Mixing guides
Mix it right, once
Concrete, mortar, polymeric sand and block adhesive are the parts of a build that fail quietly. These guides cover the water, the working time, the weather window and the cure — with the bag or tube always winning.
Every guide is a starting point, not a structural specification. For a footing, retaining wall or anything carrying a load, follow the manufacturer and get a local professional to review the design.
Mixing guides
Mixing concrete for footings and small slabs
Typical 80 lb bag takes 2.5–3 qt of water; mix 3–5 minutes; place within 20–30 minutes; keep it above 40°F.
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Mixing mortar for beds, laying and grout
Typical 80 lb bag takes 2.5–3 qt; mix 3–5 minutes, rest 5, remix. Bedding is stiff; grout flows; working time 1–1.5 h.
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Polymeric joint sand: activation, rain and cure
Sweep joints full, mist twice, no rain or traffic for 24 hours. Typical window 50–90°F.
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Landscape block adhesive: surfaces, temperature and cure
Clean, dry surfaces; 40–100°F; 15–30 min working time; 24 h cure. The tube’s instructions win.
Open the guide →Find your job
Every use opens at its own ratios, water, working time and cure.
- Mixing concrete for footings and small slabsPost hole / footingSmall slab (up to about 4 × 4 ft)Patching a hollow or a broken edge
- Mixing mortar for beds, laying and groutBlock bedding (about 3/8 in joints)Stone or paver beddingJoint grout
- Polymeric joint sand: activation, rain and curePaver joints
- Landscape block adhesive: surfaces, temperature and cureCap courseLoose veneer or repair