Mixing concrete independently is ideal for numerous projects. If you want to know what the costs are, you should also know the price of cement. You can get an overview of this in our guide.
In a nutshell
- Observe the composition of the concrete
- Cement accounts for one fifth
- Sand aggregate less expensive than gravel
- Equipment causes additional costs
Table of contents
- composition
- Costs
- frequently asked Questions
composition
In order to determine the cost of concrete, you need to be familiar with its composition. Only then is it possible to determine the total costs for the corresponding quantity. Luckily, mixing is fairly easy due to the simple mixing ratio. You will need the following parts for self-mixed concrete:
- 4 parts aggregates (sand or gravel)
- 1 part cement
- Water according to the water-cement ratio (usually 0.4 or 0.5)
This mixing ratio is completely sufficient to mix classic normal concrete for private applications. It is important that you use suitable gravel or sand. We recommend the following grits:
- Quartz or concrete sand 0 – 2 mm: normal concrete
- Concrete gravel 0 – 16 mm: normal concrete
- Gravel 0 – 8 mm: lean concrete
A notice: The hardness of the water does not play a role in the composition of concrete. You can use hard water without any problems.
Costs
As you can see, the composition of concrete is quite simple. The costs can be easily determined thanks to the individual parts, as you simply have to add up the respective points. The most important thing here is the type of cement and its price. In the private sector, so-called Portland cement is most commonly used, which is usually offered simply as "cement". With this you can easily implement numerous projects. In order to explain how the concrete costs are determined, we use in our example the typical weight standard for one cubic meter of concrete:
- Total amount of concrete for 1 m³: 2,500 kg
The total amount of concrete represents the total weight of the 5 parts from the above mixing ratio. You then derive the individual parts of the total concrete quantity from this. In this way you get the necessary amounts of cement and sand or gravel:
- 1 part of cement: 500 kilograms
- 4 parts gravel or sand: 2,000 kilograms
You can use this division with any amount of concrete. For example, if you only need half a cubic meter, halve the values. Based on these values, the following costs for one cubic meter of concrete can be expected:
|
price surcharge 2,000 kilograms of quartz sand or concrete gravel 0 – 16 mm |
30 to 70 euros 100 to 200 euros |
|
price cement 500 kilograms of Portland cement |
100 to 200 euros |
|
price water 200 liters of water (w/c value 0.4) |
40 cents |
| Total cost with quartz sand | 130 to 270 euros |
| Total cost with concrete gravel | 200 to 400 euros |
A notice: If you need larger quantities, you should use ready-mixed concrete straight away. However, the prices differ significantly from provider to provider. On average, you spend 5 to 10 euros for a 25 kg bag.
frequently asked Questions
That depends on the amount you want to mix. For small quantities of up to 15 l, a large, robust bucket and a mason's trowel are sufficient. Otherwise you will need a mortar mixer or cement mixer. Wheelbarrows and shovels are also recommended.
Yes. Since concrete can have an irritating effect on mucous membranes and skin due to its composition, you should wear sturdy shoes, long trousers and tops, and protective goggles. This way you protect yourself from unpleasant situations.
On average you have to reckon with a curing time of up to 30 days at a minimum temperature of 10°C. If it is colder, the duration can be significantly longer. Under the same conditions, concrete can be walked on after just 7 to 10 days.
The water-cement ratio (w/c value) indicates the amount of water required in the concrete mix, depending on the amount of cement. In order for the concrete to harden and for the individual components to be able to mix well with one another, on average 40 to 50 percent (w/c value of 0.5) of the amount of water in the cement is required. For 100 kilograms of cement you need 40 (0.4) or 50 (0.5) liters of water.