How to Mix Quikrete

Simple methods to make your own Quikrete concrete or mortar

Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle

Last Updated: December 9, 2022 References

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

1
Put on a pair of safety goggles and some waterproof gloves. 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
Put the desired amount of Quikrete mix into a wheelbarrow or mortar tub, and make a hole in the middle. 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.
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3
Calculate how much water you will need for your project. 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
Pour two-thirds of the water into the hole you made. Do not add all of the water yet. It is better to add in the water a little bit at a time.
5
Use a hoe to mix the water and concrete together. 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]
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6
Add a little bit more water, and mix the concrete again. Keep adding water and mixing until you have used up all your water, and everything is evenly mixed together.
7
Test the consistency. 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]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Mixing Quikrete Concrete by Machine

1
Put on some safety goggles and gloves. 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
Calculate how much concrete and water you will need. For every 80-pounds (36.3-kilo) of concrete, you will need 3 quarts (2.8 liters) of water.
3
Pour half of the water into the mixer. If you want to color your concrete, pour the liquid cement color into the water, and give it a stir.
4
Turn the mixer on, and add the dry mix slowly. 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
Let the mixer run for 1 minute, then add the rest of the water. As you continue to add water, the concrete will get softer and mushier.
6
Let the mixer run for 3 to 5 minutes, then empty the cement into a wheelbarrow. Once the concrete is done mixing, dump it into a wheelbarrow while the mixer is still running.^{[3]
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- If you need to add more water, do so sparingly.
7
Test the consistency. Put your glove on, and give the concrete a squeeze. The concrete should feel like wet oatmeal and hold its shape.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Mixing Quikcrete Mortar

1
Put on some safety goggles and waterproof gloves. 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
Calculate how many bags of mortar and water you will need. 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
Pour half of the water into the mixer. 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
Add the mortar mix into the water, and mix it for 1 minute. 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
Add the rest of the water, and continue mixing for 3 to 5 minutes. 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
Let the mortar sit for 3 to 5 minutes. This will allow the aggregate to get fully soaked.
7
Test the consistency. 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]
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- Most mortar should have the consistency of peanut butter.

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]
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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]
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