When ordering concrete, you should _________

• A. Include a safety margin
• B. Order exactly the amount
• C. Order more than your calculation
• D. Ask for a discount

Answer: (A)

Concrete pours have many uncertainties that change the actual volume you end up placing. Including a safety margin in your order accounts for these losses and variations so you don’t run short mid-pour. Things like concrete spilled or left in the truck chute, the amount that remains in forms and around equipment, differences in moisture content and slump, and small miscalculations can all reduce the usable volume you place. By ordering a little extra, you keep the pour on schedule and avoid cold joints or gaps in the slab. A typical margin is about 5-10%, adjusted for the complexity of the pour, weather, and site conditions. Ordering exactly the calculated amount can lead to shortages and delays, while the other options don’t address the real need to cover these practical losses.