Premix Concrete in Hobart

Spring and autumn give you the most forgiving conditions for concrete work in Hobart — temperatures are moderate and you’ve got better odds of dry weather windows. Summer works fine too, though you’ll want to avoid pouring during the hottest parts of really warm days since concrete can set up faster than you’d like. Winter’s doable with the right mix and precautions, but you’re fighting shorter days, colder temperatures, and higher chances of rain interrupting your schedule. Most homeowners around Sandy Bay and Battery Point schedule their driveways and patios for September through April when conditions are more cooperative.

Light rain after the concrete’s been finished and had a couple hours to set usually won’t cause major problems, though you might get some surface pitting or texture changes. Heavy rain while you’re still screeding or floating is a bigger issue — it’ll wash cement paste off the surface and weaken the top layer, plus it makes finishing nearly impossible. That’s why we watch Hobart’s weather forecasts closely and recommend having tarps ready just in case conditions change faster than predicted. If rain’s coming within a few hours of your pour, we’ll usually suggest rescheduling rather than risking a compromised slab that’ll give you problems down the track.

You can carefully walk on concrete after about 24 hours for light foot traffic, though I’d keep it to a minimum for the first few days if possible. Driving on a new driveway needs more patience — wait at least 7 days for normal vehicles, and preferably 10-14 days if you’ve got heavier trucks or equipment. The concrete keeps gaining strength for 28 days as it cures, but it’ll be plenty hard for regular use after that first week. Hobart’s cooler temperatures mean curing happens a bit slower than mainland cities, so don’t rush it just because the surface looks dry and hard.

Most basic residential concrete like driveways, paths, and shed slabs don’t require permits from Hobart City Council, but there’s exceptions that’ll trip you up if you don’t check first. Anything structural like retaining walls over a certain height, work in heritage areas around Battery Point or Salamanca, or projects affecting stormwater drainage typically need approval before you start. Sloped properties around Mount Nelson often have additional requirements since you’re dealing with cut and fill that affects neighbouring properties. Ring the council before you order concrete — it’s a quick call that’ll save you from having to rip out work that wasn’t approved properly.

We can pump concrete to areas the truck can’t access directly, though that adds cost since you’re hiring a concrete pump and operator on top of the concrete itself. Hobart properties — especially around the hillside suburbs — often have tight access or steep driveways where trucks can’t position close enough for chute placement. The other option is wheelbarrowing from where the truck can reach, but that’s hard physical work and eats up your working time when you’ve only got 90 minutes to place everything. When you call to order, mention any access concerns so we can help you figure out the most practical solution before delivery day arrives.

Give us 48 hours notice if you can, though we’ll often accommodate shorter timeframes when our schedule allows. Summer months and spring get busier with renovation projects across Hobart, so booking a week ahead during those peak times gives you better odds of getting your preferred delivery day and time. Winter’s typically quieter, which means more flexibility on short-notice orders if weather provides a good window for pouring. The main thing is calling early enough that we can batch your specific mix and coordinate timing properly, rather than scrambling last minute when you realize your site prep’s finished and you’re ready for concrete.