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How to Properly Mix Concrete (page 2 of 2)

A Word for the Novice

It’s tempting to just squirt water into the dry concrete mix with a hose and mix up a soupy batch of concrete. After all, it’s quicker and the runny concrete is easier to pour. The trouble is, soupy concrete is only about half as strong as a proper mix and is more likely to crack. That’s why we recommend spending a little extra time measuring the water into a bucket first, and adding only as much as is needed. Even though the thicker mix is a little harder to place, it’ll be worth the extra effort.

Use a sturdy wheelbarrow to mix your concrete. And make sure it’s on a level surface. Brace the wheelbarrow with your knee when you’re mixing from the side.

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is to add too much water and end up with concrete that’s thin and soupy. Here are a few tips to avoid the problem. First, pour a measured amount of water into the mix from a bucket rather than squirting it in with a hose. Continue mixing for a few minutes after all the water is absorbed because the concrete will often get soupier as you mix. If you add more water right away, it may end up runnier than you’d like. Finally, keep at least a few cups of dry concrete mix handy just in case your mix gets too thin.

A hoe makes a great mixing tool. A flat shovel or spade works too. Whichever you choose, it’s best to add the water to one end of the wheelbarrow or mixing tray and pull the dry mix into it a little at a time. This method ensures that all the dry particles are completely wetted. Otherwise, mix in additional dry mix or water until you get the right consistency.

Remember to clean your equipment right away. Once the concrete hardens, it’s a bear to get off. Scrape excess concrete from the wheelbarrow and pile it on a piece of plastic. If it’s a big pile, break it up into manageable chunks before it fully hardens. Dump the rinse water in an inconspicuous corner of your lot (it can kill grass). You can even dig a depression to contain the water and then cover the residue after the hole drains.

From The Family Handyman - July 2003

• • Exterior Projects
• • Tools

• Step-by-Step Instructions and Pictures of How to Properly Mix Concrete
• Here's a mixing technique that ensures success with bagged concrete. Read an overview of how to properly mix concrete.
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• How to Pour Concrete
• Pro tips and techniques for pouring a concrete slab, or sidewalk.
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• How to Pour a Concrete Sidewalk
• How to make a new concrete sidewalk--curved or straight.
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• How to Patch Chipped and Pitted Concrete Sidewalks and Stairs
• You can repair broken corners, cracks, crumbling surfaces and spalled areas of concrete with a durable concrete patch.
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