What is the Difference between Concrete and Cement?

The words cement and concrete come to mind when building walls, creating foundations, pouring a driveway, patio, basement floor or any other type of building project requiring the sturdy material. While the two words are used interchangeably in conversation, there is a significant difference between the two materials.

Cement is an ancient building material dating as far back as the Roman and Egyptian Empires. The material is primarily made up of limestone, silica, ferric minerals, aluminum, gypsum and calcium, plus other ores and minerals. Materials are combined and processed with heat to form round marble-like forms called clinkers. The clinkers are ground into powder form then processed and packaged according to the strength and property levels of the cement.

Concrete is a mixture of gravel material comprised of crushed rock and stone along with sand. Cement is added to the concrete mixture as a binding agent. Pre-packaged cement, once it is hydrated with water, creates a material that hardens while it sets. Concrete is available in pre-packaged bags of dry material that is mixed with water and poured. For large projects, the material is delivered via a concrete truck that keeps the wet material rotating to prevent setting. Concrete, although a strong and sturdy material, does not stretch or flex. Because of this, when used as a building material concrete is reinforced with steel rods and cables.