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Sherrill

Jul 25, 2006, 3:32 PM

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formula for mixing cement?

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Does anyone have a favorite ratio of mixing cal, cement, sand and water? My husband can't wait for the guy who usually does it to get here and wants to start by himself. Just adding on a couple of feet to a patio and laying some tile on top. Just checked Rolly's website where he says ratio depends on project. There is already a cement base so are adding about 4" high. Not enough to need gravel or so I think!

(This post was edited by Sherrill on Jul 25, 2006, 3:38 PM)

Rolly / Moderator

Jul 25, 2006, 3:41 PM

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Re: [Sherrill] formula for mixing cement?

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Play it smart, wait. 4" needs gravel, otherwise it may be too brittle.

Rolly Pirate

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Ron Pickering W3FJW

Jul 25, 2006, 4:00 PM

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Re: [Rolly] formula for mixing cement?

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Play it smart, wait. 4" needs gravel, otherwise it may be too brittle.

Typically, a mix is about 10 to 15 percent cement, 60 to 75 percent aggregate and 15 to 20 percent water. With aggregate it will be cheaper and stronger as well.
Getting older and still not down here.

(This post was edited by Ron Pickering W3FJW on Jul 25, 2006, 4:03 PM)

Sherrill

Jul 26, 2006, 5:56 PM

Post #4 of 5 (2340 views)

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Re: [Ron Pickering W3FJW] formula for mixing cement?

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Thank you Rolly and Ron for responding. Mixed the cement this morning as it was sunny here on L.Chapala and laid the terra cotta tile. Used a formula from URL below but added cal cause that's what my husband wanted to do. Especially after reading that's how it was done for Great Wall of China. Cement seemed to be setting ok-not too dry too fast and not mushy- and just covered it as has started to rain. Time will tell.

http://www.gardenadvice.co.uk/...ld/mortar/index.html

patricio_lintz

Jul 26, 2006, 6:49 PM

Post #5 of 5 (2332 views)

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Re: [Sherrill] formula for mixing cement?

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Cal is usually used more in softer cement applications as in mortar for garden walls or for stucco.