When it comes to small cement projects like installing a fence post, mailbox or even doing minor driveway repairs, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to use ready-mix concrete and mortar mixes from Ace Hardware. We’ve got what you need to get your DIY project underway, plus a wide selection of sand and gravel mixes you can use for everything from play sand to diverting water.
What’s the Difference Between Cement Mix and Concrete Mix?
People sometimes use cement and concrete interchangeably, but the two are not the same. A concrete mix is a complete solution containing cement, sand, and gravel. It just needs water to harden. Mortar mix is mostly cement and sand and acts like a glue for bricks.
What Is Ready-Mix Concrete?
Ready-mix concrete contains all the dry ingredients (cement, sand, gravel) for concrete—just add water according to the manufacturer's instructions and stir. After stirring, the concrete can be poured into concrete forms and smoothed with a masonry trowel to complete a variety of home improvement projects.
A dry ready-mix concrete product is typically best for smaller projects, making it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts. Its easy preparation process means you can do the job yourself and skip the expense of buying site-mixed concrete that needs to be delivered by a pro. Brands like Quikrete concrete mix include fast-setting options that take less time to harden, helping you finish the project more quickly.
How Do I Choose the Right Mix for My Concrete Project?
Choosing the right ready-mix concrete for your project depends on your desired results. Some things to consider when comparing your options include:
- Purpose of your project: Some ready-mix concrete is better suited to making repairs to existing concrete, while others are ideal for new projects. You can also find specialty concrete mix products for specific tasks like setting fence posts.
- Setting time: A fast-setting concrete mix is often a good choice when pouring concrete in high-traffic areas or places with little to no cover from the elements.
- Compressive strength: The compressive strength tells you how much of a load the concrete can withstand before failing. It’s measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). If you need concrete that supports a heavy load, you’ll need a higher compressive strength.
- Package size: The weight of the bag in pounds indicates the volume of concrete you can make.
Shop Quikrete and Other Fast-Setting Concrete Mixes from Ace
You’ve got your project in mind—now it’s time to grab the right supplies to see it through. Ace carries high-quality cement mixes from brands like DAP and Drylok, plus cement mixers that make prep a cinch. Browse our selection of concrete, cement and masonry supplies for your next home project, as well as concrete patches and cement crack fillers for DIY repair jobs.
If you’ve questions, find ready-mix concrete options near you at your local Ace, where our helpful team can offer advice on everything from laying concrete blocks to pouring concrete and even repairing and patching cracks or holes.
