How to Mix Quikrete

PDF download Download Article
Simple methods to make your own Quikrete concrete or mortar
PDF download Download Article

Quikrete is a packaged concrete mix that can be used by homeowners and contractors alike in renovating, construction, and landscaping projects. There are many different types of Quikerete products, but concrete and mortar are the most common. You can mix them either by hand or by using a mixing machine.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Mixing Quikrete Concrete by Hand

PDF download Download Article
  1. Even if you are very careful, there is still a chance that some dust might get onto your skin. Concrete is caustic, and it can burn your skin.
  2. You can make the hole using a shovel or a hoe. This will make mixing the concrete easier.
    • If you decide to mix in a mortar tub, bring the tub as close as possible to where you will be spreading the concrete. This way, you won't have to transport as much.
    Advertisement
  3. You will need 3 quarts (2.8 liters) of water for every 80 pounds (36.3 kilos) of Quikrete concrete. At this point, you can also stir in some liquid cement coloring.
  4. Do not add all of the water yet. It is better to add in the water a little bit at a time.
  5. Brace your knee or foot against the side of the mixing container and place the blade of the hoe into the concrete. Drag the hoe towards you. The concrete will part, and the water will rush in. Keep dragging the hoe through the concrete, from top to bottom until everything is mixed. [1]
  6. Keep adding water and mixing until you have used up all your water, and everything is evenly mixed together.
  7. Grab a small amount of the Quikrete mix using your gloved hand and squeeze lightly. The concrete should feel like wet oatmeal and hold its shape when you squeeze it. [2]
    8. Advertisement


Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Mixing Quikrete Concrete by Machine

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is very important. Concrete is caustic, and it can cause burns if it gets onto your skin. Make sure that the gloves are waterproof.
  2. For every 80-pounds (36.3-kilo) of concrete, you will need 3 quarts (2.8 liters) of water.
  3. If you want to color your concrete, pour the liquid cement color into the water, and give it a stir.
  4. Keep your face away from the mixer, so that the dust doesn't get onto your skin. It might be a good idea to wear a dust mask of some sort for this part.
  5. As you continue to add water, the concrete will get softer and mushier.
  6. Once the concrete is done mixing, dump it into a wheelbarrow while the mixer is still running. [3]
    • If you need to add more water, do so sparingly.
  7. Put your glove on, and give the concrete a squeeze. The concrete should feel like wet oatmeal and hold its shape.
    8. Advertisement


Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Mixing Quikcrete Mortar

PDF download Download Article
  1. Even if you are careful, there is still a chance that some dust might get into your skin. This dust is caustic, and it can cause burns.
  2. One 80-pound (36.3-kilo) bag will need 5 quarts (4.7 liters) of water. If you will need more mortar for your project, then you will have to adjust the water accordingly.
  3. If you don't own a mortar mixer, then pour the water into a large, plastic, mixing tub. At this point, you can also add your liquid cement color to the water, if you are using it.
  4. If you are using a mixer, simply turn it on and let it run. If you are doing this by hand: brace your foot or knee against the side of the plastic tub. Stick the blade of the hoe into the mortar, and drag it towards yourself. Keep dragging the hoe through the mortar in this fashion.
  5. As you continue to add water and mix, the mortar will get softer and mushier. Don't worry if it doesn't look or feel right after this last bit of mixing. There is still one more step you need to do.
  6. This will allow the aggregate to get fully soaked.
  7. Dip your trowel into the mortar, then pull it out. Flick it downward to shake off any mortar clinging to it. Hold the trowel at a 90° angle. If the mortar clings to it, it has the right consistency. [4]
    • Most mortar should have the consistency of peanut butter.
    8. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you need to add more water, do so sparingly. [5]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If you are mixing your Quikrete by hand, consider doing it in a wheelbarrow. This way, you can just roll it to where you need to use it. [6]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      • If you have a larger job, consider mixing your cement by machine. It'll be quicker, easier, and less of a hassle. [7]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Always wear eye and skin protection. The dry mix is caustic, and it can burn your skin. If you get some cement on your skin, wash it off with water immediately. [9]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Avoid adding too much water into your concrete mix. For example, 1 extra quart (0.95 liters) of water can weaken the concrete by up to 40%. [10]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      Mixing Quikrete Concrete by Hand

      • Quikrete Concrete Mix
      • Water, 3 quarts (2.8 liters) per 80-pound (36.3-kilo) bag
      • 10 ounces (295 milliliters) Quikrete Liquid Cement Color (optional)
      • Plastic mixing tub
      • Mixing hoe
      • Shovel
      • Measuring Pail
      • 5-gallon (18.9 liter) bucket
      • Wheelbarrow
      • Gloves
      • Safety goggles

      Mixing Quikrete Concrete by Machine

      • Quikrete Concrete Mix
      • Water, 3 quarts (2.8 liters) per 80-pound (36.3-kilo) bag
      • 10 ounces (295 milliliters) Quikrete Liquid Cement Color (optional)
      • 3 cubic foot (0.085 cubic meter) barrel mixer
      • Mixing hoe
      • Shovel
      • Measuring Pail
      • Wheelbarrow
      • Gloves
      • Safety goggles

      Mixing Quikrete Mortar

      • Quikrete Mason Mix
      • Water, 5 quarts (4.7 liters) per 80-pound (36.3-kilo) bag
      • 10 ounces (295 milliliters) Quikrete Liquid Cement Color (optional)
      • Mortar mixer or plastic mixing tub
      • 5-gallon (18.9 liter) bucket
      • Measuring pail
      • Shovel
      • Mixing hoe or trowel
      • Gloves
      • Safety goggles


      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Drill Into Concrete
      How to
      Hang Pictures & Artwork on a Concrete Wall
      How to
      Make Cement
      How to
      Tie Rebar
      How to
      Mix Cement
      How to
      Bolt Into Concrete
      How to
      Pour Concrete
      How to
      Adhere Concrete to Concrete
      How to
      Add Concrete to Existing Concrete
      The Best and Safest Way to Cut Cement Backer Board
      How to
      Cut Cinder Block
      How to
      Make Fake Rocks Using Concrete
      How to
      Make Concrete
      How to
      Make Cement in the Wild
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-properly-mix-concrete/
      2. ↑ http://www.quikrete.com/athome/video-mixing-concrete-hand.asp
      3. ↑ https://www.quikrete.com/athome/video-mixing-concrete-machine.asp
      4. ↑ https://www.quikrete.com/athome/video-mixing-mortar.asp
      5. ↑ https://www.quikrete.com/athome/video-mixing-mortar.asp
      6. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-properly-mix-concrete/
      7. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-properly-mix-concrete/
      8. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-properly-mix-concrete/
      9. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-properly-mix-concrete/
      1. ↑ https://www.quikrete.com/athome/video-mixing-concrete-hand.asp

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To mix Quikrete concrete by hand, start by putting on a pair of safety goggles and some waterproof gloves. Next, put the desired amount of Quikrete mix into a wheelbarrow or mortar tub and make a hole in the middle. Then, add 3 quarts of water for every 80 pounds of Quikrete, and use a hoe to mix the water and concrete together. When the concrete is ready, it should feel like wet oatmeal and hold its shape when you squeeze it. To learn how to mix quikrete with a machine, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 102,775 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Sep 13, 2017

        "Very simple, easy to understand instructions stage by stage. Thanks."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement