Lipscomb Concrete: What to Know Before You Order

Lipscomb Concrete supplies ready-mix concrete to contractors and homeowners across South Carolina, with plants in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions

Lipscomb Concrete operates as a regional supplier of ready-mix concrete—the pre-batched mixture delivered by truck that hardens on-site. The company serves both commercial construction projects and smaller residential jobs like driveways, patios, and foundations. Understanding how ready-mix concrete works, what Lipscomb offers, and how to place an order will help you plan your project timeline and budget.

Ready-mix concrete arrives at your site in a rotating drum truck, which keeps the mixture workable during transport. You pay for the concrete by the cubic yard, and the truck operator pours it where you direct. This differs from bagged concrete, which you mix yourself in smaller quantities, or from hiring a concrete finisher who brings their own supplier.

Key Takeaways

• Lipscomb Concrete delivers ready-mix concrete from plants in the Midlands and Lowcountry, so your location determines whether they service your address.
• You order by cubic yardage and pay based on the amount delivered, with minimum orders typically required for truck delivery.
• Concrete must be poured and finished the same day it arrives, so you need your site prepared, forms set, and crew ready before the truck shows up.
• Lead time varies by season and demand; summer and spring are busier, so ordering ahead reduces delays.
• The concrete supplier handles delivery and pouring; you or your contractor handles site prep, finishing, and curing.

How to Contact Lipscomb Concrete and Place an Order

Lipscomb Concrete takes orders by phone or through their website. When you call, have your project details ready: the cubic yardage you need, your delivery address, the date you want the concrete, and the type of finish (standard, air-entrained for freeze-thaw climates, or specialty mixes). The dispatcher will confirm whether your location is within their service area and whether that date is available.

Minimum orders apply—typically 4 to 5 cubic yards for a single truck load. If your project is smaller, you may need to order bagged concrete from a building supply store instead, or combine your order with a neighbor's project to meet the minimum. Lipscomb can also advise on whether your project size justifies a truck delivery.

Payment terms vary. Some customers pay on delivery; others arrange net terms if they have an account. Ask about current pricing when you call, as concrete costs fluctuate with material and fuel prices.

Preparing Your Site Before the Truck Arrives

The concrete truck cannot wait while you set up. Your site must be ready the moment the driver arrives, or you may face demurrage charges (fees for the truck sitting idle). This means your forms must be in place, your subgrade compacted and level, and your crew standing by with finishing tools.

Clear the access route to your pour location so the truck can position itself safely. The truck's boom (the chute that directs concrete) reaches about 15 to 20 feet, so position your forms within that range if possible. If the truck cannot reach your location, you will need a pump truck or wheelbarrows to move concrete by hand—an added cost and labor burden.

Check weather forecasts before ordering. Concrete should not be poured in heavy rain, freezing temperatures, or extreme heat. If conditions are poor on your scheduled day, contact Lipscomb to reschedule rather than pouring in unsuitable weather.

Understanding Concrete Types and Mixes

Lipscomb offers standard concrete mixes suited to most residential and light commercial work. Standard concrete is typically a 3,000 to 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) mix, which is strong enough for driveways, patios, and residential foundations. Heavier-duty projects like commercial floors or structural elements may require 5,000 PSI or higher.

Air-entrained concrete contains tiny air bubbles that protect the concrete from freeze-thaw damage—important in South Carolina's winter months, especially in the Upstate where freezing is more common. If your project is in the Lowcountry or coastal areas where freezing is rare, standard concrete may be sufficient and less expensive.

Specialty mixes—such as self-consolidating concrete or fiber-reinforced options—are available but cost more. Ask Lipscomb what mix they recommend for your specific use. A driveway, foundation, and decorative patio may each need different specifications.

Finishing and Curing Your Concrete

Once the concrete is poured, your crew has a limited window—usually 1 to 2 hours depending on temperature and mix—to finish it. Finishing means screeding (leveling) the surface, floating it smooth, and broom-finishing for traction if needed. This is skilled work; if you are not experienced, hire a concrete finisher before the truck arrives.

After finishing, the concrete must cure. Do not let anyone walk or drive on it for at least 7 days, and avoid heavy loads for 28 days. Keep it moist during curing by misting it with water or covering it with plastic. In hot, dry weather, curing is especially critical—concrete that dries too fast can crack.

Lipscomb delivers the concrete; curing and finishing are your responsibility. Plan your project schedule around this timeline so you are not rushed.

Seasonal Demand and Ordering Ahead

Spring and summer are peak seasons for concrete work in South Carolina. If you need concrete between April and September, order at least one to two weeks ahead to secure your preferred date. Winter and fall are slower, and you may be able to order with shorter notice.

Weather delays are common. If rain or cold temperatures postpone your pour, Lipscomb will work with you to reschedule, but availability may shift. Build flexibility into your project timeline, especially if you are coordinating with other trades.

If you are planning a large project or multiple pours, discuss this with Lipscomb when you first call. They may be able to reserve capacity or offer volume pricing.

Cost Factors and What Affects Your Price

Concrete pricing depends on the cubic yardage ordered, the mix type, delivery distance from the plant, and current material costs. A standard 4-cubic-yard driveway pour will cost less per yard than a 10-cubic-yard foundation, because the truck's fixed cost is spread across more material. Specialty mixes, air entrainment, and long-distance delivery all add to the bill.

Fuel surcharges may apply if you are far from the plant. Lipscomb's Midlands plant serves the Columbia area and surrounding counties; the Lowcountry plant serves the Charleston region and coastal areas. If you are near a plant boundary, ask which location will serve you and whether distance affects pricing.

Demurrage charges apply if the truck must wait beyond a set time (usually 15 minutes) while you finish pouring. Avoid this by having your site and crew fully ready before the truck arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order concrete for a small project like a single patio?

Most ready-mix suppliers, including Lipscomb, have minimum orders of 4 to 5 cubic yards. A typical patio may need only 2 to 3 yards. You have two options: buy bagged concrete from a building supply store and mix it yourself, or combine your order with a neighbor's project to meet the minimum. Call Lipscomb to discuss your specific project size.

What happens if the weather turns bad on my pour day?

Contact Lipscomb as soon as you know conditions are unsuitable. They can reschedule your delivery to another date. Pouring in heavy rain, freezing temperatures, or extreme heat compromises concrete strength and durability, so rescheduling is better than proceeding. Be aware that rescheduling may shift your delivery date by several days during peak season.

Do I need to hire a concrete finisher, or can I finish it myself?

Finishing concrete is a skilled trade. If you have experience and the right tools, you can finish a small, simple pour like a patio. For driveways, foundations, or any structural element, hire a professional finisher. They work quickly and know how to achieve proper slope for drainage and a durable surface. Discuss this with your concrete supplier when you order.

How long before I can drive on a new concrete driveway?

Wait at least 7 days before allowing foot traffic and 28 days before driving on it. In cooler weather, curing takes longer. Keep the concrete moist during this period by misting it or covering it with plastic. Driving on concrete too early can cause cracking and surface damage that shortens its lifespan.

What if the concrete truck cannot reach my site?

If your location is not accessible to a standard concrete truck, you will need a pump truck to move concrete from the truck to your site, or you will need to move it by wheelbarrow. Both options add labor and cost. Discuss access with Lipscomb when you order so you can plan and budget accordingly.