Chalk / Head deposits | Possible tree root influence in clay | C25/30 RC — extended foundation depth |
| Portslade / Shoreham fringe | River alluvium / Made ground | Compressible soils — raft or piles | C30/37 + structural engineer required |
| Woodingdean / Saltdean | Chalk — thin soil cover | Shallow topsoil — chalk at depth | C25/30 RC — standard |
| Falmer / Stanmer | Clay-with-flints over Chalk | Shrinkable clay — tree influence | C25/30 RC — extended depth to chalk |
| Peacehaven / Telscombe | Chalk plateau | Coastal frost and salt spray | C30/37 + air entrainment external |
Brighton's position on the English Channel coastline means that concrete within approximately 1–5km of the seafront is classified as XS1 exposure class (airborne chlorides from sea spray) under BS EN 206 and BS 8500. This is particularly relevant for exposed above-ground concrete elements — balcony soffits and edges, parapet walls, window sills, external retaining walls, and any concrete element on seafront-facing elevations. XS1 exposure requires minimum C30/37 concrete with GGBS or SRPC cement, maximum w/c ratio 0.50, and minimum cement content 300 kg/m³ to provide adequate durability for the 50-year residential design life required by Approved Document A.
For any concrete element within approximately 500m of the high-water mark on Brighton seafront — including the many Victorian seafront properties in Kemp Town, Brighton seafront, and Hove seafront — a specialist concrete durability assessment should be carried out alongside the structural design. The combination of chloride ingress from sea spray, freeze-thaw cycling, and the potential for rising damp in chalk basement walls makes concrete specification in these locations significantly more demanding than standard inland UK conditions.
| Project Type | Typical Size | Depth | Approx Volume | Brighton Cost 2026 | Supply Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small garden path | 10m × 1m | 100mm | 1.0 m³ | £190–£280 | Mini-mix / bagged |
| Garden patio | 5m × 4m | 100mm | 2.0 m³ | £360–£530 | Mini-mix / short load |
| Garage base | 5.5m × 2.8m | 150mm | 2.3 m³ | £430–£610 | Mini-mix / short load |
| Domestic driveway | 6m × 4m | 150mm | 3.6 m³ | £620–£890 | Ready-mix (1 truck) |
| Extension foundation (strip) | 20m run × 0.6m × 0.3m | 300mm | 3.6 m³ | £540–£760 | Ready-mix (1 truck) |
| Extension ground floor slab | 5m × 4m | 150mm | 3.0 m³ | £530–£740 | Ready-mix (1 truck) |
| Trench fill foundation | 20m run × 0.45m × 0.9m | 900mm | 8.1 m³ | £1,200–£1,630 | Ready-mix (1–2 trucks) |
| Retaining wall | 6m × 1.2m × 0.25m | N/A | 1.8 m³ | £340–£480 | Mini-mix / short load |
| Front garden feature step | 1.5m × 0.3m × 0.175m × 3 | 3 steps | 0.24 m³ | £55–£90 | Bagged cement |
| Basement retaining slab | 6m × 5m × 0.25m | 250mm | 7.5 m³ | £1,250–£1,680 | Ready-mix + pump |
Costs are material (concrete) only at 2026 Brighton prices — add labour, sub-base, reinforcement, formwork, skip hire, and pump surcharges as applicable. Use the calculator above for precise volumes based on your specific project dimensions.
Most of Brighton and Hove sits on Upper Chalk — generally strong, free-draining, and good for foundations. However, solution features, clay pockets, and made ground in former seafront areas require site investigation before finalising foundation design.
C25/30 RC is the standard concrete grade for domestic extensions, foundations, and ground-bearing floor slabs throughout Brighton and Hove — meeting Building Regulations Part A and BS 8500 requirements for standard ground conditions.
C25/30 ready-mix concrete in the Brighton area costs approximately £138–£165 per m³ in 2026 — approximately 10–15% above the UK Midlands average, reflecting the South East regional premium and transport distances from local batching plants.
Concrete within approximately 1–5km of Brighton seafront is classified as XS1 marine spray exposure. Exposed external concrete elements in seafront-adjacent locations require C30/37 minimum with GGBS or SRPC cement for adequate long-term durability.
Brighton's dense urban streets and many properties with restricted rear garden access make volumetric mini-mix concrete the preferred choice for small pours under 2–3 m³, eliminating minimum charge penalties and providing precise volume control.
