3 Benefits of Fast-Setting Concrete

Why Choose Fast-Setting Concrete

Standard concrete is designed to cure slowly to produce maximum strength. But for small jobs or projects needing rapid base stability, fast-setting concrete is the better choice. The accelerated cure time allows you to finish projects in hours instead of days. Fast-setting concrete achieves sufficient strength quickly but continues curing over time to reach its maximum rating.

Mixing and Pouring Fast-Setting Concrete

One advantage of fast-setting concrete is the ease of mixing and pouring, especially for small projects.

When handling any type of concrete that has caustic properties and is dusty, wear protective gloves and eye covering to avoid skin and eye irritation. Work in a well-ventilated area.

For very small jobs, fast-setting concrete requires no mixing. Simply dig a hole to the required dimensions, dampen the sides, pour in the dry concrete mix, and soak with water. The concrete will begin to cure within minutes.

For slightly larger projects, mix fast-setting concrete with water first per packaging directions to reach the ideal wet concrete consistency before pouring. Move quickly from mixing to pouring since fast-setting concrete cures rapidly.

Curing and Loading

Once mixed and poured, fast-setting concrete begins rapidly gaining strength through the chemical curing process. While traditional concrete takes standard concrete curing time to become strong enough for foot traffic and heavy loads, fast-setting concrete reaches these key strength milestones much more quickly.

After three hours, fast-setting concrete achieves sufficient psi (pounds per square inch — a measure of strength) for light foot traffic. Within four to six hours, you can stabilize fence posts and other heavy objects in fast-setting concrete footings.

One day after pouring fast-setting concrete, the typical rating meets or exceeds the strength standard concrete takes seven days to achieve.

The accelerated cure time allows you to complete projects without lengthy delays. 

Benefits of Fast-Setting Concrete

Here are the main benefits of fast-setting concrete:

1. It requires no mixing for small projects

For small jobs like installing a mailbox post, you don’t need to whip out a wheelbarrow and do all the mixing standard concrete requires. If you use Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix, it couldn’t be easier — just dig a hole, pour in the dry mix, and soak with water.

2. It sets fast and shortens jobs

Fast-setting concrete mix is aptly named — after application, you don’t have to wait long before it hardens. It sets in 20 to 40 minutes, unlike standard concrete, which takes 24 to 48 hours. If you’re installing fence posts, you can install one and move to the next, keeping a steady pace.

You can hang fencing and other heavy loads on a post-set with fast-setting concrete in four hours. A project taking a weekend with standard concrete could easily become a day’s work.

3. You can use it like standard concrete

Fast-setting concrete quickly installs a mailbox post, but you can also use it for bigger projects.

If you have a fast-setting concrete mix on hand and need to pour a slab, you don’t have to buy standard concrete — use the fast-setting mix.

First, build a form with 2x4s, add a gravel base, and dampen the form and gravel. Next, add water to a mixer and pour in fast-setting concrete until it reaches the right consistency. Finally, pour the mix evenly into the form.

Is Fast-Setting Concrete Right for Your Project?

Fast-setting concrete offers time-saving benefits for projects needing a poured foundation able to rapidly bear weight. It provides an excellent standard concrete alternative when curing speed is key.

While fast-setting concrete reaches sufficient strength in hours, it continues to cure, harden, and gain strength over a month to provide maximum long-term durability. The accelerated hardening allows for swift project completion without extended waiting.

For big pours like a driveway, patio, or structural slab, contractors still prefer standard concrete to control concrete cracking as it slowly cures. But for fence posts, mailboxes, small slabs, and other projects needing one or two bags of concrete, a fast-setting mix makes the work go faster.

Just be sure to work efficiently after mixing fast-setting concrete since it hardens quickly. And follow package directions for your specific fast-setting concrete brand. The quicker cure time saves hassle when rapidly securing posts, or stability is the goal.