Q&A for How to Use Prepackaged Concrete Mix

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Can you pour dry mix into the hole and top it off with water from a hose instead of mixing it in a wheelbarrow?

Community Answer

Yes, however you run the risk of overfilling the hole, plus you wont be able to mix it as well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Question

Can you put the dry mix in the form and add water to the top, then let it soak through? With this method, the dry mix would be leveled first, and the water carefully added to the top to soak through.

Community Answer

I wouldn't suggest doing it this way, as the water wouldn't thoroughly activate the Portland cement. You would end up with a non-uniform slab of concrete that would deteriorate more quickly than one that used properly mixed concrete.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
Question

When setting a post, does it work to place regular QUIKRETE concrete mix in the hole, then dump in water?

Community Answer

If the pole is relatively short and doesn't carry much load, that shouldn't be a problem. However, taking the time to mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow, then pouring it gives you a more durable, long-lasting result.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
Question

How cold is too cold to use bagged concrete? I need to dig post holes for a fence.

Community Answer

Concrete generates heat as it cures. I mix and set fence posts all year long. Montana winters reach 50 below, no issues with the concrete.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

What should I do with ten bags of quick concrete that has dried up?

Community Answer

Use it as rip-rap for erosion control. Leave the paper on, it will rot away over time. Lay the bags like bricks and slope back for strength.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

Can I put more than one bag in a hole and mix it together there?

Community Answer

That is not advised because some of the powered concrete will stick to the dirt and consequently not react with the water to solidify. Also, make sure that you keep the water to concrete ratio correct.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I build a retainer wall, leaving the concrete in the sand if it will be in water? Will it set up?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as the wet concrete is contained by forms while under water. Otherwise, wet concrete gets washed away.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use part of a bag of premix and use the rest later?

Community Answer

Yes, if it is wrapped up in a plastic garbage bag, and kept out of moisture. If a spot on the bag gets wet before you do this, it will harden at that spot.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1