Cement, Mortar & Concrete Mixes

Best Cement, Mortar & Concrete Mixes in the UK: Where to Buy and How to Choose

Why the right cement, mortar and concrete mix matters

Picking the right cement, mortar or ready-mix concrete is a bit like choosing the right fuel for a road trip — get it wrong and you’ll stall halfway through the job. The mix affects strength, workability, drying time and, ultimately, how long your wall, patio or foundation will last. Whether you’re a DIYer fixing a garden path or a tradesperson building a retaining wall, the right product keeps the project on track and the stress levels down.

Where to buy: top UK retailers for building mixes

There are several reliable retailers across the UK that stock a wide range of cement, mortar and concrete mixes. From neighbourhood DIY stores to trade-only builders merchants, each option has strengths depending on quantity, speed and specialist needs. Below I run through the best-known names so you can match store to job.

Wickes — DIY-friendly ranges and clear guidance

Wickes is a strong pick for homeowners who want clear product labeling and sensible bag sizes, usually available in 55 lb and 88 lb formats. They stock general-purpose concrete, pre-blended mortars and bagged cement, plus handy accessories like gauging buckets and mixing paddles. If you’re doing a small patio or repair, Wickes’ ready-made mixes and step-by-step guides make life easier.

B&Q — wide selection and value buys

B&Q tends to cover the middle ground well: value ranges for basic projects and branded options for heavier-duty work. Expect to find premixed concrete, fast-setting patch mixes and a choice of mortar strengths. B&Q also often runs promotions, so if you’re not in a hurry you can bag a decent deal on bulk buys or multiple bags.

Travis Perkins — trade-grade and bulk solutions

If you’re on a bigger job, Travis Perkins is the sort of merchant tradespeople turn to. They stock trade-grade cement and mortar blends, plus bulk-ready concrete deliveries for larger pours. Their range suits professional standards, and branches will advise on the best mix strength for foundations, floors or external works. Think of Travis Perkins when you need more technical options and larger quantities.

Jewson — professional supply and expertise

Jewson is another trusted builders merchant with a focus on professional products and technical support. From general-purpose mixes to specialist high-strength or frost-resistant options, Jewson caters to contractors and serious DIYers. Their stores and counters are good places to ask about curing times and site preparation, especially when conditions are tricky.

Screwfix — rapid access to essentials and accessories

Screwfix is handy for last-minute needs: small quantities, fast collection and lots of compatible tools. Their stock typically includes bagged concrete, hydraulic repair mortar and lightweight mixes in convenient sizes. If you need to grab a bag at short notice and get back to work, Screwfix is the pit stop you want.

Selco Builders Warehouse — bulk buying and trade focus

Selco tends to cater heavily to trades, with strong options for bulk buying and mixed deliveries. They offer a wide selection of brands and technical mixes, and their warehouses are set up for larger orders. If your project needs dozens of bags or on-site support for ordering a mixer truck, Selco is a top candidate.

Homebase — homeowner-focused options

Homebase is a solid choice for garden projects and smaller structural work. They stock easy-to-use premixed products meant for simple repair jobs, laying paving slabs or building small walls. The emphasis is on ease: clear instructions, modest bag sizes and user-friendly packaging that takes the guesswork out of mixing ratios.

Types of mixes and what they’re best for

Mixes are not one-size-fits-all. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right bag for the right job. Below I break down common options in plain terms so you can match product to purpose.

General-purpose concrete mixes

General-purpose premixed concrete is the workhorse you’ll use for small foundations, footings and garden paths. These bags are designed to be mixed with water in a wheelbarrow or mixer and usually come in 55 lb or 88 lb sizes. They’ll give a solid, durable finish for most non-structural jobs and are forgiving for DIYers.

Mortar mixes for bricklaying and pointing

Mortar comes in different strengths and blends — everything from general-purpose mortar for garden walls to softer mixes for re-pointing historic brickwork. A typical rule of thumb is to use a stronger mix for load-bearing walls and a softer mix where flexibility matters. Many are sold as pre-blended mortar to simplify mixing on site.

High-strength and fast-setting mixes

High-strength mixes are for load-bearing or structural work where compressive strength is critical. Fast-setting mixes cure in minutes to hours rather than days, which is useful for rapid repairs or when weather conditions demand quick turnaround. These are commonly used for emergency repairs to steps or kerbs.

