There’s a reason why more and more builders are choosing custom precast concrete. In the U.S., its use has shot up by around 15% in the last five years, and it’s not just here, other countries are also moving towards this method.
Custom precast concrete makes construction faster, more efficient, and more reliable, making it a more appealing choice for building stuff.
But is it always the right choice?
Custom precast concrete is exactly what it sounds like, concrete components made off-site to fit specific project needs. Making the construction process faster because instead of pouring concrete on location, these parts are manufactured in controlled conditions and delivered ready to go.
That means better quality control, quicker installation, and serious durability, but it’s not that simple as it has its own downsides like transporting them can be a headache and poor planning can lead to costly mistakes, making the construction process more hectic than it already is.
In this post, we’ll break down what custom precast concrete is, why it’s used, how much it costs, and when it might not be the best option to consider. So, without any further delay, let’s begin with it.
What is meant by custom precast concrete?
Custom precast concrete, you might already have a clear idea what it’s about by its name. It’s a concrete product that’s made off site, then it’s brought to the construction site ready to be used.
The best thing about custom precast concrete is that instead of using standard molds, builders get components designed specifically for their project. If they need a curved staircase, a load-bearing wall with a unique finish, custom precast can make it happen.
There’s a reason why it’s gaining popularity among people, and according to the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA), the global precast concrete market is expected to hit nearly $200 billion by 2028, with North America leading the charge.
Mostly because of its speed and consistency. Since these elements are made in a controlled setting, they’re stronger, more precise, offer a great amount of durability, and ready to install as soon as they arrive. That means fewer delays in work, less wastage of materials, and a cleaner job site.
But there’s also a downside to these custom precast concrete too.
Customization means there’s going to be complexity and if there are mistakes in design or measurements, it can lead to expensive rework.
While the precast is durable, transporting large, heavy panels isn’t always a simple task. But still, for many projects, the benefits greatly outweigh the downsides.
Benefits of custom precast concrete?
Construction projects take a lot of time and it’s quite frustrating but there’s something to speed up the process, and that’s custom precast concrete.
It speeds things up, makes everything more reliable, highly durable, better quality, and can be installed once they arrive at the construction site. Let’s break it down.
Faster results
Time is money, especially in construction, and nobody wants a project dragging on for months just because concrete needs to cure on-site. That’s one of the biggest reasons why custom precast concrete has become a go-to solution.
Now builders don’t have to wait around for each concrete to set, everything’s done ahead of time in a controlled factory setting.
There will be no weather delays, no last-minute site surprises, just perfect, ready-to-install concrete pieces arriving when you need them.
It was noticed that precast construction can cut project timelines by up to 50% compared to traditional methods, which means fast construction process, this means lower labor costs, earlier occupancy, and less hassles.
It’s a win-win situation for both the builder and the homeowner.
Higher efficiency
Speed really matters when it comes to construction projects, you as a homeowner, are spending a lot to get the work done, the labor and the time they are spending to do your work, really counts. That’s why custom precast concrete is an excellent option.
Unlike traditional on-site concrete pours that get delayed by weather, labor shortages, or just bad luck, precast elements are made in a controlled environment. You don’t have to worry about rain, wind, or some other unexpected delays.
And because these pieces arrive, they are all ready to be installed, this makes the construction move faster. Using precast concrete can cut construction time by up to 50% compared to traditional methods, which is a really good thing.
That means there’s less time spent waiting, more time getting things done, now that’s efficiency you can actually see.
Consistent and better quality
Custom precast concrete isn’t just about convenience, it’s about maintaining consistency. When you’re pouring concrete on-site, so many things can go wrong like the weather going bad, the mix, the curing conditions, any of those can mess with the final result.
But with a precast, you don’t have to worry about all these things. Every piece is made in a controlled environment, with the exact same process, every time, so there will be no surprises or anything to compromise.
Precast concrete simply minimizes human error, reduces material wastage, and delivers a final product that’s stronger and more reliable, and in construction, reliability is everything.
Highly durable
Concrete’s already tough but custom precast, its toughness is something on a different level. We’re talking about a material that can easily withstand extreme weather, fire, and even chemical exposure like it’s nothing.
