Do you often hear people talk about “mixing cement” when they actually mean making concrete? This mix-up is very common! Even people who work in construction sometimes use these words as if they mean the same thing.
Here at National Mini Mixers, we’ve been delivering ready-mix concrete across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and South Yorkshire since 1985. We’ve noticed that many people get confused about cement and concrete, so let’s clear things up.
What is Cement?
Cement is a fine grey powder that works like a glue. On its own, it’s not very useful for building. It’s made mainly from limestone and clay that has been heated to extremely high temperatures – about 1450°C!
The most common type in the UK is called Ordinary Portland cement. This makes up about 85% of all cement used in the country.
When cement mixes with water, a chemical reaction happens. This turns the powder into a paste that can stick things together. But cement alone isn’t strong enough for building structures.
What is Concrete?
Concrete is the actual building material that you can use in construction. It’s very strong and flexible in how you can use it, which is why it’s the second most-used material in the world after water!
Concrete is made by mixing:
- Cement (the binding powder)
- Water (to start the chemical reaction)
- Sand (small grains)
- Gravel or crushed stone (larger pieces)
When these ingredients mix together, the cement and water form a paste that coats the sand and stone. As this hardens, it creates a strong, rock-like material that can support buildings, bridges, and much more.
The Key Differences Between Cement and Concrete
Think of cement as an ingredient in concrete, just like flour is an ingredient in cake. You wouldn’t call a cake “flour,” and the same goes for concrete – it’s not just cement.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | Cement | Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Fine grey powder | Rock-like material with visible stones |
| Role | Binding agent | Building material |
| Used alone? | Rarely | Yes, for many structures |
| Strength | Limited, cracks easily | Very strong, especially under pressure |
| Main use | Ingredient in concrete | Foundations, driveways, structures |
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the difference matters because:
- Cost – Cement is just one part of concrete. If you only need cement for a small job, buying ready-mix concrete would waste money.
- Right material for the job – Some projects need specific concrete mixes. Our commercial concrete services can provide exactly what you need for larger projects.
- DIY projects – For home projects, knowing whether you need domestic concrete or just mortar (cement mixed with sand) can save time and money.
When to Use Concrete
Concrete is perfect for:
- Driveways and pathways
- Garden walls
- House foundations
- Shed bases
- Steps
- Supporting posts
For these projects, ready-mix concrete is often the best choice because it’s made under controlled conditions, ensuring the same quality and strength every time.
How Ready-Mix Concrete Makes Your Life Easier
At National Mini Mixers, we specialise in ready-mix concrete that comes straight to your site, ready to use. This offers several benefits:
- Saves time – No need to mix concrete yourself
- Perfect mix every time – Professional mixing ensures quality
- Only pay for what you need – We can supply exact amounts
- No waste – Unused concrete doesn’t go to waste
- Expert advice – Our team can recommend the right mix for your project
For hard-to-reach places, we also offer concrete pumping services in Sheffield. Our pumps can deliver concrete up to 100 metres from the truck, perfect for back gardens or areas with limited access.
Different Types of Concrete for Different Jobs
Just like there are different types of cement, there are also different types of concrete mixes:
- Standard concrete – Good for general construction
- High-strength concrete – For supporting heavy loads
- Fast-setting concrete – When you need it to harden quickly
- Waterproof concrete – For areas exposed to water
Our team can help you choose the right type for your specific project needs, whether it’s a small garden job or a large commercial build.
The Environmental Side of Concrete
It’s worth knowing that cement production does create carbon emissions. However, the concrete industry is working hard to become more environmentally friendly by:
- Developing lower-carbon cements
- Using recycled materials in concrete
- Making concrete that can last longer
- Finding ways to capture carbon in concrete
At National Mini Mixers, we follow strict health and safety guidelines and work to reduce our environmental impact while delivering high-quality concrete.
Working with Concrete Safely
When using concrete, always remember:
- Wet concrete can irritate skin, so wear gloves and protective clothing
- Avoid breathing in cement dust by wearing a mask when handling dry materials
- Wash your hands thoroughly after working with concrete
- Protect your eyes with safety glasses
For more information about safety when working with cement and concrete in the UK, you can visit the UK Government Guidance on Construction Materials.
Not Sure What You Need?
If you’re planning a building project but aren’t sure whether you need cement, concrete, or something else, we’re here to help. Our family business has been serving South Yorkshire for almost 40 years, and we’ve helped with projects of all sizes.
Contact us today to discuss your project needs. Remember, no job is too big or too small, and we offer same-day delivery across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and throughout South Yorkshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cement on its own for building projects?
No, cement alone isn’t strong enough for most building projects. It needs to be mixed with sand, water, and stone to create concrete or mortar.
How quickly does concrete set?
Concrete typically begins to harden within 24-48 hours but continues to get stronger for weeks afterward. It usually reaches about 70% of its full strength within 7 days.
How much concrete do I need for my project?
Calculate the volume by multiplying length × width × depth (all in metres) to get cubic metres. If you’re not sure, contact us and we can help you work out exactly what you need.
Do you deliver concrete on weekends?
Yes! We understand that building projects don’t always happen Monday to Friday. Contact us to arrange weekend delivery of our ready-mix concrete.
