How to Properly Mix Concrete (DIY)

Introduction

There are a ton of DIY projects that call for concrete, from building a sidewalk to pouring a concrete slab for a patio. Projects like these can add curb appeal to your home or make your backyard a little more comfortable.

Concrete is a strong, durable material that, when properly taken care of, lasts for generations. The best part is that concrete is relatively easy to work with, even for beginners.

The first step in working with concrete is learning how to mix it properly. Here, we’ll show you what the perfect mix looks like. We’ll also show you a mixing technique that will ensure thoroughly mixed concrete with a minimum of effort.

What’s the Difference Between Concrete and Cement?

Cement is an ingredient in concrete. Concrete is essentially made from two basic components: cement and an aggregate of sand and stones. Smaller stones fill the gaps between the larger ones, and the sand fills the gaps between those. The cement is the glue that holds it all together.

Cement itself is mostly made from limestone that’s been ground up and heated at extremely high temperatures. Adding water causes a chemical reaction that binds the cement together with the aggregate.

And that’s why mixing concrete properly is so important.

Bagged Concrete Mix

For most small jobs around the home, bagged concrete mix is the most convenient and least expensive way to go. You can use it for fence post footings, deck footings and even small concrete pads. For jobs requiring more than about 30 bags, consider ordering “ready-mix” concrete from a truck instead.

Sixty- or 80-lb. bags of concrete mix are readily available at home centers, lumberyards and hardware stores. Don’t confuse concrete mix with sand mix or mortar mix. They don’t contain the aggregate (stones or gravel) that’s necessary to make a pour thicker than about 3/4 in.

Why Use a Wheelbarrow for Mixing Concrete?

Whether you hand mix concrete in a plastic tub, homemade mixing tub or wheelbarrow, the technique is the same to find the right concrete mix ratio. However, it’s easier to move and dump concrete that’s mixed in a wheelbarrow. For larger jobs, you can rent a mixer, but it may be more economical to simply order ready-mix concrete.

In addition to a mixing container, you’ll need a sturdy hoe and a large bucket as well as a stiff-bristle scrub brush to clean the equipment. Wear waterproof gloves and safety glasses because the cement mixing in the concrete mix is caustic and can burn skin. Wash it off with water if it gets on your skin.

Concrete Mix to Water Ratio

Mixing bags of concrete isn’t complicated. You add some water, stir it up and pour it out. But to get the most strength from the concrete, you have to recognize when it has just the right amount of water mixed in.

Too little water and the particles in the mix won’t stick together. Too much water weakens the concrete.

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