It’s different from traditional poured concrete, which can have weak spots due to inconsistent curing, but the custom precast concrete is made in a controlled environment, which means fewer cracks, better durability, and a much longer lifespan.
A well-made precast structure can last over 100 years, and that’s not just marketing fluff because there are live examples like parking garages, and stadiums across the U.S., proving it daily.
When maintenance costs stack up over decades, durability isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential. And that’s why custom precast is the go-to for projects that need to last.
Best for heavy loads
If you’re dealing with a structure that needs to handle serious weight, something like bridges, parking garages, or industrial buildings, precast concrete is a solid choice, because it’s designed to take on heavy loads without cracking under pressure.
This is because it’s poured and cured in a controlled environment, where you don’t have to worry about rain or any other issue to delay the process, so you get dense, high-strength concrete every time. Also, it’s reinforced with steel, it can support massive amounts of weight without shifting or failing.
There’s a reason you see precast in high-traffic areas, it’s built to last, even under constant stress. When you need something that won’t buckle under thousands of pounds, this is the option you should go for.
What is the difference between concrete and precast concrete?
Concrete is everywhere, whether it’s roads, buildings, bridges, you name it. Traditional concrete, that’s also called cast-in-place, is mixed and poured right at the construction site. It’s shaped using wooden or metal forms, then left to cure.
The downside to using traditional concrete is that it takes time to set and weather plays a huge role in it.
If it’s too hot, it will dry too fast and end up cracking. But if it’s too cold, it takes forever to set, and let’s not even talk about when it rains.
Precast concrete, on the other hand, is made in a factory under controlled conditions. This means no surprises, just consistent quality every time.
Once cured, the pieces are then transported to the site and assembled like giant Lego blocks.
This helps save time, effort, and speeds up the construction process. There’s a reason why people are considering it over traditional concrete and that’s what it’s about.
How much does precast concrete cost?
Precast concrete pricing depends on a few things, it’s thickness, shape, finish, and, of course, where you’re getting it from. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere between $20 to $35 per square foot for basic panels.
If you’re after something custom like unique shapes, intricate designs, or high-end finishes, then consider an increase in price, somewhere around $50 per square foot or more.
Labor costs are another factor since precast is made in a controlled environment, you’re cutting down on on-site work, which saves money. But then you have to consider the transport and installation of precast too. That’s where things can add up, especially for large pieces.
Still, when you compare it to traditional concrete work, precast often comes out ahead. You get faster build times, no materials are wasted, and also gives you more durability, so in the long run, it’s usually worth every penny.
Disadvantages of Choosing Precast Concrete
Precast concrete is great as it offers efficiency, and durability. But like everything, it’s not perfect. There are some drawbacks you should know before going all in.
First off, transportation of these precast concrete is a hassle. These pieces are big, heavy, and need special trucks and cranes to move them. If you’re building far from a precast plant, costs can increase real fast.
Then there’s the design limitations, it’s true that you can customize the precast, but once it’s made, changes aren’t that easy. Unlike a cast-in-place concrete, you can’t really make on-site changes.
Another thing is the connections between precast elements. If they aren’t done right, they can lead to weak spots. If there are bad joints, it could mean water leaks, durability issues, and in extreme cases, structural failures. If you have heard of the Ronan Point collapse, that was a precast disaster because the precast pieces were checked properly.
Lastly, skilled labor is a must because installing precast isn’t just as simple as stacking blocks. If it’s not installed properly, it can ruin all the benefits. So, while precast has its perks, it’s not always the easy way out.
Conclusion
Reflecting on custom precast concrete, it’s clear that this method offers both significant benefits and notable challenges. There are some great advantages, such as shortening construction timelines, enhancing efficiency, consistent quality, exceptional durability, and the capacity to support heavy loads.
This makes it an attractive option for many builders and homeowners. But it’s essential to acknowledge the potential downsides too, including higher initial costs, transportation, and design limitations.
Personally, having worked on several projects utilizing custom precast concrete, I’ve witnessed firsthand the efficiency it brings to the construction process, but I’ve also encountered challenges related to design flexibility.
Therefore, when considering custom precast concrete for your projects, it’s crucial to evaluate how its characteristics align with your specific needs and constraints.
