Thinking about managing your own slab, shed, or footings pour? Hiring a concrete line pump as a DIY builder is not only possible, it’s smart. With the right preparation and the right crew on your side, you can cut costs, stay on schedule, and pour like a pro.

At Hunter Concrete Pump Hire, we regularly work with owner-builders across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast. Whether you need help sourcing concrete, organising labour or lining up the pour, we’re here to make it easy.

1. Planning Your Concrete Pump Hire as a DIY Builder

Before you book your pump, there are a few essentials to tick off:

• Site Access: Can we get a line pump close to your pour area? Is the ground level and safe for setup?
• Pour Size and Timing: How many cubic metres of concrete will you need, and when is the site ready?
• Type of Job: Is it a backyard slab, shed base, footings, or a driveway?

If you’re not sure about your mix type or volume, we can help you calculate the total concrete needed based on your dimensions and thickness.

This is how you calculate how much Concrete you will require

Concrete is measured in cubic metres (m³). To work out how much you need for a slab or footing, use this:

Length (m) × Width (m) × Depth (m) = Volume (m³)

Convert all measurements to metres first. For example:
A slab that’s 8 metres long, 5 metres wide, and 100mm thick (0.1m): 8 × 5 × 0.1 = 4.0m³

But you should never order the exact number. Always round up by 10% to allow for wastage, undulations in the formwork, or spill at the pump. So in this case, you’d order 4.4m³.
For more examples see our page on calcula

Quick Volume Guide for Common Slab Sizes

Slab Size (m)	Thickness (mm)	Volume (m³)	Add 10% Overrun	Final Order (m³)
4 × 4	100	1.6	0.16	1.8
6 × 6	100	3.6	0.36	4.0
8 × 5	100	4.0	0.40	4.4
10 × 6	150	9.0	0.90	9.9
12 × 10	100	12.0	1.20	13.2

2. We Can Help You Organise the Concrete Supply

Rather than chase around suppliers yourself, you can lean on our experience. We work with local concrete plants across the region and can schedule your delivery to line up perfectly with the pump hire.

We also account for:

• Tight access situations
• Primer requirements
• Pump set-up length
• Your preferred start time

Because everything is coordinated through us, you don’t have to manage two separate contractors on the day.

3. We Can Arrange Labour Support (If You Need It)

While some DIY builders have a crew ready to go, others need a hand. If you’re short on labour, let us know. We can supply experienced concreters who know how to screed, finish, and edge slabs properly — without slowing the job down.

This is especially useful if:

• It’s your first time pouring
• You want help controlling the mix
• You’re working with coloured or polished concrete

4. What Happens on the Day of the Pour

Here’s what to expect when we arrive on site:

• Setup and Primer: We’ll set up the pump, hoses, and safety zone. Primer is added to lubricate the line.
• Delivery Arrival: Concrete trucks arrive at the booked time. We’ll communicate with the driver directly.
• Pumping and Placement: Concrete is pumped smoothly into your formwork. We’ll guide your team (or ours) through the pour sequence.
• Final Clean: Once the pour is done, we wash out the line and remove all gear.

There’s no mess, no guessing, and no delay. Everything moves fast — and professionally.

5. What About Aftercare?

Once the concrete is in place, your job is to:

• Keep it moist if needed (especially in heat)
• Protect it from rain or debris
• Fence it off if kids or pets are around

We’ll advise you on timing if you’re planning to cut control joints, apply sealers, or install any fixings.

If you have questions a few days later, we’re still just a call away.

Why More Owner-Builders Are Using Our Concrete Pump Hire Service

• We simplify the job by managing the concrete supply and the pump hire.
• We turn up on time, ready to go — and clean up after ourselves.
• We offer affordable flat-rate pricing and experienced labour (if needed).
• We’re local and know the ground conditions, weather patterns, and mix types that work here.

No over complications. Just straightforward, professional concrete pumping support for DIY projects.

FAQ For DIY Builders And Cement Pump Hire

Do I need a license to hire a concrete pump for a DIY job?

No license is needed to hire a concrete pump as an owner-builder. Our licensed operator handles the machinery. You just need to prepare the site and formwork properly.

How much notice should I give to book a concrete pump?

We recommend at least 3–5 days’ notice. For busy periods, a week or more ensures your preferred time slot and pump size are available.

What kind of concrete mix should I use?

This depends on your project — a standard 20 MPa mix suits most slabs and driveways, but footings, polished finishes, or shed bases may require a higher-strength or coloured mix. We can help you choose the right one.

Can you help me work out how much concrete I need?

Absolutely. Just provide the length, width and thickness of the pour in metres. We’ll calculate the volume and add 10% overrun for safe measure.

Can I do the pour without extra labour?

You can if you’re experienced and have at least one or two helpers. But if not, we strongly recommend using our concreting labour. It’ll prevent delays and mistakes that could cost more later.