Concrete is a mixture of builders mix and cement, it can be mixed in a barrow with a shovel, however for better results it should be mixed in a concrete mixer. The mixture ratio depends upon the end use for the concrete, generally the higher the concentration of cement the stronger the mix will be, adding more water to a mix gives a weaker finished concrete, always use as little water as possible only enough to make the mix workable

Below is a mixture guide for different end uses

builders mix to cement
5 parts to 1 part driveways, foundation walls etc
6 parts to 1 part footpaths mowing strips etc
8 parts to 1 part bedding fence posts or washing lines etc

General information

Pre-mix concrete delivered in trucks is better solution for those larger jobs such as driveways that require a stronger concrete.
A 6 to 1 ratio concrete mix equates to 5-6 bags of cement per cubic metre of builders mix or 1.5 bags per scoop.
An 8 to 1 ratio concrete mix equates to 4 bags per cubic metre or 1 bag of cement per scoop of builders mix.
Remember when ordering your builders mix to allow a compaction ratio of 1.25 e.g. If you require 1m3 of concrete you need to order 1.25m3 of builders mix.

PDF

Download our PDF for a comprehensive concreting guide from the Cement Concrete & Aggregates organisation of Australia.