Whether mixing concrete for garden walls, patios, foundations or other uses it is essential to follow standard concrete mixing techniques to ensure a stable mixture that won't let your structure down.
The same rules apply whether you are mixing your concrete by hand or machine.
The top five things to remember for achieving the right mix for the job in hand are: 1.
General purpose mortar Use one part cement + one part lime + 5 parts sand, then add water to the mix until your mortar is of the consistency where it will stick to the trowel when turned upside down.
This is the ideal mix for brick laying.
2.
Garden wall foundations Mix one part cement together with five parts ballast.
This time, you want to add a greater quantity of water so that the concrete can be poured into your foundation trenches.
3.
Base for slabs If laying slabs, you need a coarser concrete.
Mix one part cement with two parts sharp sand and three parts coarse aggregate.
Again, add water until the consistency is fairly liquid and can be easily poured.
4.
Foundations for an extension Extension foundations require a more robust concrete than that of garden walls.
Again aiming for a solution that pours easily, mix together one part cement, 2.
5 parts sharp sand and 3.
5 parts coarse aggregate.
5.
Undercoat for plaster When preparing a wall for plastering you need a concrete mix that is dry and gritty, so mix together one part cement, one part lime and six parts plasterer's sand.
Add water till you have a solution that is dry enough to stick to the trowel when it is inverted.
Anything wetter will 'slump' on the wall.