C10 Concrete (10N) – Uses, Price & Delivery in London
For domestic concrete requirements, C10 concrete mix is a basic for working on various non-structural applications. With a standardised formula, it attains a strength rating of 10 newtons after a curing period of 28 days.
C10 can be used in commercial projects for basic needs.
C10 is ideal in the following applications:
- Utility and drainage filling
- Paving/footpaths
- Manhole covers / low strength requirements
Technically reviewed by Jim Taylor, Owner of Mixit Concrete, with over 42 years of concrete-industry experience.
C10 Volumetric Mix Design Ratios
When batching raw volumetric materials, a standard C10 non-structural grade follows an exact 1:3:6 mix ratio (1 part ordinary Portland cement to 3 parts clean sharp sand to 6 parts coarse 20mm aggregate). To guarantee a characteristic compressive strength class of 10 N/mm² at the full 28-day cure cycle, our computerised batch plants monitor material batch weights to maintain a minimum cement content parameter of 220kg per cubic metre (m³).
Maintaining this specific lean ratio ensures an economical foundation for non-load-bearing applications while preventing excess heat generation during curing. It provides a highly stable, uniform base that prevents moisture transfer from the ground into lightweight domestic garden features.
C10 Concrete – Solutions in London & Surrounding Areas
C10 concrete is a low strength, highly workable mix commonly used across domestic and light duty construction projects. With a characteristic compressive strength of 10 N/mm², it offers slightly more durability and stability than C7/8 while still being easy to place, shape, and finish. Although not suitable for structural load bearing applications, C10 plays a vital role in foundational preparation, bedding, and non structural installations where precision and reliability matter more than high compressive strength.
In domestic settings, C10 is often the first concrete a homeowner encounters during a project, whether it’s being used to create a blinding layer beneath a new extension, to bed kerbs and edgings, or to support drainage and utility works. Its forgiving nature makes it a favourite among contractors, especially when working in tight spaces or on uneven ground. C10 is also cost effective, making it an excellent choice for preparatory work that doesn’t require the strength of higher grade mixes.
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C10 Technical Characteristics
Strength Rating
- 10 N/mm² compressive strength at 28 days.
- Often equivalent to GEN1 in some UK specifications.
Workability
C10 is typically supplied with a medium slump, though higher slumps can be requested for more flowable applications. Its workability makes it easy to:
- Spread
- Level
- Compact
- Shape around pipes or edges
This ease of use is one of the reasons it is so widely used in domestic groundwork.
Setting Time
Setting times vary with temperature and moisture, but typical values include:
- Initial set: 2–3 hours
- Final set: 6–8 hours
- Full cure: 28 days
C10 can usually be built upon within 24–48 hours, depending on the application.
Mix Composition
C10 contains:
- A moderate amount of cement
- Fine and coarse aggregates
- Water adjusted for workability
- Optional admixtures such as plasticisers or retarders
The mix is designed to be stable and consistent rather than strong.
Material Compatibility
C10 is compatible with:
- Clay and UPVC pipes
- Concrete kerbs
- Damp‑proof membranes (when used as blinding)
- Most soils and compacted sub‑bases
Avoid using C10 in:
- Sulphate‑rich soils (unless sulphate‑resistant cement is specified)
- Structural applications requiring reinforcement
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Customer Testimonials
“The team recommended using C10 for the blinding layer under our new extension, and it worked brilliantly. The concrete went down quickly, set nicely, and gave a perfectly smooth base for the builders to work from. Everything felt solid and well‑prepared from the start.”
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Why Choose C10 Concrete?
C10 is the ideal choice when you need:
- A reliable blinding layer
- A stable bedding for kerbs and edgings
- A supportive base for drainage and utility works
- A cost‑effective, easy‑to‑place mix for non‑structural tasks
It is not suitable for:
- Load‑bearing slabs
- Driveways
- Structural foundations
- Reinforced concrete elements
For those applications, higher grades such as C20, C25, or C30 are more appropriate.
Engineering Specifications & Standard UK Code Equivalencies
For building contractors, structural engineers, and local authority inspectors, C10 concrete is specified under British Standard BS 8500-2 as the direct equivalent to GEN 1 (General Purpose Mix 1) and ST1 Standard Mixes. This means it satisfies the design requirements for unreinforced mass concrete fill, trench fill, and blinding layers in non-aggressive ground conditions (Design Chemical Class DC-1).
Choosing a C10 mix configuration provides the necessary stability for domestic site preparation, agricultural backfill, and low-stress pathway bases. If your site plans call out an ST1 or GEN1 mix descriptor, this C10 formulation meets or exceeds those exact structural criteria.
Slump and Workability Variations for On-Site Placement
Depending on how the mix is being placed on your site, the workability of the batch can be adjusted. For traditional mass filling or trench pouring where the concrete is dropped directly from the chute, we supply a standard S1 or S2 slump. This provides a stiffer consistency that holds its shape well and prevents trench side collapse.
While C10 is typically unpumped due to its higher aggregate-to-cement ratio, light adjustments using specialized fine-aggregate blend adjustments can be made if access constraints require line pump assistance. This ensures a clean delivery without segregation of the larger 20mm stones on live sites.
Questions we are often asked about C10 Concrete
C10 is a low‑strength, non‑structural concrete used for blinding layers, kerb bedding, drainage surrounds, and basic fill work. It provides a level, protective surface and prevents contamination of structural concrete placed above it.
(From: C10 Concrete)
No. C10 is not designed for structural applications. Its low compressive strength makes it unsuitable for foundations, slabs, or any load‑bearing elements. Higher‑strength mixes such as C20 or C25 are recommended for structural work.
(From: C10 Concrete)
C10 provides a clean, stable surface for setting reinforcement and membranes. It prevents contamination from soil and creates an even base that improves accuracy and quality when placing higher‑strength structural concrete.
(From: C10 Concrete)
C10 concrete reaches a compressive strength of around 10 N/mm² after 28 days. This strength level is adequate for light‑duty and preparatory work but not suitable for any structural requirements.
(From: C10 Concrete)
No. Mixes with a higher cement content and sand content will be required for pumping.
(From: C10 Concrete)
C10 begins setting within a few hours, depending on weather conditions. It can often be walked on the following day, but full curing requires 28 days. Proper curing helps prevent dusting and early cracking.
(From: C10 Concrete)
Yes. Because C10 uses less cement than higher‑strength mixes, it is cost‑effective for non‑structural tasks. It is ideal when strength is not required but a clean, level, workable surface is needed.
(From: C10 Concrete)
Technically reviewed by Jim Taylor
Jim Taylor, Owner of Mixit Concrete
This guide was technically reviewed by Jim Taylor, the owner of Mixit Concrete, who has over 42 years of experience in the concrete industry.
Drawing on decades of practical industry knowledge, Jim reviewed the information relating to C10 concrete strength, common applications, volume calculations, delivery requirements, concrete pumping and site preparation.
Jim oversees Mixit Concrete’s operations and has extensive first-hand experience supplying ready-mix concrete for domestic and commercial projects across London, Essex and Hertfordshire.
Technically reviewed: 16th June 2026
Not sure if the C10 non-structural grade is right for your project layout?
If you are laying a standard domestic house extension or garage workshop base, look at our C25 Concrete Mix Guide. For external public footpaths and patio slabs, view our C20 Structural Concrete Specifications.
