How to Choose Between Concrete and Cement

Whether you’re tackling a large job like pouring a driveway or just setting a mailbox or fence post, there are a number of very useful specialized pre-mixed concretes and cements available to do the job. Learn how to choose between concrete and cement for your project in this video by The Home Depot:

Contrary to popular belief, concrete and cement are not the same. Cement is actually a component of concrete, made of finely ground materials that harden when mixed with water and acts like glue in concrete. On store shelves, you’ll find various quick-set and fast-setting cements used for projects and repairs that require a rapid setting. These cements are good for everything from repairing floors, pools and retaining walls to setting swing sets and mailboxes.

Concrete, on the other hand, is a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and stone or gravel. In stores, you’ll see many different types, strengths and compositions of concrete, each formulated to perform better for different applications. There are quick-set or fast-setting concretes that harden in less than an hour and have the right strength for projects small and large.

You’ll also find a number of different ready-to-use concretes that can be used for many applications including crack-resistant concretes with fiber reinforcements for added strengths. For grouting flagstone and paver bricks, there’s sand mix which inhibits weed growth and protects against joint erosion.

Most concrete and cement mixes require you to do little more than just add water to get started on your project, and that’s one of the best features of all.