Lightweight and insulating mixes

Lightweight concrete and mortar mixes incorporate additives to reduce weight and improve insulation. They’re useful for screeds over suspended floors, backfilling around pipes or creating insulated blocks. While they aren’t as dense as traditional concrete, they do the job where weight is a factor.

How to choose the right mix for your job

Choosing the right mix is a mix of common sense and a few practical checks. Ask yourself: how big is the job, what load will the finished piece carry, and what are the site conditions like? For small garden projects use general-purpose mixes; for foundations and structural work choose trade-grade, high-strength options from builders merchants. When in doubt, opt for a slightly stronger mix — it’s often cheaper to be safe than sorry.

Consider strength ratings and use cases

Strength ratings (usually given as compressive strength) will tell you how suitable a mix is for structural work. For patios and paths a standard mix is fine; for foundations, go stronger. If the label lists “frost-resistant” or “suitable for external use,” that’s a good sign for outdoor projects exposed to the elements.

Think about setting time and working window

Working time matters. Fast-setting products are brilliant for small urgent repairs but can be harder to work with if you need time to level and finish. Standard mixes give a longer working window, making them better for larger pours where you’ll need several passes with a trowel or float.

Practical mixing and application tips

Even the best mix won’t perform well if mixed or applied incorrectly. A few practical habits make a huge difference to the outcome: measure by volume for consistency, start with less water and add gradually, and always protect fresh work from rain and frost during the first 24 to 48 hours.

Mixing in a wheelbarrow or powered mixer

If you’re using a wheelbarrow, mix on a clean surface and use a shovel to blend dry material before adding water by the pint until you reach the right consistency. For larger jobs, hire a small powered mixer — it saves time and gives a more uniform result. Either way, avoid adding too much water; wetter mixes weaken the finished concrete.

Basic finishing and curing advice

After finishing with a float or trowel, curing is the unsung hero of long life. Cover exposed surfaces with damp hessian or polythene and keep them moist for at least the first few days. Proper curing improves strength and reduces the chance of cracking. Think of it as tucking your new concrete in so it grows up strong.

Buying in bulk vs bag-by-bag: what’s best?

Short answer: it depends on scale and storage. Bag-by-bag purchases at Wickes or B&Q suit small DIY jobs because you can store a few bags easily. For bigger projects, builders merchants like Travis Perkins, Selco or Jewson offer bulk deliveries and sometimes better per-bag pricing. If you need a full yard or more, a ready-mix concrete truck is usually the most efficient choice.

Storage and shelf life considerations

Bagged cement and mixes can absorb moisture and start to set if stored in damp conditions. Keep bags dry, off the floor and covered. Stored properly, many products keep for months; exposed bags, however, can harden in a matter of days. If you buy in bulk, factor in secure storage on-site.

Sustainability and eco-friendly options

Want to reduce the carbon footprint of your project? Several retailers now offer eco blends that use recycled aggregates or lower-carbon cements. These may cost slightly more but are a good choice for green builds or homeowners who care about sustainability. Always check product descriptions for recycled content or low-CO2 claims when shopping.

Recycled aggregates and low-carbon cement

Some mixes use recycled crushed concrete or alternative binders to reduce emissions. They perform well for non-structural work and landscaping. If you’re planning the build as part of a sustainable renovation, look for specific eco labels or ask the merchant for low-carbon options.

Comparing prices and getting the best deal

Prices vary by retailer, brand and quantity. For small jobs, the convenience and clarity of a big DIY chain may outweigh a few pounds saved. For larger works, compare unit prices at builders merchants and ask about trade discounts. A little research can save a bundle — and comparison sites can help you spot promotions across multiple stores.

When to splurge and when to save

Spend more where it matters: foundation mixes, frost-resistant products and any material that affects structural integrity. Save on cosmetic or temporary fixes where a basic premix will do the job. Balancing cost with quality keeps budget and performance in harmony.

Final checks before you buy

Before you spend a penny, check the product label for recommended uses, strength ratings and curing advice. Measure the job area roughly and estimate how many bags you’ll need — round up slightly to cover waste. If you’re unsure, the staff at trade counters or in-store specialists can often help select the right mix for your circumstances.

Armed with the right knowledge and a reliable retailer, your cement, mortar or concrete project will head in the right direction. Think ahead, pick the right mix, and you’ll be setting strong foundations — literally and figuratively.

Happy building!