Working with concrete requires more than just mixing it. But being able to do it well is the first step to building something lasting. Once you’ve mastered the technique, various home improvement projects will be within your grasp. So follow the simple steps below to learn how to mix concrete like a professional. 

Preparation 

Bagged concrete mix can do most simple chores around the house: fencing post footings, deck footings, even little concrete pads. Consider obtaining “ready-mix” concrete from a truck for jobs requiring more than 30 bags.

Home malls, lumberyards, and hardware stores stock 60- or 80-lb. bags of concrete mix. Don’t confuse concrete with sand or mortar. They lack the aggregate (stones or gravel) needed for a pour thicker than 3/4 inches. On the shelf, you’ll likely see “quick setting,” “high early strength,” and “fiber-reinforced” concrete mixes. Concrete mix is fine for most jobs. Check the bags’ instructions or the makers’ websites to see if one of the unique mixtures is better for your project.

To establish the proper concrete mix ratio, you can use a plastic tub, a homemade mixing tub, or a wheelbarrow. 

Concrete mixed in a wheelbarrow is easier to move and dump. For larger works, you could rent a mixer ($35/day), although ready-mix concrete may be cheaper. You’ll need a solid hoe, a large bucket, and a stiff-bristle scrub brush to clean the equipment. Concrete is caustic, so wear waterproof gloves and safety eyewear. If it gets on your skin, wash it off with water.

Step 1

With your hoe, open the bag of concrete mix and place it in the wheelbarrow. Next, remove the paper bag and discard the contents.

Step 2

One of the most typical mistakes beginners make is to add too much water, resulting in thin, soupy concrete. Here are some strategies for avoiding the issue and determining the proper concrete mix ratio.

To begin, pour a measured amount of water. You should note that the amount of water varies according to bag size into the mix using a bucket rather than a hose. 

Put a permanent marker on the water level so that you can refer to it later. Fill the wheelbarrow halfway with water, reserving about 4 cups to add later if necessary. Continue mixing for a few minutes after all the water has been absorbed, as the concrete will frequently become soupier during the mixing process. If you immediately add more water, the mixture may become runnier than desired. 

Finally, keep a few cups of dry concrete mix on hand if your mixture becomes excessively thin.

Step 3 

Draw a tiny amount of the dry mix into the water and thoroughly mix it with a hoe. A hoe is an excellent mixing tool. 

A flat shovel or spade may also suffice. Continue pulling and mixing until all of the powder is moistened and the mixture is piled at the wheelbarrow’s other end. Continue mixing by moving to the opposite end of the wheelbarrow and reversing the direction of the mix. This approach thoroughly wets all of the dry particles.

Step 4

Mix your concrete with a solid wheelbarrow. Additionally, ensure that it is placed on a flat surface. When mixing from the side, brace the wheelbarrow with your knee.

Concrete Mix Ratio

It’s tempting to squirt water into the dry concrete mix and mix up a soupy batch of concrete with a hose. After all, it’s faster and easier to pour watery concrete. The issue is that soupy concrete is approximately half as strong as properly mixed concrete and is more prone to crack.

That is why we propose measuring the water into a bucket first and adding only what is necessary. Even though the thicker mix is a little more challenging to place, the extra work will be worth it. Then, we’ll demonstrate how to get the highest level of consistency.

If the concrete is too dry

Create a trough by dragging the hoe through the mixture. The mix is dehydrated if the trough sides are crumbly and the concrete falls in chunks when disturbed. You should add water one cup at a time and stir thoroughly between additions.

If the concrete has too much water or is too wet

Add additional dry concrete if the mix is excessively wet, soupy, and sags into the trench.

The right mix

When the edges of the trough stand upright and the components are thoroughly wetted, the mixture is just right. Patting the concrete with a hoe leaves a slightly sparkly surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cement good on its own?

Cement comprises minerals such as limestone and clay crushed into a fine powder that acts as a binder for concrete. Cement can be manufactured using different materials. However, it cannot substitute for concrete.

Is it possible to only mix cement with water?

If you combine cement and water, you will get grout suitable for repairing concrete structures. Additionally, this cement-based grout mix is employed in settings where conventional concrete would fail, such as underwater concreting. Concrete is widely used throughout the world due to its durability, economy, and adaptability.

Consult with an Expert

Mixing concrete may sound simple, but it can be tricky. Therefore, it would be best to be equipped with the proper knowledge to accomplish this task.

Be sure to seek a trusted professional contractor for help if necessary. Get in touch with Paragon Remodeling today.