Frequently Asked Questions
How is concrete made?
There are three basic ingredients in the concrete mix:
1. Portland Cement
2. Water
3. Aggregates (rock and sand)
Portland Cement - The cement and water form a paste that coats the aggregate and sand in the mix. The paste hardens and binds the aggregates and sand together.
Water - Water is needed to chemically react with the cement (hydration) and too provide workability with the concrete. The amount of water in the mix in pounds compared with the amount of cement is called the water/cement ratio. The lower the w/c ratio, the stronger the concrete (higher strength, less permeability).
Aggregates - Sand is the fine aggregate. Gravel or crushed stone is the coarse aggregate in most mixes.
All of these materials, along with any additives, are loaded into the concrete mixer and mixed together. This mixing process makes concrete.
Is cement the same as concrete?
No. Cement and concrete are commonly confused. Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is basically a mixture of aggregates, water, and cement. So, there is no such thing as a cement sidewalk, or a cement mixer; the proper terms are concrete sidewalk and concrete mixer.
How do I place an order for concrete?
Placing a concrete order is very simple. Use our Order Today! button located to your left and fill out the form. Or you can visit our Ready Mixed Concrete page and find the location closest to your job and call the corresponding dispatch number.
You must know the approximate yardage, mix, additives, and date of delivery to complete your order.
How do I know how much concrete to order?
Simply click on the Concrete Calculator for an estimate on the total yardage. Remember it will not be 100% accurate.
What type of concrete do I need?
Two mixes are most commonly used in the residential industry, 3000 PSI and 4000 PSI concrete.
How do I order sand or stone for my project?
Simply call our aggregate division at 518-684-6240, delivery is available.
How do I order concrete block?
Simply call our concrete block plant 518-887-5560, delivery is available.
Where can I purchase mason supplies?
Our retail outlets in Menands, NY and Amsterdam, NY offer a variety of masonry tools and everything you may need for pouring and finishing concrete. Feel free to call 518-887-5560 to inquire about our products.
Do I need fiber in my concrete?
Fibers are convenient for slabs, driveways, and sidewalks, pool decks and patios. Fiber can make your concrete stronger and minimize cracking. Fibers can eliminate the use of rebar and wire mesh, helping your bottom-line. Click to learn more about Concrete Fibers.
Do I need calcium in my concrete?
A cold weather additive, calcium will change the concrete set time. Calcium can delay or add time to the concrete’s set.
Do I need non-chloride in my concrete?
A cold weather additive, calcium will change the concrete set time. Calcium can delay or add time to the concrete’s set. However this should be used when using reinforced steel.
Do I need retarder in my concrete?
Retarder will delay the set time of concrete. It is often used in the summertime or during extremely hot temperatures to allow the concrete more time to harden.
Do I need a water reducer (super plasticizer or mid-range) in my concrete?
A much underrated product, plasticizers will improve the workability of concrete without adding water (diluting). This allows the concrete to remain strong yet makes the mix easy to rake and workable.
Do I need small stone in my concrete?
Small stone can help you finish your concrete more easily and effectively. It also may help with slabs that are not thick.
Can I have colored concrete?
Sure, if you visit our color suppliers Davis Colors or Solomon Colors and choose your desired color, we will be happy to provide you with colored concrete.
How is concrete made?
There are three basic ingredients in the concrete mix:
1. Portland Cement
2. Water
3. Aggregates (rock and sand)
Portland Cement - The cement and water form a paste that coats the aggregate and sand in the mix. The paste hardens and binds the aggregates and sand together.
Water - Water is needed to chemically react with the cement (hydration) and too provide workability with the concrete. The amount of water in the mix in pounds compared with the amount of cement is called the water/cement ratio. The lower the w/c ratio, the stronger the concrete (higher strength, less permeability).
Aggregates - Sand is the fine aggregate. Gravel or crushed stone is the coarse aggregate in most mixes.
All of these materials, along with any additives, are loaded into the concrete mixer and mixed together. This mixing process makes concrete.
Is cement the same as concrete?
No. Cement and concrete are commonly confused. Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is basically a mixture of aggregates, water, and cement. So, there is no such thing as a cement sidewalk, or a cement mixer; the proper terms are concrete sidewalk and concrete mixer.
How do I place an order for concrete?
Placing a concrete order is very simple. Use our Order Today! button located to your left and fill out the form. Or you can visit our Ready Mixed Concrete page and find the location closest to your job and call the corresponding dispatch number.
You must know the approximate yardage, mix, additives, and date of delivery to complete your order.
How do I know how much concrete to order?
Simply click on the Concrete Calculator for an estimate on the total yardage. Remember it will not be 100% accurate.
What type of concrete do I need?
Two mixes are most commonly used in the residential industry, 3000 PSI and 4000 PSI concrete.
- 3000 PSI concrete is best used for footings and residential or commercial walls.
- 4000 PSI concrete is best used for exterior slabs (pool decks, garage, driveways, colored, and stamped concrete).
How do I order sand or stone for my project?
Simply call our aggregate division at 518-684-6240, delivery is available.
How do I order concrete block?
Simply call our concrete block plant 518-887-5560, delivery is available.
Where can I purchase mason supplies?
Our retail outlets in Menands, NY and Amsterdam, NY offer a variety of masonry tools and everything you may need for pouring and finishing concrete. Feel free to call 518-887-5560 to inquire about our products.
Do I need fiber in my concrete?
Fibers are convenient for slabs, driveways, and sidewalks, pool decks and patios. Fiber can make your concrete stronger and minimize cracking. Fibers can eliminate the use of rebar and wire mesh, helping your bottom-line. Click to learn more about Concrete Fibers.
Do I need calcium in my concrete?
A cold weather additive, calcium will change the concrete set time. Calcium can delay or add time to the concrete’s set.
Do I need non-chloride in my concrete?
A cold weather additive, calcium will change the concrete set time. Calcium can delay or add time to the concrete’s set. However this should be used when using reinforced steel.
Do I need retarder in my concrete?
Retarder will delay the set time of concrete. It is often used in the summertime or during extremely hot temperatures to allow the concrete more time to harden.
Do I need a water reducer (super plasticizer or mid-range) in my concrete?
A much underrated product, plasticizers will improve the workability of concrete without adding water (diluting). This allows the concrete to remain strong yet makes the mix easy to rake and workable.
Do I need small stone in my concrete?
Small stone can help you finish your concrete more easily and effectively. It also may help with slabs that are not thick.
Can I have colored concrete?
Sure, if you visit our color suppliers Davis Colors or Solomon Colors and choose your desired color, we will be happy to provide you with colored concrete.