Mixing cement can seem daunting, especially if you don’t consider yourself a DIY expert or you’re a beginner builder. But understanding how to do it correctly will help you immensely when creating a garden path or laying a new driveway.

To help you out, we’ve created an easy-to-follow guide to mixing cement like a pro. As your trusted building materials supplier, you can find a great range of cements and aggregates for all of your projects, big or small.

What you’ll need

Before we begin, you’ll need to gather the right tools and materials for the job.

Cement
Aggregates (sand and gravel)
Water
Shovel
Mixing container (wheelbarrow or cement mixer)
Measuring bucket
Trowel or mixing stick

Safety first

Before starting any DIY job that involves heavy tools and debris, wear protective safety glasses and thick work gloves.

When cement gets on the skin or in your eyes, it can cause awful irritation and get in the way of your task. Wearing gloves and glasses will prevent any loose materials from getting in your eyes and disrupting your task.

Invest in a good pair of safety boots and a dust mask to prevent your feet from getting injured by the heavy bags of cement and breathing in any fine cement particles.

Choosing the right type of cement

There are many different cements on the market. Choosing the wrong one could mean the difference between a professional-looking finish and having to start over again.

If you’re not entirely confident in mixing cement from scratch, you can buy ready-made cement bags to avoid all the messing about with measuring and portioning—you just need to add water. However, these aren’t as effective for large jobs, such as large patio or driveway jobs.

Some of the most popular types of cement include:

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC): The most common type of cement, this is used for both residential and commercial projects. It’s incredibly strong and versatile and can be used for foundation work, walls, roads, and pavements.
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC): Eco-friendly and versatile, this type of cement is a mix of Portland cement with pozzolanic materials. It’s a more sustainable choice for large projects and is resistant to sulphide and chloride attacks and heat.
Rapid-Setting Cement: This cement is designed to set much faster than traditional cement, making it perfect for quick repairs or time-constrained projects. Many people choose this for quick patchwork, resurfacing, or jobs in cold weather conditions.
High-Strength Cement: If you need something exceptionally strong and sturdy, high-strength cement is the best choice. It’s typically used in projects that require superior compressive strength, such as bridges, tall buildings, and foundations.

How to mix cement: Step-by-step

Once you’ve chosen the right cement for the job, it’s time to jump right into mixing.

Step 1: Choose the right mix ratio

A mix ratio is the proportion of cement, sand (fine aggregates), and gravel (coarse aggregates) that are used to make concrete.

You’ll need to separate each one into a bucket according to the manufacturer's guidelines. For the cement to come out strong and durable, you’ll need to measure each material carefully for the correct ratio.

Standard ratio mixes include:

1:2:3 mix ratio (1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts aggregates): This is used for general construction work, such as foundation slabs, patios, garden walls, etc.
1:2:4 mix ratio (1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 4 parts aggregates): This ratio is stronger and more durable, and it is used for load-bearing projects, such as structural applications, roads, and industrial buildings.

1:3:6 Mix Ratio (1 Part Cement, 3 Parts Sand, 6 Parts aggregates): Choose this ratio for a leaner concrete, perfect for projects where high strength isn’t a primary concern. This includes paving slabs and landscaping projects.

It’s also important to add the right amount of water so that the cement doesn’t become too wet or dry. For a standard mix ratio of 1:2:3, use a water-to-cement ratio of about 0.4 to 0.5. For higher-strength mixes, use a slightly lower water-to-cement ratio.

Top tip: It’s best to mix only half of your ingredients to begin with so that the rest doesn’t dry up until you need it.

Step 2: Prepare the mixing area

Choose a clean, open area (preferably a flat surface) to mix your cement, away from beautiful garden features that you don’t want to destroy in the process.

Use a wheelbarrow to mix small to moderate amounts of cement—but not before cleaning it first! Once you’ve mixed it, you can transfer the cement to where you need it.

A mortar tub or mixing tray is a better choice for hand-mixing smaller ratios of cement for paving slabs or small garden tasks. A cement mixer is better for larger jobs, like foundation work or driveways.

We suggest laying down a tarp or plastic sheet underneath the mixing area so you don’t have to scrape cement off the floor at the end. Have a bucket of water handy to clear away spills and rinse your tools.

Top tip: Aim to mix and pour your cement on a dry, mild day. Mixing cement on a hot day can cause it to dry too quickly, leading to cracks, while rain can ruin a freshly poured mix.

Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients

Once you’ve prepared the work area, take your measurements from step 1 and scoop out each ingredient using a shovel or container.

Mixing by hand

Pour your measured quantities into the mixing area, piling them into a dry mound or heap. Begin with cement, then add in the sand and aggregate.

Use a shovel to turn the ingredients together, folding them from the outside inwards to the centre to mix them thoroughly. Do this three to four times, until the mixture is a consistent colour and texture.

Once the ingredients have mixed, jump to step 4 to add the water.

Using a cement mixer

Load the cement mixer with cement, sand, and aggregates into the drum in the right proportions.

Then, turn on the cement mixer and allow the drum to rotate for about 3-5 minutes until the materials combine into a homogeneous mix. Point the drum upwards at a 45-degree angle to prevent any materials from spilling out.

After a few minutes, check the mixture to see if there are any lumps. If so, let the mixer run a bit longer. Create a well in the centre of the dry mix and gradually add small amounts of water. Continue to mix for under 10 minutes, until the cement has a smooth texture.

Step 4: Add water gradually

Create a well or crater in the middle of your ingredient pile; this is where we’ll be adding the water.

Use your hands or a shovel to create a deep bowl shape for the water, making sure it’s high enough to contain it. Then, gradually add small parts of water to the mix to achieve a consistent blend.

As you add the water, continue turning the mixture over to work it in bit by bit. Do this for several minutes to achieve a consistent mix without pockets of dry cement or uneven lumps of sand or gravel.

Top tip: Do a quick "hand test" to see if your dry ingredients are mixed well. Squeeze a small portion of the dry mixture in your palm; it should hold together without feeling powdery, but it shouldn’t be wet or sticky either.

Step 5: Use the concrete quickly

Once your cement has reached a nice colour and consistency, begin to apply it to your project.

It’s best to use a trowel to ensure a level and smooth surface. If you wait too long after mixing, the cement will harden, making it impossible to lay. To avoid this, don’t wait longer than 90 minutes to start applying your cement.

Avoid pouring your mixture until the materials have properly combined, as this can also lead to poor bonding and weak spots in the finished concrete.

Are you ready to get mixing?

Now that you’re well on your way to mixing cement like a pro, you’ll need to start by finding the perfect materials for the job.

Luckily, you don’t have to look too far, as Beesley and Fildes have just what you need. From premium-quality cement and aggregates to expert advice and fast delivery, we’re here to make sure your project runs smoothly, whether that’s creating a new driveway or adding final touches to your garden.