Century Concrete in South Carolina: What to Know Before You Buy

Century Concrete supplies ready-mix concrete and aggregates to contractors, builders, and do-it-yourself projects across South Carolina

Century Concrete operates multiple locations throughout South Carolina, delivering concrete and related materials to job sites and retail customers. The company supplies ready-mix concrete—the wet mixture you order by the truck—as well as bagged concrete, sand, gravel, and other aggregates used in construction, landscaping, and repair work. If you are building a foundation, pouring a driveway, or laying a patio, Century Concrete is one of the established suppliers in the state.

Ready-mix concrete arrives at your site in a rotating drum truck, ready to pour immediately. This differs from bagged concrete, which you mix yourself with water. The choice between them depends on your project size, timeline, and whether you have equipment to handle large volumes.

Key Takeaways

• Century Concrete operates multiple locations across South Carolina and supplies both ready-mix concrete delivered by truck and bagged concrete for smaller projects.
• Ready-mix concrete is ordered by the cubic yard and arrives wet and ready to pour, while bagged concrete requires on-site mixing and is better for small repairs or patches.
• Concrete orders typically require advance notice, especially for large pours, because trucks are scheduled based on demand and distance from the plant.
• You will need to know your project's cubic yardage, access for a concrete truck, and whether your site has adequate drainage before placing an order.

Ready-Mix Concrete vs. Bagged Concrete

Ready-mix concrete is the standard choice for driveways, foundations, patios, and any project larger than a few square feet. A truck delivers the concrete in a wet state, and you have a window of time—usually 90 minutes to two hours depending on weather and additives—to place and finish it before it hardens. You pay by the cubic yard, and minimum orders vary by location but often start at three to five yards.

Bagged concrete comes in 60-pound or 80-pound bags that you mix yourself with water and a mixer or shovel. This option works for small repairs, setting fence posts, or filling holes. A single bag covers roughly 0.6 cubic feet, so a typical driveway would require dozens of bags and significant labor. Century Concrete sells bagged concrete at its retail locations, and you can purchase as few bags as you need.

The cost difference is significant for large projects. Ready-mix is cheaper per cubic yard but requires a truck delivery fee and a minimum order. Bagged concrete costs more per yard but has no delivery fee and no minimum, making it practical for homeowners doing small work.

Ordering Ready-Mix Concrete from Century Concrete

To order ready-mix concrete, contact your nearest Century Concrete location by phone or through their website. You will need to provide your project address, the amount of concrete in cubic yards, the date and time you want delivery, and the type of concrete (standard, air-entrained for freeze-thaw resistance, or specialty mixes). The dispatcher will confirm whether that date is available and quote a delivery fee based on distance from the plant.

Cubic yardage is calculated from your project dimensions. For a driveway that is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 4 inches thick, you would need roughly 2.5 cubic yards. Most suppliers provide a calculator on their website, or you can call and describe the project and they will estimate for you. Ordering too little means a second truck and second delivery fee; ordering too much means wasted concrete and cost.

Delivery windows are usually four hours wide. The truck will arrive during that window, and you need to be ready to pour. If the truck arrives and you are not prepared—no forms set, no crew ready—the driver may charge a waiting fee or leave and reschedule. Concrete does not wait.

Site Preparation and Access Requirements

A concrete truck is heavy and needs a clear, level path to your pour site. The truck's rear axle can weigh 30,000 pounds or more, so soft ground, gravel driveways, or steep slopes can be problems. If the truck cannot reach your site, you may need to hand-carry concrete in buckets or use a pump truck, both of which add cost and time.

Your site needs proper drainage so water does not pool on the finished concrete. If you are pouring a patio or driveway, slope it slightly away from structures. If the ground is wet or muddy, the concrete may not bond properly and can crack or fail early. Prepare the base—usually compacted gravel or sand—before the truck arrives.

You will also need a crew ready to work. Concrete sets quickly, and you need enough people to spread, level, and finish it before it hardens. For a typical driveway, that usually means at least two or three people working together. If you are doing this yourself for the first time, consider watching videos or consulting a contractor beforehand.

Types of Concrete and Additives

Standard concrete is suitable for most driveways, patios, and general construction. Air-entrained concrete contains tiny air bubbles and is used in areas where freeze-thaw cycles are common—which includes most of South Carolina during winter. The air pockets allow water to expand without cracking the concrete.

Specialty mixes include high-strength concrete for heavy-load applications, colored concrete for aesthetic projects, and fast-set concrete that hardens in hours rather than days. These cost more than standard concrete but may be necessary for your project. When you call to order, describe what you are building and ask what mix Century Concrete recommends.

Additives like plasticizers make concrete easier to work with, while accelerators speed up curing in cold weather. Retarders slow curing in hot weather so you have more time to finish. These are often included in the base price or added for a small fee.

Aggregates and Landscape Materials

Beyond concrete, Century Concrete supplies sand, gravel, crushed stone, and other aggregates used as base layers, fill, or decorative materials. Crushed granite and river rock are popular for landscaping around South Carolina homes. Sand is used under pavers, in concrete mixes, and for leveling. Gravel serves as a base for driveways and parking areas.

These materials are sold by the ton or cubic yard and can be delivered or picked up depending on the location and quantity. If you are planning a larger landscaping project or need fill for a foundation, call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.

Pricing and Payment

Concrete prices vary by location, mix type, and current material costs. Ready-mix concrete typically ranges from $130 to $180 per cubic yard in South Carolina, though this varies. Delivery fees depend on distance from the plant and usually run $50 to $150. Bagged concrete costs roughly $4 to $6 per bag at retail locations.

Most Century Concrete locations accept cash, check, and card. Some require payment at the time of order; others bill after delivery. Ask about payment terms when you call. If you are a contractor or regular customer, inquire about account pricing or volume discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance do I need to order concrete?

For standard orders, 24 to 48 hours is typical, though some locations can accommodate rush orders with a fee. Large orders or specialty mixes may need a week or more. Call your local Century Concrete location to ask what lead time they need for your specific project date.

What happens if I cancel my concrete order?

Cancellation policies vary by location. If you cancel far enough in advance, you may avoid charges. If you cancel close to delivery time or the truck is already en route, you may be charged a trip fee or the full order cost. Ask about the cancellation policy when you place your order.

Can I get concrete delivered on a weekend or evening?

Most Century Concrete locations operate Monday through Friday during business hours, with limited Saturday service at some plants. Evening and Sunday deliveries are rare. Call your nearest location to ask about their schedule and whether special timing is available.

What if my concrete cracks after it is poured?

Concrete cracks for many reasons: poor site preparation, improper finishing, rapid drying, or freeze-thaw cycles. Century Concrete supplies the material, but finishing and curing are the responsibility of the person pouring. If you believe the concrete itself was defective, contact the location where you ordered and describe the problem.

Do I need a contractor's license to buy concrete from Century Concrete?

No. Century Concrete sells to contractors, builders, and homeowners doing their own work. You do not need a license to purchase materials. However, if you are hiring a contractor to pour concrete, they will typically order it themselves and include the cost in their bid.