Mix Cement

Newcastle Herald

Saturday February 24, 2007

GR

As we see it, there are three ways to tackle that concreting project in your yard. One is to pick up the Yellow Pages and look under "C" (for concreters), two is to get an Italian mate, and three is to do it yourself, using the old 1-2-3 mixing ratio.

What that means is one part cement, two parts sand and three parts gravel. Once you become efficient at estimating how much cement you need for a project you can simply multiply these ratios to save time.

For small jobs use a shovel to scoop the contents into a large wheelbarrow. Then gradually add water as you stir the mix.

Go easy with the hose, adding water progressively as the mix moistens. If the mix is too wet, add small amounts of sand and gravel. It should be smooth but not runny, nor dry and crumbly, and for consistency try to use the same amount of water for additional batches.

Dry pockets tend to hide near the bottom, so dig deep and pull the shovel towards you, flipping it over repeatedly. Working quickly is important in hot weather, because adding new batches to already drying concrete will be visible after completion and may create a weak point.

Make sure you clean your wheelbarrow and shovel immediately, or they can be buggers to clean.

If you're doing a slab or footpath pay for a truck to come in and pour the cement for you.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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