How to Mix Concrete and Cement for Backyard Flagstones
Flagstones are one of the most commonly-used materials in building outdoor structures such as patios, walkways and fire pits. There are several different choices when it comes to selecting a base for the flagstones, but most people choose concrete, as it is the most durable.
You Will Need:
- A shovel
- Water
- Gravel
- A wheelbarrow or similar container for mixing in.
- Cement
- Sand
- Determine how much concrete you will need. This is best done by measuring the area that you plan to pour the concrete over before adding the flagstones. You can multiply the area in inches by 1 1/2 to 2 in order to get the total, rough volume of concrete that you will need in cubic inches. This estimate may be slightly more than you will need, but it is better to have too much than to have to stop the process completely until you mix more.
- Place the cement, sand and gravel in the wheelbarrow. The cement, sand and gravel should be added in ratios 1:2:3 respectively.
- Mix the materials thoroughly. This step is important as failing to mix the cement, sand, and gravel well at this stage will result in an unbalanced concrete mixture once the water is added.
- Add water to the mixture in small increments. One strategy for mixing the water with the other materials is to add a small amount of water and mix it throughly before repeating the process. Continue this process until the mixture is pourable; the mix should pour very slowly and should still be quite thick if the correct amount of water and mixing was used.