How to Mix Concrete by Hand

For small jobs, patches and repairs where quality control and time are not of the essence, concrete can be mixed by hand. Let's look at a simple recipe and method for making 'mud."

Things You'll Need

• Cement Mixing Boxes
• Garden Hoses
• Garden-hose Nozzles
• Sand
• Shovels
• Water Sources
• Buckets
• Tarpaulins
• Carts Or Wheelbarrows
• Cement
• Ready-to-mix Cements
• Trowels

Instructions

1. Try this simple time-tested mixture formula as a guide ' 1:2:3 parts by dry volume. That is: one part Portland cement, two parts sand and three parts coarse aggregate.

2. Use a shovel to scoop these elements into a large wheelbarrow or a concrete mixing trough. It's wise to start with a moderate amount of dry mix as it gets exponentially harder to mix as water is added. Think of it as the world's biggest cake mix and remember how tiring mixing cakes from scratch can be.

3. Use the minimum amount of water possible while still keeping the mixture workable. The less water used, the stronger the dried, finished product will be.

4. Find the approximate proper wet consistency by again thinking of a well-mixed cake mix for thickness. Be sure that it is evenly and completely mixed.

5. Try to use the same amount of water for additional batches to be mixed, and work fast to keep dry lines from forming. This is where the concrete is already drying and the transition to the new, wetter mix will be clearly visible and create a weak point.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also buy pre-mixed bags of ready-to-mix concrete at home centers and lumber yards. These require water and mixing; the measuring is already done for you.

• If you have doubts about your ability to "work" and "finish" concrete, hire professionals. Any job over a few square feet in size may be more than the average homeowner wants to tackle.