Concrete/Mortar

1. Mortar vs. Concrete

• Mortar = Cement + Sand (+ Water)
• Used for plastering, brickwork, blockwork.
• Common ratios: 1:3, 1:4

• Concrete = Cement + Sand + Gravel (Aggregate) + Water
• Used for slabs, beams, columns, foundations.
• Common ratios: 1:2:4, 1:3:6

• Rule of Thumb
• Use self-mix for small-scale, flexible, or budget jobs.
• Use ready-mix for large-scale, structural, or quality-sensitive projects.

2. Self-Mix

• You measure cement, sand, and aggregate on-site and mix manually or with a mixer.

• Advantages:
• Flexible (you can adjust mix ratio).
• Lower initial cost (if small project).

• Disadvantages:
• Risk of inconsistent quality (depends on skill).
• Slower process, more labor.
• Harder to control water/cement ratio accurately.

2.1 Approx. Mix Ratio

Blue Circle Mastercrete Cement - 25kg

The Blue Circle Mastercrete Cement is multi-purpose which makes it perfect for concrete, render, bricklaying and floor Screeds. Mastercrete has improved resistance to the cracks caused by freeze / thaw attack when compared to traditional cement. It produces a superior smoother and more consistent mix. Its weatherproof packaging means it's no problem to leave them outside in the rain.

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Blue-Circle-Mastercrete-Cement---25kg/p/154100?_br_psugg_q=cement

Blue Circle General Purpose Cement - 25kg

This Blue Circle General Purpose Cement offers exceptional performance across a wide range of standard uses including concrete, mortar, rendering and screeds. Ideal for many different applications from small DIY jobs to the largest projects.

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Blue-Circle-General-Purpose-Cement---25kg/p/224661

Tarmac Sharp Sand - Major Bag

This Tarmac Sharp Sand is ideal for screeds, renders or concrete, Sharp sand can also be used when laying slabs or block paving. Alternatively, Sharp sand can be sprinkled and forked into peat and compost for root cuttings and propagating cuttings as it can improve the soil's overall drainage.

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Tarmac-Sharp-Sand---Major-Bag/p/131881

Tarmac Plastering Sand - Major Bag

This Tarmac Plastering Sand is a fine sand which is specially designed for use in plastering. It plays a crucial role in determining the texture, smoothness and compactness of plaster. Plastering sand can also be used in mortar mixes and rendering.

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Tarmac-Plastering-Sand---Major-Bag/p/131886

Tarmac Ballast - Major Bag

This Tarmac Ballast is a mixture of sharp sand and small stones or gravel, used to make concrete for a variety of landscaping uses from path edgings and shed bases to kerbs and securing fence posts.

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Tarmac-Ballast---Major-Bag/p/131880

2.2 Primer / Bonding Agents

• Apply a bonding primer or slurry coat (cement + water mix) before plastering on smooth or concrete surfaces.

• Purpose:
• Improves adhesion of plaster to base wall.
• Reduces absorption (so base doesn’t suck moisture out of plaster too fast).

• For finishing: an acrylic primer is applied before paint to seal plaster and provide an even surface.

2.3 Drying / Curing Time

• Initial set: Mortar/concrete begins to stiffen within 1–2 hours.

• Final set: Usually within 6–8 hours, depending on cement type and weather.

• Curing (keeping surface moist):
• Mortar: minimum 7 days.
• Concrete: minimum 14 days (ideally 28 days for full strength).

• ⚠️ Skipping curing = weaker, cracked plaster or concrete.

3. Ready-Mixed Concrete

• Prepared in a batching plant and delivered in a transit mixer.

• Advantages:
• Consistent, factory-controlled quality.
• Saves time and labor on-site.
• Can produce special mixes (e.g., high-strength, waterproof).

• Disadvantages:
• Slightly higher cost per cubic meter.
• Requires proper planning (delivery timing).
• Not always practical for small repairs or remote sites.

Blue Circle Multi-Purpose Ready To Use Concrete - 20kg

The Blue Circle Multi-Purpose Ready To Use Concrete is a great solution for small concrete jobs, paths, steps, patios, slabs and shed bases. Ready to use just add water.

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Blue-Circle-Multi-Purpose-Ready-To-Use-Concrete---20kg/p/133770