A prospective client called to ask, “What is the difference between Concrete and Cement?”

This is the first time I had ever been asked this and suspect that the catalysis for such a question is a competing proposal for an exterior hardscape project we are currently bidding. I assume our competitor has used the term Cement. To this end, we thought it would make for an informative post.

Cement and concrete are mixtures, not elements or compound elements. Cement is a mixture of compounds and concrete is a compound made from cement; yet these terms are used interchangeably. Cement is a powder, and we think of it as the “glue” or central ingredient of concrete. Water plays the key role in defining cement. For example, cement mixed with water, is also referred to as stucco for exterior use and called plaster for interior use. It is also used to construct swimming pools. When high-pressure air is applied to the watery mix, it’s called shotcrete. However, a dry, high-pressure air applied mix, is called gunite. The very same mixture is also called mortar in masonry stone, block and brickwork, but when diluted further, and add sand, this same mixture is called grout.

So, in conclusion, you cannot have just a cement walkway, it is concrete.

As always, e-mail or call us for additional information or click http://www.concrete.org/general/home.asp

Best, Team Congressional Design/Build