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Concrete

When looking to patch up a chip, crack, or pothole in a driveway, basement floor, or patio, plenty of options are available. If you go shopping in a home improvement store, you’ll see multiple kinds of concrete, crack fillers, and cement, each designed to handle a different job.

The Basics of Concrete 

Picking the right concrete can be intimidating if you’ve never dealt with concrete. To help, we’ve compiled this quick list of commonly available concrete. 

Quick-setting concrete mix: This is a fast-setting concrete used for many different at-home projects. It’s easy to use, cheap, and dries quickly (20 to 40 minutes). This type of concrete is used to set fence posts, mailboxes, and lamp posts or to create small concrete slabs. 

All-purpose cement: This is the most basic and versatile concrete you can buy. You can use it to do everything from repairing cracks and potholes to building stone structures like stairs, floors, and slabs. While this concrete takes longer to set up and dry than a quick-setting mix, it’s typically stronger and longer lasting. 

High-strength concrete mix: This is the strongest type sold in stores. This concrete has a much stronger PSI (pressure per square inch) rating than other mixes and is used for foundations, bases for heavy machinery, driveways, and supports. 

Mortar mix: While not a true concrete, many consider it as one. Mortar mix is a combination of concrete and sand that creates an adhesive bond when mixed with water. You should only use this type of mix to hold bricks together.

While these are the most common types of concrete available in stores, there are many more subcategories and specifics regarding their application. If you’re interested in reading more about the fine details of concrete, check out our articles below.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Pouring a Concrete Slab

For a slab that will last for decades, avoid these five common mistakes many make when pouring a concrete slab.

Tic-Tac-Toe: Concrete Pieces For Outdoor Fun

Tic-tac-toe is perfect for outdoor family fun! These sturdy oversized pieces are made with Quikrete concrete, so you know they'll last.

Ask Danny | Ep. 12: Concrete Network’s Founder Answers Top Questions

This week, Jim Peterson with The Concrete Network answers some of your most-asked questions about concrete.

PFAS in Drinking Water — Why You Should Be Concerned 

The EPA has lowered the acceptable amount of PFAS in drinking water. Learn more about these forever chemicals and how you can limit your exposure.

Concrete Garden Spheres: Add Some Whimsy to Your Garden

Concrete garden spheres add curb appeal or enhance your backyard with whimsical hardscaping. Here's how to make them.

Get Creative With Quikrete Concrete Products (Special Podcast)

In this special edition Today's Homeowner Podcast, Danny speaks with Allison Hunt from Quikrete about innovative concrete products.

How to Remove Paint from Concrete | Ep. 176

Freshly painted concrete looks great at first, but eventually it starts to peel. Here's how to remove paint on concrete without using harsh chemicals.

Quikrete Calculators: Get Concrete Answers and More

Whether you're building a brick wall, fence or playground, Quikrete calculators will tell you exactly how much material you'll need.

Concrete Garden Bench: Attractive, Easy-to-Build Seating

This concrete garden bench with simple, clean lines adds a hardscape element to your backyard’s lush green landscape. Here's how to build it.