How to Mix Cement

For the professional tradesman and the adventurous DIYer alike, mixing cement is an essential part of most outdoor projects, such as building foundations, walls, floors, patios, paving slabs, garden paths and general masonry.

While mixing sounds easy, there are a few rules that need to be followed to avoid ruining a batch of cement.

For starters, here are the basic ingredients you will need:

• Cement
• Gravel
• Water
• Sand

Alternatively, you can buy concrete mix, such as Hanson ReadyMix, to save the trouble of getting the separate components.

The key to a great mix is having the right ratios. A general rule is to have 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, and 3 parts aggregate. However, the correct ration will depend on the project you’re working on.

How to Prepare the mix

Make sure you check the instructions on the bag of cement purchased as the precise ratios of cement, sand, and aggregate vary from brand to brand. Too much of one component can cause the concrete to break.

When mixing cement, you will need to wear safety equipment. Dust mask, safety glasses, long jeans and a thick pair of gloves are recommended to protect yourself from any harmful particles. Remember, cement has a high pH balance which can potentially burn the skin. Avoid all contact with the substance while using it.

To mix cement you will need a few tools: a bucket, a wheelbarrow, and a shovel for mixing. Mixing cement is a messy project so make sure you assemble your supplies ahead of time.

Once you have everything ready, the first step is to dump all components into a wheelbarrow. Use a small spade to shovel one part cement, two parts sand and three parts aggregate into the wheelbarrow.

It is recommended to mix no more than half a wheelbarrow at a time to prevent the cement from drying out before using it.

Mix the dry ingredients together before adding the water.

Adding the Water

Use your shovel to make a small crater in the centre of your cement mixture. While there is no precise amount of water to add to the cement mixture, start small to avoid creating cement that is too liquid.

Pour a small amount of water into the crater you made then mix it in with the shovel until it’s completely absorbed.

Checking the Cement Mix

You can test the cement mixture by dragging a shovel through the centre of the cement to create ridges. If the sides of the groove you created crumble, the mixture is too dry and needs additional water.

Alternatively, if the cement mixture is too liquid, you can add a bit more of the dry mixture to fix it.

A mixture that is just right should be smooth and consistent, not dry or crumbly.

Useful Tips

Once you’ve mixed the cement to the desired consistency, the next step needs to be completed as soon as possible to prevent the cement from drying out. Pour the mixed cement immediately into the area of your project.

To avoid the cement drying on the tools, make sure you clean them as soon as you've emptied the wheelbarrow. Pour water into the wheelbarrow and submerge your tools into it. Then, scrub the wheelbarrow and tools with a stiff-bristle brush until it’s completely clean of any cement.

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