How to Mix Concrete for Foundations

If you are planning on pouring your own concrete foundation it is of the utmost importance that the concrete be mixed properly to be able to withstand compression. Some people hire contractors to do this type of work for them, but others do the task themselves.

Instructions to Mixing Concrete

1. Go to your local home improvement store to purchase everything you will need to mix the concrete. The first thing you will need to purchase is cement, which is normally sold in 25 pound bags, sand, aggregate, a large bucket to measure the ingredients and a mixing tub.


2. Pour the cement into the bucket to measure.


3. Pour the cement out of the bucket into the mixing tub.


4. Pour some sand in the measuring bucket. It should be twice the amount of cement used.


5. Pour the sand into the mixing tub with the cement.


6. Pour four times the amount of aggregate in the bucket and then pour it in with the cement. 


7. Pour some water in the bucket, which should equal to approximately 50% of the amount of cement used and pour the water into the cement.


8. Mix the cement thoroughly. The mixture should be the consistency of cake batter.


9. Remove any air bubbles in the mixture by placing a "slump cone" on an even surface and fill it with some of the concrete mixture.


10. Insert a stick through the top part of the cone, which will remove the air bubbles.


11. Carefully lift the cone up and if more than 1/3 of the cements slumps you will need to add more cement to the mixture. If you are happy with the consistency of the cement it is ready to pour.