How to Mix Cement, Concrete & Mortar

Use cement to bind together your concrete and mortar mixtures.

Cement, concrete and mortar are words that are often used interchangeably, but they are different things. Concrete is a construction material composed of cement, gravel, sand and water. Mortar is composed of cement, sand and water only. While concrete can be used in stand-alone situations, mortar is more frequently used to bind together material such as bricks. If you want to mix together your own concrete and mortar, you can do so with a simple mixing procedure.

Things You'll Need

• Wheelbarow
• Sand
• Portland cement
• Gravel
• Water
• Shovel

Instructions

Concrete

1. Mix one part Portland cement, two parts sand and three parts gravel into the wheelbarrow using the shovel.

2. Add cold water to the mixture of dry materials slowly and combine with the shovel. Use as little water as possible to achieve a consistency like that of peanut butter.

3. Stop adding water when the mixture takes on the consistency of peanut butter. Be sure to thoroughly mix all of the materials.

Mortar

1. Add one part Portland cement to three parts sand in a wheelbarow.

2. Mix the two dry ingredients thoroughly with a shovel.

3. Add water to the mixture slowly while stirring with the shovel until the mixture has the consistency of warm butter. Use immediately.

References

• "The Old House Handbook: The Essential Guide to Care and Repair"; Roger Hunt; 2008