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Here are the steps of mixing concrete by hand and using a mixer. Being confident in your project timing is the most important first step. Once you start mixing, you have approximately one (1) hour to mix and place all of your materials to avoid cold joints.

Mixing Concrete By Hand or Using a Mixer

Being confident in your project timing is the most important first step. Once you start mixing, you have approximately one (1) hour to mix and place all of your materials to avoid cold joints.

With each round of mixing taking approximately 5 minutes, you can complete a maximum of 12 rounds of mixing in that timeframe.

Mixing Concrete By Hand

Assuming you’re mixing one 80# bag of concrete per batch, the output of hand mixing is capped at about 0.65 m2 (7 ft2) of material. If you’re planning a larger pour, consider a second mixing station or dividing the project into smaller sections.

What are the tools needed?

  • Water
  • Graduated bucket
  • Wheelbarrow, mortar pan or other large, open mixing container
  • Concrete hoe

What are the steps of mixing concrete by hand?

  1. Wearing gloves and respiratory protection, place one bag in the mixing container, cut an “X” in the face of the bag and flip over to empty the bag.
  2. Form a small crater in the center of the mix.
  3. Measure the water according to the instructions on the bag. Water requirements vary slightly from mix to mix. Be precise!
    Pro Tip: mark the water line on the bucket to make refills for successive batches faster.
  4. Pour about 3/4 of the pre-measured water into the crater you’ve formed.
  5. Using the mixing hoe, begin incorporating the water using long back and forth strokes.
  6. Mix for three (3) minutes to thoroughly consolidate the mix, slowly adding the rest of the water along the way.
  7. Let the mix rest for one (1) minute.
  8. Consolidate the mix by tapping the pan or wheelbarrow with a rubber mallet.
  9. Check the consistency. A proper mix should hold together when formed into a ball but easily crumble with a light touch.
    Concrete that is too wet will not hold together when packed into a ball - and will be weaker than the indicated strength.

    Concrete that is too dry will pack into a ball but will “break” rather than “crumble” when touched and will be difficult to work and finish.
  10. Adjust water (if necessary) and mix for one (1) additional minute to perfect the consistency.
  11. You’re ready to pour!

Project Tip: Bagged mixes are designed to be much “dryer” than concrete out of a ready-mix truck. Trust the water ratios on the bag – they will yield a rich, workable mix once placed and consolidated!

Mixing Concrete Using a Mixer

Most standard mixers allow for a maximum of two (2) 80# bags of concrete per batch for a total of 24 bags in an hour. The output of this mixing method is capped at about 1.30 m2 (14 ft2) of material. If you’re planning a larger pour, consider a second mixing station or dividing the project into smaller sections.

What are the tools needed?

  • Water
  • Graduated bucket
  • Electric or gas-powered mixer
  • Wheelbarrow (to transport finished mix to pour location)

What are the steps of mixing concrete using a mixer?

  1. Measure the water according to the instructions on the bag. Water requirements vary slightly from mix to mix. Be precise!
    Pro Tip: mark the water line on the bucket to make refills for successive batches faster.
  2. Pour about 3/4 of the pre-measured water into the mixer – this is called “head water”.
  3. Wearing gloves and respiratory protection, place bagged concrete mix on the edge of the mixer, cut open the open the top and pour into the mixer.
    Pro Tip: To help control dust, cover the opening of the mixer with a trash can lid or other lightweight covering.
  4. Switch on the mixer.
  5. Mix for three (3) minutes to thoroughly consolidate the mix and water, slowly adding the rest of the water along the way.
  6. Let the mix rest for one (1) minute.
  7. Consolidate the mix by tapping the mixer drum with a rubber mallet.
  8. Check  the consistency. A proper mix should hold together when formed into a ball but easily crumble with a light touch.
    Concrete that is too wet will not hold together when packed into a ball -and will be weaker than the indicated strength.
    Concrete that is too dry will pack into a ball but will “break” rather than “crumble” when touched and will be difficult to work and finish.
  9. Adjust water (if necessary) and mix for one (1) additional minute to perfect the consistency.
  10. Transfer the mix from the mixer into a wheelbarrow or bucket to make transportation to the pouring site easier.
  11. Repeat!