Ready-mix trucks need 9–11 metres of road space outside Brighton properties. Budget for a Brighton City Council parking suspension (£80–£180 per day) if kerbside parking prevents truck access to your property — book at least 5–7 working days in advance.
Much of central Brighton and Hove falls within conservation areas. New or replacement driveways may require planning permission or prior approval. Always check with Brighton City Council Planning before breaking ground on any driveway project in the BN1 or BN3 postcodes.
All structural concrete — including foundations for extensions, garages over 30m², and structural alterations — requires Brighton and Hove City Council Building Control approval. Submit a Full Plans application before work commences and confirm concrete grade with your structural engineer.
Always specify 4–6% air entrainment when ordering C30/37 ready-mix for Brighton driveways and exposed external slabs. Brighton's coastal frost can cause surface scaling in non-air-entrained concrete — air entrainment must be explicitly requested when placing the ready-mix order.
Ready-mix concrete in Brighton and Hove in 2026 typically costs £138–£165 per m³ for C25/30 (the most common domestic grade) and £148–£178 per m³ for C30/37. GEN3 is approximately £120–£145 per m³. Short load surcharges of £35–£90 apply for volumes below the minimum order (typically 3–4 m³). Mini-mix volumetric concrete has no minimum charge and is priced at approximately £158–£210 per m³. These rates are approximately 10–15% above UK Midlands average pricing due to the South East regional premium. Weekend delivery carries a surcharge of £15–£35 per m³ at most local plants.
For a strip foundation: Volume (m³) = Total trench length (m) × Foundation width (m) × Foundation depth (m). For a typical 4m × 5m single-storey extension in Brighton with 450mm wide × 300mm deep strip foundations: perimeter = 4+5+4+5 = 18m run, plus any internal walls. Volume = 18 × 0.45 × 0.30 = 2.43 m³ net. Add 10% wastage = 2.67 m³ to order. At Brighton 2026 prices (£138–£165/m³), material cost = approximately £370–£440. Use the concrete calculator above for precise volumes based on your specific dimensions — and confirm foundation depth and width with your structural engineer before ordering.
In Brighton and Hove, new or replacement driveways generally fall under permitted development (no planning permission required) provided the surface is permeable or drainage is directed to a lawn or border, and the drive is for a dwelling rather than a commercial property. However, in Brighton and Hove's many conservation areas (covering much of central Brighton and Hove), additional restrictions may apply. Driveways involving dropped kerbs on a classified road require separate consent from East Sussex Highways. Always check with Brighton and Hove City Council Planning Department before starting any driveway project — call or use the online planning portal to confirm permitted development rights for your specific address.
C30/37 concrete with 4–6% air entrainment is the recommended minimum specification for concrete driveways in Brighton, conforming to BS 8500 requirements for the XC3/XC4 exposure class of exposed external horizontal surfaces. Lay at 100mm minimum for cars and 150mm for vans and light commercial vehicles, on a compacted sub-base of 100mm Type 1 granular material. Always specify air entrainment explicitly when ordering — it is not included in standard ready-mix unless requested. For driveways within 1km of the Brighton seafront, GGBS blend concrete is recommended for enhanced chloride resistance against marine spray exposure.
Most ready-mix concrete suppliers serving Brighton have a minimum order of 3–4 m³ for standard truck delivery, with short load surcharges of £35–£90 for smaller volumes. For pours under approximately 2 m³ — typical for garden slabs, garage bases, and small extension footings in Brighton — volumetric mini-mix concrete (which charges only for the exact volume delivered, with no minimum) is usually more cost-effective despite the higher per-m³ rate. Mini-mix trucks are also smaller and can often access Brighton's narrower residential streets more easily than standard 8m³ ready-mix trucks.
Concrete in Brighton and Hove gains strength over time rather than simply drying. Standard C25/30 is walk-on in 24–48 hours, can be loaded with light vehicles after 7 days, and achieves full 28-day design strength at approximately 3.5–4 weeks after pouring. Brighton's coastal climate — with higher average humidity and moderate temperatures — means concrete typically cures well but may take slightly longer in cool autumn and winter months. Cover with polythene sheeting for a minimum 3 days after placing to retain moisture during the critical early curing period. Never drive vehicles on a new concrete driveway in Brighton within 7 days of pouring — allow at least 14 days for full vehicle traffic and a minimum 28 days before parking heavy vehicles.
Bagged cement site-mixing is cost-effective and practical for small Brighton projects requiring under approximately 0.5 m³ — typical for fence post foundations, individual garden steps, small repair patches, and infill work. For volumes above 0.5 m³, ready-mix or mini-mix volumetric concrete is typically more cost-effective once labour, mixing equipment hire, and multiple bag deliveries are factored in. For structural applications — including foundations, retaining walls, and any element requiring a specified concrete grade for Building Regulations compliance — bagged site-mixing is not recommended as achieving a consistent strength-class specification is not reliably achievable without cube testing. Use factory-produced ready-mix RC25/30 or RC30/37 for any structural element in a Brighton Building Regulations-notified project.
For most domestic extensions requiring Building Regulations approval in Brighton and Hove, a structural engineer's design is required to confirm the foundation type, depth, width, reinforcement, and concrete grade appropriate for the specific ground conditions at the site. Brighton Building Control will typically require structural calculations as part of a Full Plans application. For simple single-storey rear extensions on standard chalk ground with no tree influence or abnormal loading, simplified foundation designs per Approved Document A may be sufficient — your building inspector can advise. For anything more complex — two-storey extensions, basements, retaining walls, or sites with unusual ground conditions — a structural engineer should always be appointed before any excavation commences.
Concrete pump hire for Brighton projects can be arranged through your ready-mix concrete supplier (who may offer pump-and-concrete packages) or through specialist concrete pump hire companies operating in the Sussex area. A standard line pump adds approximately £300–£650 to the pour cost depending on the volume and duration. Book the pump at the same time as the concrete order — pump availability on specific dates is often limited in the Brighton area during the busy spring and summer construction season (April to September). Always confirm whether the pump pipe can reach your specific pour location from the truck's stopping position, and ensure there is adequate space at the property entrance for both the ready-mix truck and the pump unit simultaneously.
For most standard domestic extensions in Brighton on chalk geology, a visual inspection of the ground at foundation depth by the building inspector or structural engineer is typically sufficient, supplemented by trial pit excavations to confirm chalk depth and bearing conditions. For sites near trees, in areas with known made ground, on the seafront fringe, or where the extension is larger than typical, a formal Ground Investigation report including borehole or trial pit logs, percolation testing, and laboratory soil analysis should be commissioned. Several specialist ground investigation companies operate in Sussex and can provide reports at reasonable cost (typically £500–£2,000 for a residential GI report) that may save significantly more in foundation redesign or remediation costs if unexpected ground conditions are found during construction.
If you have concerns about the quality or grade of ready-mix concrete delivered to a Brighton project — including suspected incorrect grade, excessive water addition on site, or failure to achieve expected strength — the first step is to contact the concrete producer directly with reference to the delivery ticket batch number and request copies of the conformity data and cube test results for the production batch. If you have taken cube samples during the pour (as should always be done for structural concrete), arrange for these to be tested at a UKAS-accredited laboratory. If quality concerns cannot be resolved with the producer, complaints can be escalated to the producer's conformity certification body (e.g. QSRMC) or to Trading Standards at Brighton and Hove City Council.
Minimum foundation depth in Brighton per Approved Document A is 700mm below finished ground level for standard strip foundations — extended to 900mm–1,200mm in areas of shrinkable clay or where trees are present within the zone of influence. Brighton's chalk geology typically provides good bearing conditions at relatively shallow depths, but the presence of thin made ground layers, alluvial deposits near the valley floors and seafront, and localised clay pockets means that the actual foundation depth should always be confirmed by inspection at the time of excavation. Brighton Building Control inspectors will visit the site to inspect the foundation excavations before concrete is poured — ensure you notify them before covering the foundations.
Brighton and Hove Construction Resources 2026: Building materials at Travis Perkins | Trade supplies at Builder Depot | Aggregates at Medway Builders Merchants | Safety at HSE | Building control at Brighton City Council Building Control | National regulations at GOV.UK Approved Documents
© 2026 Concrete Calculator Brighton. All specifications based on BS EN 206:2013+A2:2021, BS 8500-1:2023, and standard UK construction practice. Prices are indicative 2026 Brighton area rates — verify current rates with your local supplier before ordering. Verify all structural specifications with a qualified structural engineer and Brighton and Hove City Council Building Control before commencing any notifiable building works.