Planning your concrete job – Irish Cement

It’s important to take some time to plan your concrete job.

Here’s some advice on everything from the best cement mix ratio to figuring out what quantities you’ll need – and the best way to mix the concrete.

STEP 1 The simple rule of thumb for general purpose concrete is 1 – 2 – 3.

STEP 2 You can work out the quantities you need by measuring the length by the width by the depth. This applies to all jobs no matter how big or small.

STEP 3 For a small job that needs about 0.1 m3 of concrete, this can be mixed using a shovel.

STEP 4 For a bigger job like a path for a garden shed, that need roughly 1 m3 of concrete, a tumble mixer can be used.

STEP 5 If you calculate that your job needs more than 1m3 of concrete, for example a larger yard slab, then you could consider ordering readymix concrete.

STEP 6 Store bags off the ground and protect them from rain and moisture. Use the cement within 3 months of the packing date printed on the bag. And always use opened bags right away.

STEP 7 Water is the other vital ingredient in making concrete. Make sure you will have access to a ready supply of clean water and a suitable flat surface for mixing the concrete.

STEP 8 Remember, protect your work from rain or during hot weather to ensure the concrete sets correctly. Properly ‘curing’ the concrete like this will ensure better quality longer-lasting concrete. Depending on the conditions curing can take up to 7 days.

STEP 9 Always use Irish Cement safely when mixing concrete. Protect your eyes, skin and lungs. Safety information is printed on the bags and can be found on the Irish Cement website.

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