{"id":90669,"date":"2023-03-28T23:59:55","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T23:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/directcolors.com\/diy\/?p=90669"},"modified":"2024-08-28T14:37:08","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T14:37:08","slug":"what-is-concrete","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/directcolors.com\/diy\/what-is-concrete\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Difference Between Concrete and Cement?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1603231002874{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1603231002874{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”90670″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1603231002874{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/4″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

What is the Difference Between Concrete and Cement? A Comprehensive Guide<\/h1>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When it comes to any DIY project, deciding which materials to use is an important part of the renovation and building process. Sure, the initial costs are always top of mind, but also consider how materials will help you out in the long run. A cheap product upfront could end up costing you more down the road if it isn’t durable or energy efficient.<\/span><\/p>\n

One construction product that some homeowners automatically overlook is concrete. While some might assume concrete is cumbersome, time-consuming, and downright intimidating, <\/span>nothing could be further from the truth – according to a Bob Vila Academy professor<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Concrete might be <\/span>the most used construction material worldwide<\/span>, but how many homeowners have a good idea about what it is and how it works? Before you start your next renovation project, here’s what you need to know about concrete. Let’s start from the beginning: what is concrete?<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

What is the difference between concrete and cement?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Let’s start by addressing one of the most common misconceptions about concrete. Cement and concrete are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different products. In fact, cement is one of the main ingredients of concrete.<\/p>\n

Just like how you couldn’t make tomato sauce without tomatoes, you can’t make concrete without cement.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1672624333435{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

What Is Cement?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Cement is a manufactured product derived from a closely controlled chemical combination of specific ingredients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quarried materials (namely limestone, clay, and marl) are placed into a kiln, heated to extreme temperatures to form a hard substance, and then grinded down to create a superfine powder (<\/span>one pound of cement contains 150 billion grains<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

You’ll often hear the term “Portland cement” used about concrete ingredients. Portland cement is the most common type of cement used in concrete. It isn’t a brand name, but rather a generic term for this cement type, similar to how sterling refers to silver.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1672624344788{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

What is concrete made of?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]For such a versatile and strong product, the recipe for concrete is surprisingly simple.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Concrete is a mixture of aggregates (sand and gravel), water, and cement. That’s it! The cement and water combine to form a paste, which is then mixed with the aggregates. This <\/span>mixture usually consists of 10 to 15% cement<\/span><\/a>, 60 to 75% aggregate, and 15 to 20% water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A process called <\/span>hydration<\/b> hardens the cement and water, binding the aggregates into a hard mass. But here’s something really fascinating about concrete – the hardening process continues for several years, so concrete <\/span>gets stronger as it ages<\/span><\/a>. This hardening process makes concrete a great construction product choice for homeowners who want durable surfaces to last a lifetime in and around their homes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The word ‘concrete’ comes from the <\/span>Latin verb <\/span>concrescere<\/span><\/i><\/a>, meaning ‘to grow together,’ which perfectly sums up the concrete process.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Why is concrete so popular?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Did you know that the only other material<\/span> used more than concrete is water<\/span><\/a>?<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”90683″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Concrete’s popularity as a construction material comes down to two essential factors: versatility and affordability. These give it a leg up on many other products since it can be used to construct any size or shape imaginable. Thanks to its simple ingredients recipe, it’s cost-effective!<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Concrete is also durable (it’s not affected by rust or rot), long-lasting, low maintenance, fire-resistant, and easy to use. Plus, it’s one of the <\/span>safest building materials around<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Concrete also has excellent compression strength and can withstand heavy loads.<\/span><\/p>\n

With all those benefits, it’s no surprise that concrete has become the world’s most popular construction material, used in everything from highways and high-rises to <\/span>backyard patios<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> kitchen countertops<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Is concrete energy-efficient?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We’re not quite done listing off all the benefits of concrete! On top of all the perks just mentioned above, concrete comes with the advantage of being naturally energy-efficient, which is particularly beneficial for homeowners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Concrete’s thermal mass slows heat transfer through walls<\/span><\/a>, keeping homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. What’s more, concrete buildings don’t have as many pesky air leaks as wood-frame structures, and as many homeowners know, air leaks are a significant source of energy loss. For homeowners, having concrete walls means less reliance on heating and air conditioning units, which also means lower utility bills.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, concrete’s thermal mass properties can save <\/span>5 to 8% in energy costs<\/span><\/a> compared to other materials, like softwood lumber.<\/span><\/p>\n

