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What is best, using a readymade mix or mixing concrete yourself?

mixing concrete

A concrete mix is a necessity for any client who needs a high-quality countertop. In layman ’s terms, most DIY home extensions or outdoor garden projects require the use of concrete.  You can make it yourself with basic ingredients or you could buy a concrete countertop mix, which is a ready mix concrete solution for homes. Although it feels good to make something yourself. Don’t bother mixing concrete yourself, buy it premixed- it’s cheaper, let us see why.

Time, Consistency and Efficiency

mixing concrete

Mixing concrete by hand is extremely time consuming, and the bigger the project, the longer it will take to complete. Many people also end up overestimating their capabilities and realize it takes much longer than projected. What’s worse is that it can get messy because each batch of concrete needs to be applied to the project area immediately, before the concrete sets. The next back should be applied in the same way and so on. This means that the time gap between batches need to match or else it will result in a weaker structure. For load bearing projects like foundations or driveways this could lead to a problem.

The Issue of Cost

Apart from the obvious costs of labour, one would also require a concrete mixer and anyone taking a project of even a small scale would need time to prepare and execute it. This could mean taking time off work. Tools would be required which will add to the cost.

Making your own concrete also requires you to source and get all of the ingredients. Variations in ingredients, such as color, moisture content, and availability, all come into play and must be considered. In addition, storage of these requires space and effort.

Furthermore, many a times homeowners have misjudged the amount of concrete needed and ended up with leftover extra concrete. A company named Madmix, which supplies premixed bags, offers a solution: They take away any leftover concrete for safe disposal, at no extra charge.

Ease of use and Options

mixing concrete

There is a variety of concrete countertop mixes in the market. Depending on the requirements like  shape, size, color and gradation of the concrete there are plenty of choices in the market that are enough to satisfy most home requirements. Some also require the addition of admixtures but the companies sell them along with the concrete.

However, it is the ease of use of pre mixed bags that should ultimately be taken into account. They offer simplicity and convenience. All of the necessary ingredients, except pigment, are pre-blended; all that is required of you is to add the proper amount of water.

Final thoughts

Making up a countertop mix from scratch may give you a greater control over its properties, but for that you have to buy and store all of the ingredients and mix them properly. With bagged mixes, you just have to add water. Premixed bags are becoming popular because they are a fast, efficient and easy to use. Even the companies that produce them offer swift deliveries so there is no reason why you shouldn’t use them.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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