How much cement

[cart]

Hi All,
I had a quick look of the forum for my answer but could not really find what I was looking for, so this is the question.

I purchased gravel and sand all ready mixed together,not sure of the ratio,I was told by a friend to add 6 shovels of the gravel/sand mix and one shovel of cement,I am basically just doing small borders for garden and small slabs to put pot plants on etc,would this sound about right for the amount of cement added.

Thank you

Cart

[addo]

I would go 5:1 if it's hand mixed. This will set a little faster, but if any parts of the mix aren't so fully churned it will still be decently tough.

[cart]

Thanks addo will give that a try..

[johnc]

Some sand is a bit hungrier than others, it should come out a dark grey colour (just like the truck brew). If it comes out a bit light don't be afraid to add a bit extra. Otherwise follow the others.

[rmartens]

ratio 1:2:4 1 cement 2 sand 4 gravel thats a good mix otherwise mix 2 cement 5 sand 8 gravel.
When you mix in a cement mixer you will see it has good body and strong enough for your needs. The first mix mentioned is the proper ratio recommended on a cement bag.
Reading the instructions on the cement by the manufacturer is always a good way to go.
In the early days we used to mix concrete by hand and used the 2 5 8 ratio and thats seemed pretty good.By hand I mean we used a cement mixer.

[autogenous]

the ratio is on the cement bag for concrete

[Terrian]

3 2 1,- premixed sand & screenings, 5 shovels of mix, 1 shovel of cement, *but* you may be better of using a small 10lt bucket, 5 buckets of mix, 1 bucket of cement to get consistant measures...