how do you use no mix concrete

Full Answer

How to mix concrete without a mixer?

On a Sheet or in a Tray The sheet or tray method of mixing concrete without a mixer is one of the most commonly practiced, both by DIYers and even some professionals. In essence, this method requires you to recreate the conditions within a mixer but on a flat sheet of plastic or tarpaulin.

How do you mix concrete to get the best consistency?

We'll show you how to get the best consistency. Drag the hoe through the mix to make a trough. The mix is too dry if the sides of the trough are crumbly and the concrete falls in chunks when you disturb it. Add water one cup at a time, mixing between each addition.

Can I just dump the dry concrete mix in first?

DON’T just dump the dry concrete mix in first. This may come as a surprise to you if you’ve ever mixed concrete in a wheelbarrow, where you do add water to a heap of dry concrete mix. The wheelbarrow’s shape necessitates adding the mix first—the shallow sloped sides of a wheelbarrow make it too easy for water to slosh out when mix is thrown on top.

Can you mix concrete in a bucket?

When you’re working in a bucket, you’ll want to put the water in first (and you can do so without fear of losing any) in order to keep the dry concrete mix from sticking to the bottom of the bucket and making it difficult to blend.

Can you pour concrete without mixing?

Fast-setting concrete is ideal for setting posts because there's no mixing—you simply pour the dry concrete from the bag right into the hole, then add water.

What is no mix concrete?

QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Concrete Mix (No. 1004) is a special blend of fast-setting cements, sand and gravel designed to set hard in approx. 20 to 40 minutes. Sets posts without mixing.

How do you use premixed concrete?

Open a bag of your concrete mix and pour it into your mixing container. Wheelbarrows (as in the pictures) are ideal for mixing small quantities of concrete. Avoid spilling the dry material on finished surfaces or lawn grasses, and keep upwind if possible to avoid breathing dust from this product.

Can you use quikrete dry?

Whether you are building a new fence, setting a mailbox or anchoring a basketball goal or play set, QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Concrete is the ideal product for the job. With Fast-Setting Concrete there is no mixing or tools required – You simply pour the dry mix right from the bag into the hole, then add water.

How do you pour quikrete without mixing?

0:171:38How to Set Posts in Concrete (without mixing) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere is no mixing you simply pour it into the hole dry. Then add water when digging your post holeMoreThere is no mixing you simply pour it into the hole dry. Then add water when digging your post hole it is important that the diameter of the hole will be three times the width of the post.

Can you pour concrete in a hole with water?

The water in the hole under the pipe can be sucked out with a wet-dry vacuum before and during the repair job. (Paul F.)

How much water do you add to premixed concrete?

Measure the recommended water amount (each 80-pound bag of concrete mix will require about 3 quarts of water). Pour approximately 2/3 of the water into the depression. If using liquid cement color, add to the mixing water.

Is Ready Mix Concrete good?

To conclude, ready-mix concrete is usually better for most construction projects despite the increasing costs. It offers a much higher quality, including a variation between batches during concrete preparation in the plant environment.

How do you mix concrete without a mixer?

1:333:21CONCRETE MIXING WITHOUT ANY TOOLS (CC) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're ready to start adding the water and mixing first dump about half the contents of the water orMoreYou're ready to start adding the water and mixing first dump about half the contents of the water or of the bucket into the mix. At this point you and your friends should alternate.

What's the difference between QUIKRETE and concrete?

Quikrete is concrete. They're both primarily sand, cement and aggregate stone. The only difference is that Quikrete has some additional ingredients and slight different ratios that make it set up faster. But it's still concrete.

What happens when you don't add enough water to concrete?

If there is too much water, the resulting concrete will be weak and will have poor surface qualities. If there is not enough water, the concrete will be hard to work into place. Concrete that is too dry on the left, and too wet on the right.

How thin can you pour QUIKRETE?

This product can be placed very thin down to less than 1/8"" thick and can be applied using a squeegee and broom.

How many bags of concrete do you need to drill a 9" hole?

You may find buying concrete, sand and gravel, mixing it ahead in a mixer would be more economical. If you drill a 9" hole, it will probably take 1 1/2 to 2 bags per hole.

Can you mix cement for a fence?

That method will eventually work, but will result in a VERY weak cement mix. Since fences need to be strong enough to stand up to wind loads, I would not recommend you just pour dry mix into your holes. A weak mix will split open at the corners of the post. Mixed concrete is always the strongest when mix it either by hand or machine and are careful not to use too much water.

