How to Prepare for Concrete Footings – A Complete Guide for 365 Concrete Customers in Surrey, Berkshire & Middlesex
Planning a new extension, home build, or garage in Surrey, Berkshire, or Middlesex? One of the most important early steps is making sure your concrete footings are properly prepared. If you’re booking a concrete delivery with 365 Concrete, this guide will show you exactly how to prepare for concrete footings, so your foundation work goes smoothly from start to finish.
At 365 Concrete, we specialise in delivering volumetric concrete for footings, foundations, and structural work across the South East. Here’s everything you need to know to get your project off the ground—literally.
Why Concrete Footings Matter
Footings are the base of your structure. They distribute the load of the building into the ground and provide long-term stability. A poorly prepared foundation can lead to structural issues, cracking, or even subsidence—so getting this stage right is critical.
Step 1: Know Your Footing Requirements
Before you start digging or ordering your concrete, you’ll need to know:
- Required depth and width of the trench (usually 600mm–1,000mm deep)
- Ground conditions (e.g., clay, chalk, sand, loam)
- Building regulations and structural requirements
- Whether reinforced concrete or additional additives are required
At 365 Concrete, we can help you select the right concrete mix for footings once you know these details.
Recommended mixes:
- C20 concrete – for light domestic use
- C25/C30 – standard for house and garage footings
- C35/C40 – for high-strength foundations
Step 2: Excavate Your Trenches
Once you’ve confirmed your footing specs, it’s time to dig:
- Mark out the layout with string lines and stakes
- Use a mini digger or hand tools to dig to the correct depth and width
- Remove loose soil and debris to create a clean trench
- Compact the base if needed, especially on soft ground
Pro Tip: Uneven or unstable trench bases can cause issues with load distribution—level them out for best results.
Step 3: Install Reinforcements (If Required)
Some foundations require steel reinforcements for added strength:
- Place rebar or mesh 50–75mm above the trench base
- Use spacer blocks or chairs to keep them correctly positioned
- Tie all reinforcement securely to prevent movement during the pour
- Reinforced concrete footings are often used for larger builds or unstable soil types.
Step 4: Prepare for Your Concrete Delivery
If you’ve booked with 365 Concrete, here’s how to get ready:
- Ensure access is clear for our volumetric concrete truck (minimum 3m wide access)
- Remove parked cars, debris, or obstructions from the site entrance
- Book a concrete pump if access to the trench is limited (we can help with this)
- Make sure your team is on hand ready for the concrete
Because we mix fresh on-site, you can adjust your order or mix strength as needed—one of the many benefits of choosing volumetric concrete delivery.
Step 5: Pour and Finish Your Footings
Once our team is on-site:
- We’ll begin mixing your concrete for footings instantly
- You can pay only for what you use—no over-ordering or waste
- You should use rakes, shovels, and tampers to spread and level the mix
- Vibrate or compact the concrete to eliminate air pockets
- You should use levels to ensure a consistent, even finish
Once poured, allow your footings to cure for at least 24–48 hours before building further.
Why Choose 365 Concrete for Your Foundation Project?
We’ve been supplying concrete in Surrey, Berkshire, and Middlesex for over 40 years, and we know how important great service is to any build.
Here’s why customers choose us for footings and foundations:
✅ Volumetric concrete means fresh, mixed-on-site concrete every time
✅ Only pay for what you use – ideal for footing work with variable trench sizes
✅ Fast delivery across all areas – often same-day or next-day
✅ Trusted by builders and homeowners throughout the region
✅ Expert advice to help you choose the right mix for your job
📍We cover:
Surrey – Woking, Guildford, Epsom, Staines, Shepperton etc
Berkshire – Slough, Windsor, Maidenhead, Bracknell etc
Middlesex – Twickenham, Hounslow, Uxbridge, Staines etc
📞 Book Your Concrete Footings Delivery Today
Ready to pour? Give us a call today to schedule your volumetric concrete delivery for footings and foundations. We’ll mix the exact quantity and strength you need, right on site—no fuss, no waste, just reliable, high-performance concrete.
👉 Trust in experience. Get your concrete mixed by the best – 365 Concrete.