Concrete also gets bonus points for being <\/span>100% recyclable<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

The Different Types of Concrete<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As there isn’t one type of wood, there are different types of concrete products as well. However, the most commonly used form is ready-mix concrete, which accounts for almost three-quarters of all concrete use. In the United States, there are approximately <\/span>260 million cubic yards of ready-mix concrete<\/span><\/a> used annually!<\/span><\/p>\n

So what makes this type of concrete so favored? Think of it as a custom-made solution. The concrete is prepared in a factory using exact specifications for a particular job. Transit mixers (the large trucks with a revolving drum) then deliver the concrete to the construction site in a plastic, unhardened state that’s ready to use.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”90685″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text](Fun fact: in the early 1900s concrete was delivered in a <\/span>horse-drawn mixer<\/span><\/a>. The mixer used paddles that were turned by the cart’s wheels to mix the concrete.)<\/span><\/p>\n

A considerable advantage of ready-mix concrete is that it’s prepared in a controlled environment by professionals using consistent practices and equipment, which guarantees a high-quality product.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, not every project requires a whole truckload worth of concrete! Fortunately, <\/span>bagged concrete mixes<\/span> are readily available, and the perfect solution for your small project’s needs. With a bit of water added, these mixes are ready to use. Remember that water is a crucial part of the concrete recipe and ensures optimal strength, so make sure to pay close attention to the bag’s directions that indicate how much water to add.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

How to Reinforce Concrete<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”90674″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]It’s no secret that concrete can shrink and crack. Just as with other materials, concrete’s volume changes as it dries out. Typically with concrete, this change is about <\/span>1\/16 of an inch in 10 feet<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This volume change is why concrete floors and pavement have joints installed, which allows the concrete to crack in a straight line at the joint as shrinking occurs.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you’re DIYing a concrete countertop or another surface, you may want to install reinforcements that protect against cracking from shrinkage. Using <\/span>fiberglass netting<\/span> and <\/span>chopped fiberglass<\/span> as internal supports strengthens the concrete and helps protect your countertop from cracking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using a fiberglass net also significantly reduces the weight of precast concrete countertops – and that’s a major plus when it comes time for placement!<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Decorative Concrete Possibilities<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Don’t rule out using concrete just because you’re not a fan of its traditional white or grey color. There are endless decorative concrete possibilities without the high price tag of other materials like marble or granite.<\/span><\/p>\n

Concrete is easily adaptable to color changes with a wide variety of <\/span>stains and dyes<\/span><\/a>. Whether you’re looking for <\/span>faux wood <\/span><\/a>floors or an antique-like <\/span>patina finish<\/span>,<\/span> concrete can make your design dreams a reality. Best of all, concrete colorants are easy to apply for even the most newbie DIYers. Plus, maintaining your colored concrete’s beautiful look is as simple as using a coat of <\/span>concrete sealer<\/span><\/a> every few years.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”95403″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]And if you happen to want to change the look of your colored concrete down the road, it can be as <\/span>straightforward as putting a different coating<\/span><\/a> over the existing color. That’s a lot easier than the back-breaking work that goes into sanding and refinishing hardwood floors!<\/span><\/p>\n

To learn about integrally colored concrete, <\/span>check out our integral color guide<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not sure what concrete color stain or sealer finish would suit your renovation? Direct Colors has various <\/span>DIY Trial Kits of Concrete Stain and Sealer<\/span><\/a> that will help you figure out what will work best for your project.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Choosing the Right Concrete Mix<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The appropriate PSI (compressive strength) rating for your project will depend on the specific requirements and conditions. Common PSI ratings for ready-mix concrete include:<\/p>\n