How to Mix Concrete
When it comes to construction of foundations, footings, sidewalks and even driveways, you’ll always see concrete being used. Of course, mixing it the right way to achieve the right consistency is very important, otherwise your concrete won’t be very strong. If you’re a do-it-yourself fellow, you mix concrete by yourself. Here’s what to do.
What You’ll Need:
Pre-mixed cement
Water
Tub or wheelbarrow
Shovel
Coloring agent (optional)
Procedure:
Purchase some pre-mixed cement from a hardware store. If you’re a newbie at this task, it’s better if you start with this type of material. Read the instructions carefully. After you get used to pre-mixed cement, you can proceed to making your own concrete mixture, composed of sand, aggregate (usually pea gravel) and cement.
Wear a face mask, gloves and protective eyewear when mixing concrete. Dust from the mix can be caustic.
Pour some pre-mixed cement into the tub or wheelbarrow.
Add a small amount of water, bit by bit. At the same time, use the shovel to mix it. Thrust the shovel under the pre-mixed cement, then carefully fold it over on itself. This will distribute the wetnesss.
As you mix the concrete keep adding small amounts of water, until the whole mixture looks the same and you get a consistency that’s not soupy or dry.
Keep mixing the concrete. The final consistency you must get is one that’s similar to cookie dough. If you think there’s too much water, add some cement.
To test if you’ve got the right concrete consistency, use the shovel’s blade as a “knife”, and try cutting a shallow channel through the pre-mixed concrete’s surface.
If it’s too wet, the channel will fill in with water. Add some more concrete, then keep mixing.
If the concrete is too dry, the walls will crumble. Add some more water, and mix the concrete again.
If you want your concrete to have a different color than the boring gray one, mix in a coloring agent.
As you know how to properly mix it, concrete is a very useful material to have. Just follow these steps, so you’ll end up with a mix that will give you sturdy structures.