How to Mix Cement for a Concrete Patio

Incorporate cement, sand and gravel for a durable concrete mixture.

Concrete's basic ingredients are sand, gravel and Portland cement but you cannot simply throw together these components with abandon and expect a serviceable concrete mixture. With a precise ratio, however, incorporating these elements is very simple and will lead to a durable concrete that is useful for a variety of projects. Best of all, anyone can mix the concrete in under 30 minutes of work.

Things You'll Need

• Wheelbarrow
• Portland cement
• Gravel
• Washed sand
• Shovel
• Hose

Instructions

1. Set up the wheelbarrow near the site where you will pour the concrete patio.

2. Add Portland cement, washed sand and gravel to the wheelbarrow's bucket in a 1:2:3 ratio. For example, if you add 1lb. cement to the wheelbarrow, you must add 2 lbs.of sand and 3 lbs. of gravel to fit the ratio properly.

3. Turn over the materials in the bucket with a shovel so that the mixture is uniform.

4. Pour water from a garden hose into the wheelbarrow's bucket in small doses while integrating continuously with the shovel. Adding the water slowly will ensure that you obtain the proper consistency. When the concrete has the consistency of pancake batter, it is ready to use for the patio.

References

• "Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: Completely Revised and Updated"; Editors of The Family Handyman; 2005