Cement is the basic ingredient in concrete and mortar. Modern cement was developed by a French man, Louis Vicat, in the early 19th century
The Romans used a basic form of cement, thousands of years ago. Cement is now the second most consumed product in the world after water!
Mortar and concrete require mixing in the correct quantities by volume
This is relatively easy as all you need to do is find a suitable container. Buckets are great for this but it is a good idea to have a separate bucket for the cement as it soon sucks the moisture from the sand and sticks to the bucket
The correct ratios of ingredients, are shown below. It doesn't matter what a unit is as long as all the units are the same size by volume
Mortar or concrete can be mixed by hand using a suitable spade, but it is hard work and a cement mixer makes it far easier
The Romans used a basic form of cement, thousands of years ago. Cement is now the second most consumed product in the world after water!
Mortar and concrete require mixing in the correct quantities by volume
This is relatively easy as all you need to do is find a suitable container. Buckets are great for this but it is a good idea to have a separate bucket for the cement as it soon sucks the moisture from the sand and sticks to the bucket
The correct ratios of ingredients, are shown below. It doesn't matter what a unit is as long as all the units are the same size by volume
| Cement | Sand | Lime | Gravel | |
| Concrete | 1 Unit | 2 Unit | 3 Unit | |
| Strong and durable mortar | 1 Unit | 4 Unit | ¼ Unit | |
| Reasonably durable mortar | 1 Unit | 5 Unit | 1 Unit | |
| Weak mix suitable for calcium silicate bricks | 1 Unit | 8 Unit | 2 Unit |
Mortar or concrete can be mixed by hand using a suitable spade, but it is hard work and a cement mixer makes it far easier
All text and images from Ultimate Handyman
