What youll need to get started on your D.I.Y.

Project
Materials
Cement Sand Gravel Water

Planning your next D.I.Y. Project

The Bunnings D.I.Y. brochures are designed to help you step the way through your D.I.Y. home projects. Theyll give you the right advice on what materials youll need, how to get the job done and tips and ideas for achieving the best result.

D.I.Y.
Mix Concrete
How to mix concrete

EE FR

Tools
Shovel Bucket Wheelbarrows / Mixing trough Garden hose

Safety
Always keep tools and materials away from children. Read the instructions before beginning your project.

Expert D.I.Y. advice

If its advice youre after, come in and discuss the project with one of our experts. Ask about organising Same Day Delivery, Tool Hire, Installation or even enrol in one of our D.I.Y. classes.

BUNN738 07/08

For more information go to bunnings.com.au

How to D.I.Y. Mix Concrete Many projects around the house, large or small, will require concrete. For smaller jobs a premixed bag may be more convenient or suitable, but for larger jobs it may be more economical to purchase cement and make your own mix.
Please Note: Information in this brochure is Bunnings opinion and we dont warrant the accuracy or completeness of that information. Bunnings excludes all liability in relation to the statements in this brochure.

1:2:3 Ratio
A very simple and easy way to remember a popular concrete formula is the 1:2:3 ratio (Fig 1). What this means is one part cement, two parts sand and three parts gravel. Once you become efcient at estimating how much cement you need for a project you can simply multiply these ratios to save time.

D.I.Y. Hints and Tips

1. To mix the concrete, mix from the bottom, pulling the shovel towards you and then ipping it over repeatedly. Then occasionally stab the concrete with the blade of your shovel. 2. Try to use the same amount of water for additional batches, such as a set amount of buckets. This will save time and increase your consistency. 3. Working quickly is especially important in hot weather. Adding new batches to already drying concrete will be clearly visible after completion and it may create a weak point. 4. If you are doing large jobs such as footpaths, it may be easier and more efcient to pay for a truck to come in and pour the cement for you. 5. Make sure you clean your wheelbarrow and shovel promptly after use as cement quickly sets and is difcult to remove (Fig 3).

1 part cement

2 parts sand

3 parts gravel Fig 1. Easy to remember- the 1:2:3 formula.

6. NOTE: If the mix is too wet, add small amounts of sand and gravel in the 1:2:3 formula - until the mix is workable. If the mix is too stiff, add small amounts of water and cement until the mix is workable.

Add materials
Using the 1:2:3 formula to start, use a shovel to scoop the cement, sand and gravel into a large wheelbarrow or concrete mixing trough. Using a wheelbarrow is sufcient for small jobs and infrequent use. Be careful not to tip the wheelbarrow over and spill the cement. Fig 3. Make sure you clean your wheelbarrow and shovel promptly after use as cement quickly sets and is difcult to remove.

Fig 2. Using a wheelbarrow as a mixing trough is sufcient for small jobs and infrequent use.

Add water & start mixing

Now begin to gradually add water and mix with your shovel. Commence with small amounts of water, gradually adding more as you mix in the materials. Your desired mix should be smooth - not wet and runny or dry and crumbly.

For further expert advice consult the qualied Team Members at your local Bunnings Warehouse.