What do concrete standards actually mean for your project?
When ordering ready-mix concrete, you have seen references to BS 8500:2006 and BS EN 206… but what do these actually mean for your project?
Whether you’re a builder, groundworker, civil contractor, or homeowner, understanding UK concrete standards helps ensure your concrete performs exactly as required, structurally, safely and durably.
At Hills Quarry Products, all our ready-mix concrete is produced in accordance with BS 8500:2006, giving customers confidence that every load meets strict UK performance requirements.
What is BS 8500?
BS 8500 is a British Standard that governs the specification, production and conformity of concrete in the UK. It works alongside BS EN 206, the European standard for concrete.
Together, these standards define:
- Strength classes (e.g., C20/25, C30/37)
- Exposure classes (how concrete performs in frost, water, sulphates, etc.)
- Cement content and water ratios
- Durability requirements
- Quality control procedures
In simple terms, BS 8500 ensures your concrete is fit for purpose and built to late in UK conditions.
Why BS 8500 matters for your project
Choosing a BS 8500-compliant supplier isn’t just about ticking a box. It protects your build.
1. Structural safety
Correct strength classification ensures slabs, footings and structural elements meet design loads.
2. Durability in UK weather
From freeze–thaw cycles to sulphate exposure in the ground, BS 8500 ensures concrete is designed for real British site conditions.
3. Compliance & insurance
Most structural engineers, warranty providers and building inspectors require concrete supplied to BS 8500 standards.
4. Consistency
Factory-produced ready mixed concrete ensures consistent batching, unlike on-site mixing.
Our ready-mix concrete produced to BS 8500:2006
At Hills Quarry Products, we supply high-quality ready-mix concrete manufactured in accordance with BS 8500:2006 and BS EN 206.
Our concrete is suitable for:
- Domestic foundations and extensions
- House building developments
- Agricultural slabs and yards
- Commercial floors
- Civil engineering projects
- Highway works
Because we batch at our modern plants, situated across eight sites over the south west, our customers benefit from:
- Accurate mix design
- Consistent strength performance
- Reduced site waste
- Faster project turnaround
Concrete delivery across the region
We have eight strategically located concrete plants, ready supply ready-mix concrete to the region, in:
With a modern fleet and experienced drivers, we ensure reliable, on-time delivery to keep your project moving.
Specialist concrete mixes available
Alongside standard designated and designed mixes, we also offer:
- High-strength concrete: For structural and heavily loaded applications
- Fibre-reinforced concrete: Improves crack resistance and durability
- Waterproof concrete: Designed for below-ground structures and water-retaining applications
- Agricultural concrete: Suitable for aggressive ground and chemical exposure environments.
If your project has specific exposure conditions (e.g. sulphate-bearing soil or external freeze-thaw risk), we can supply mixes tailored to meet the correct exposure class under BS 8500.
Order BS 8500 ready-mix concrete today
If you need reliable, high-quality BS 8500:2006 compliant ready mixed concrete, Hills Quarry Products can help.
Our experienced team can:
- Advise on mix selection
- Confirm strength and exposure class
- Arrange prompt delivery
