Although precast concrete is quite heavy, nearly all other competing materials require machinery for handling and installation as well. Speed of installation is more dependent on excavation than product handling and placement. Unlike other materials such as fiberglass, precast concrete does not require the use of special rigging (such as fabric slings) to avoid structural damage.

Precast is one of the most versatile and sustainable building materials available for today's fast-paced, environmentally conscious construction. Precast concrete products arrive at the job site ready to install, which can save weeks over cast-in-place construction. Precast reduces the need for skilled labor on site and decreases the footprint. There is no need to order raw materials such as reinforcing steel and concrete, and no time wasted setting up forms, placing reinforcement, pouring concrete and waiting for concrete to cure.

The strength of precast concrete gradually increases over time. Other materials can deteriorate, experience creep and stress relaxation, lose strength and deflect over time. The load-carrying capacity of precast concrete is derived from its own structural qualities and does not rely on the strength or quality of the surrounding backfill materials.