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."

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

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
• Shovels

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.

[kqmsradioman]

on 1/28/2008 Forget all that pre-mixing concrete for small jobs that require only a few bags of redi-mix. There's a guy who invented the "The Reuseable Concrete Mixing Bag". You can mix concrete in the bag, in your tuxedo on the living room carpet, and not sweat doing it. I had this guy call in to my radio show. He sent me a few of these bags, and they really work. www.thecementsolution.com

[David6659]

on 2/20/2007 What if I am using a mixture that has the sand and rock pre-mixed?What would be the cement to mixture ratio I would need?

[David6659]

on 2/20/2007 I am going to be using a sand/rock mixture that is already together. What would be the ratio of cememt to this type of mixture?

[wrknman64]

on 2/12/2007 Make it easy,
Most definately do your dry mixing before adding water.
When you mix it try using a garden HOE. It makes for easy consistant mixes. It is much easier on your body also. Shovels are good for adding the material but for mixing try the Hoe. Your body will be much happier and your mixes will be much easier to get the right slump you are looking for.
Yes a Truck is the best way to go, but not always feasible. We just finished a 3-1/2 yard stem wall and did it by hand . It came out nice.(Okay I used a portable mixer).

on 2/12/2007 As well as using a round shovel to mix the concrete,I find it easier to use a garden hoe with three or four holes drilled through the face and pulling the mix toward you. First dry, then add the water gradually using a short forward and pulling motion. The best tip is to pace yourself to prevent missing some of the mix, or not throughly mixing it all.