Can I mix concrete for a post hole?

I never mix post hole concrete, although others may. One thing to remember, is not to dump the entire bag in the hole. Put in 1/4, then a little water and use a heavy tamper to force out air holes. Keep doing it until you reach the top. Doing it in increments will help you adjust your plumb on the post as you go.

How long to mix concrete to set?

In order to set correctly, the water and the dry concrete ingredients must be thoroughly combined. A good rule of thumb: Continue mixing with a hoe or blending with a StirWhip for three minutes after you no longer see any pockets of mix that are still dry or water pooling at the top. Otherwise, you could end up with undermixed concrete that once cured could be weak and prone to crumbling and cracking.

How to test concrete consistency?

To test the slump on your fresh batch, you can use a professional slump cone (available from home improvement stores) or a reasonable DIY facsimile made from a sturdy plastic cup with its bottom cut off. Dampen the inside of the cone, and place it so that its larger end is on a flat, nonporous surface. Then, fill the cone through its open top with thoroughly mixed concrete, tamping it down with your hands or (if the hole is too narrow) a rod as you go. When you lift the cone away, the wet concrete should slump to about half its original height if it is all-purpose concrete or one-third of its original height if it’s a more fluid, wet-set mix. If the slump is less than it should be, churn a little more water into the batch; a larger slump than expected requires additional dry mix. Test again before casting your project, and to ensure uniformity and strength in the finished product, don’t move on until the mix has reached a desirable consistency.

How many cubic feet of concrete is in an 80 pound bag?

(For reference: A standard 80-pound bag yields 0.60 cubic feet of concrete, while a 60-pound bag yields 0.45 cubic feet, ...

Can concrete splatters burn your eyes?

Concrete splatters can burn eyes and irritate bare skin by quickly drawing out its moisture, leaving it rough, dry, and cracked. Take steps to protect yourself by donning the appropriate gear.

Can you mix concrete?

You can mix concrete like a pro if you grab the right tools and take note of these six best—and worst—practices. Concrete holds a place of honor in both the professional construction and do-it-yourself worlds. When mixed correctly, this simple combination of aggregate, cement, and water becomes strong and durable enough to produce walkways, ...

Can you mix concrete in a wheelbarrow?

This may come as a surprise to you if you’ve ever mixed concrete in a wheelbarrow , where you do add water to a heap of dry concrete mix. The wheelbarrow’s shape necessitates adding the mix first—the shallow sloped sides of a wheelbarrow make it too easy for water to slosh out when mix is thrown on top. But that’s not a hard-and-fast rule ...

What to wear when working with cement?

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.

How to keep fence posts from being stout?

Whether you’re building a fence, setting a mailbox or even a basketball goal, the best way to ensure your posts will stay sturdy and true for years is to set them in concrete.

What is the best way to mix concrete without a mixer?

When it comes to mixing concrete without a mixer, the bucket method is also a reliable option for both DIYers and professionals. In fact, this method is used on professional job sites daily when access to a mixer would be otherwise inhibited due to space constraints. As such, this method is best suited to DIY jobs taking place within a tight space. Similarly, this method is ideal for DIY jobs that require the concrete in question to be transported from the area where it was mixed to a separate place for pouring.

What is a concrete mixing tool?

A deep bucket or a wheelbarrow. Pre-mixed concrete (dry) Water. A concrete mixing tool (various forms) Once you have your materials collected, you can begin by placing the bucket or wheelbarrow on flat, even ground. Ideally, you should also position this container as close to your eventual job site as possible.

Why do you need a specialized mixing tool for the bucket method?

Due to the tight confines of the mixing containers utilized in this method, the previous technique for combining ingredients won’t work for the bucket method. Instead, this method requires a specialized mixing tool which ensures all of the dry ingredients are properly incorporated. This tool acts as a whisk when it comes to breaking up chunks and reaching to the bottom of the mixing container, as well.

Can you pour concrete in a bucket?

Once your bucket or wheelbarrow has been placed in a steady location, you should pour in the required amount of water. This differs from other methods of manually mixing concrete. However, the result is much more reliable as doing prevents dry concrete from sticking to the bottom of your bucket or wheelbarrow.

Can you mix cement with dry mix?

If you are using a dry mix, this will be as easy as cutting open the bags and pouring them out onto the sheet or tray. However, if you are mixing your own concrete, you’ll want to pour out proportional amounts of cement powder, sand, and an aggregate of your choice.

Can you overwater concrete?

You can always add more later, but you won’t be able to take any out if you over-water your concrete.

Can you use a mixing tray on flat ground?

This method can be applied in almost any situation, though it is best suited to DIY projects taking place on even or flat ground. Any amount of incline underneath the mixing tray or sheet runs the risk of water or other ingredients sliding out before they can be properly combined. Also, this method is best suited for a job site with plenty of space, given the amount of space a properly-sized tarp or tray will take up.

Can you make concrete with a backhoe?

We generally associate concrete with infrastructure and buildings, however, there are numerous things you can make with concrete that don't require a backhoe or even a mixer. All you need is a bag or two of concrete mix from your local home supply store, a few basic tools and you're all set. For inspiration, here are 10 ways you probably didn't ...

Can you make a countertop with concrete?

Concrete Countertops. Concrete countertops are increasing in popularity and can be made either with traditional concrete or with new countertop concrete. And with the option to inlay objects and designs in the concrete, there are limitless options.

What to do if concrete looks like step 9?

If the mixed concrete looks like the mix in step 9, it's ready to pour. Otherwise, mix in additional dry mix or water until you get the right consistency.

How thick is a pour of concrete?

They don't contain the aggregate (stones or gravel) that's necessary to make a pour thicker than about 3/4 in. You're likely to find more than one kind of concrete mix on the shelf, including “fast setting,” “high early strength” and “fiber reinforced.”. But for most jobs, standard concrete mix is fine.

What is the best tool to mix powder?

A hoe makes a great mixing tool. A flat shovel or spade works too. Continue pulling and mixing until all of the powder is wetted and the mix is piled at your end of the wheelbarrow. Continue mixing by going to the other end of the wheelbarrow and pulling the mix back toward you.

How to make concrete bags stronger?

Mixing bags of concrete isn’t complicated. You add some water, stir it up and pour it out. But to get the most strength from the concrete, you have to recognize when it has just the right amount of water mixed in. Too little water and the particles in the mix won’t stick together. Too much water weakens the concrete.

How long can you walk on a concrete walkway?

You can walk on it within 10 to 12 hours, compared with several days. It also generates more heat than standard bagged concrete mix, which means you can tackle your walkway project earlier or later in the season, in temperatures as low as 35 degrees F, with less chance of setting and hardening problems.

How long does it take for concrete to set up?

Crack-resistant concrete takes three days to set up, so your walkway will be out of commission that long, but it can make concrete steps more durable under harsh conditions. “The right concrete for a project is a matter of tradeoffs,” Owens says.

What temperature is a good mix for walkways?

It also generates more heat than standard bagged concrete mix, which means you can tackle your walkway project earlier or later in the season, in temperatures as low as 35 degrees F, with less chance of setting and hardening problems.

What is the best way to prevent passersby from stepping into concrete?

Barricade the area around the concrete to prevent passersby from stepping into it (which could ruin your finished project) and allow it to set and cure. Clean and put away your tools, clean up the area, and remove the empty bags when you are finished.

How long to mix water to concrete?

Continue mixing for a minute or two to completely mix the water into the concrete mixture. Concrete hardens through the process of hydration, so continuing to mix the material will insure the reaction will occur completely.

How many cubic feet of concrete is in a 80 pound bag?

Typically, premixed concrete comes in 20, 40, and 80 pound bags, with the 80 pound bag yielding about 0.6 cubic foot of concrete. ...

How to figure out how much concrete you need?

Figure out how much premixed concrete you will need for your project. Multiply the length times the width times the depth of the space you need to fill. This will tell you give a cubic size, or volume, of concrete that you need. Next, divide the volume (in cubic feet, meters, etc.) by the package yield of the material you are using. Typically, premixed concrete comes in 20, 40, and 80 pound bags, with the 80 pound bag yielding about 0.6 cubic foot of concrete.

How to cure horizontal poured concrete?

The technique to properly cure horizontal poured concrete, so will set over time to maximum strength and integrity, is to prevent the water added and mixed with the concrete in the barrow from evaporating away from the newly poured and troweled slab or other surface. .

What is 5000 PSI concrete?

5000 PSI quick-setting concrete is a very strong mixture with a higher ratio of Portland cement to fine and coarse aggregates, typically used where quick-setting is desirable and higher strength may be needed.

What is the best concrete for a pole?

3000 PSI (pounds per square inch) compressive strength, gravel, sand, and Portland cement mixture. This is a basic, inexpensive concrete suitable for most repairs, as well as for setting posts and poles.