When you’re tackling a construction project, whether it’s building a patio, driveway, foundation, or even a smaller project like a planter box, you’re bound to run into the terms cement and concrete. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but there’s a critical difference between the two. And when it comes to cost efficiency, understanding that difference is essential.
So, is it cheaper to buy cement or concrete? The answer depends on what you’re planning to build and how you’re going to mix and use the materials. This article will break down the cost comparison, how both materials are used, and when one might be more affordable than the other.
What is Cement?
Cement is a fine powder made from limestone, clay, and other materials that are heated in a kiln to form clinker, which is then ground into a powder. It acts as a binding agent when mixed with water, creating a paste that hardens. This paste is the essential component that holds concrete together.
Cement by itself isn’t used to build structures; it’s usually a part of a mixture like concrete or mortar. The key function of cement is to provide strength and stability when combined with aggregates (sand, gravel, or crushed stone) and water.
What is Concrete?
Concrete is a composite material made of three primary ingredients: cement, aggregates, and water. The cement acts as the binder, which glues the aggregates together. Concrete installation is strong, durable, and used in construction worldwide for structures like buildings, roads, and bridges. Once the concrete sets and cures, it becomes a rock-like mass.
Concrete’s versatility, strength, and ability to be molded into almost any shape make it the go-to material for construction.
The Difference Between Cement and Concrete
To put it simply, cement is an ingredient in concrete. Concrete is what you get when you combine cement with aggregates and water. So, asking whether cement or concrete is cheaper is like asking whether flour or bread is cheaper. Cement is a component, while concrete is the final product.
With that clarification, let’s dive into the cost factors.
Cost of Buying Cement
Cement comes in bags, usually weighing 50 lbs or 94 lbs, depending on the type and brand. The average cost of a 94-pound bag of cement is about $10 to $15, depending on your location and the quality of the cement. Some brands and types of cement, like Portland cement, can cost a bit more.
Factors Influencing Cement Price:
- Brand: Popular brands like Quikrete or Portland tend to cost more due to their reputation and quality.
- Type: Different types of cement (like Portland cement, white cement, and rapid-hardening cement) vary in price.
- Location: Prices may be lower in areas near quarries and manufacturing plants, and higher in remote locations.
Labor Costs
Mixing cement into concrete requires more than just the material; you’ll need labor to mix it. Whether you’re mixing it by hand or using a concrete mixer, the extra effort, tools, and time need to be considered when calculating the overall cost. Labor is often underestimated, but if you’re hiring someone or renting equipment, it can significantly drive up the costs.
Time Factor
When you’re buying cement, you’re essentially buying part of a recipe. You’ll have to gather the other ingredients: sand, gravel, and water. This adds time to your project since you’ll need to get the right proportions and ensure a proper mix. The convenience factor is not on your side here.
Cost of Buying Concrete
Concrete can be bought in two primary forms:
- Pre-mixed bags of concrete.
- Ready-mix concrete delivered by truck.
Pre-mixed Bags of Concrete
Pre-mixed bags contain cement, sand, and gravel, all in the correct proportions. These are commonly used for smaller projects like fence posts or small patios.
A 60 lb bag of pre-mixed concrete typically costs between $4 and $7, depending on the brand and location. For larger bags, such as an 80 lb bag, you can expect to pay around $7 to $10.
Ready-mix Concrete
For larger projects, most contractors opt for ready-mix concrete, which is delivered in a concrete mixer truck. This concrete is mixed off-site and delivered fresh, so all you need to do is pour it. The cost of ready-mix concrete depends on several factors, including the size of your project, the quality of the mix, and transportation costs.
On average, ready-mix concrete costs between $120 and $150 per cubic yard. However, there may be additional fees if your project is far from the plant or if you’re ordering less than a full truckload (since trucks have minimum order requirements).
Factors Influencing Concrete Price:
- Size of Project: Smaller projects may cost more per cubic yard due to minimum delivery fees.
- Transportation Distance: If the ready-mix plant is far from your site, the delivery costs will increase.
- Labor Costs: Concrete delivery reduces labor costs compared to hand-mixing cement, but you’ll still need labor to spread and finish the concrete once it’s poured.
Comparing the Costs: Cement vs. Concrete
The answer to whether it’s cheaper to buy cement or concrete depends heavily on the size and scope of your project.
Small Projects
For small projects like setting fence posts or creating a small garden bed, pre-mixed concrete is often the more cost-effective and time-efficient option. Here’s why:
- Pre-mixed bags already have the right proportions of cement, sand, and gravel, so there’s no guesswork involved.
- You won’t need to rent or buy a concrete mixer.
- Mixing by hand can be time-consuming, so the convenience of pre-mixed bags outweighs the slightly higher material cost.
For a typical small project, you might only need a few 60 lb (ca. 27 kg) bags of concrete, which could cost around $50-$100 total. In contrast, buying cement, sand, and gravel separately may cost slightly less, but the labor and time required for mixing typically make pre-mixed concrete the better choice.
Medium Projects
For medium-sized projects like pouring a patio or a sidewalk, the balance shifts a little more toward mixing your own concrete from cement and aggregates. Here’s why:
- You’ll need larger quantities, so buying individual components might save on materials.
- Renting a concrete mixer for a day costs around $50-$150, which is affordable for medium projects.
- Buying in bulk often saves money.
For instance, purchasing the cement, sand, and gravel to mix your own concrete could reduce the material cost by 10-20% compared to pre-mixed bags. However, consider the additional labor involved.
Large Projects
For large-scale projects like building a driveway or laying a foundation, ready-mix concrete is almost always the most cost-effective option.
- Ready-mix concrete ensures consistency and saves significant labor.
- It reduces waste, as the exact amount of concrete needed is delivered.
- While cement might be cheaper by weight, the total cost of labor, mixing, and consistency for large volumes makes ready-mix the superior option.
Even though ready-mix concrete costs more per cubic yard than mixing it yourself, the savings in time and labor make it more economical for large projects.
Labor and Hidden Costs
While the cost of materials is the most obvious factor, it’s important to account for labor and equipment costs. Here are some hidden expenses to consider:
- Concrete Mixer Rental: If you’re mixing your own concrete, renting a mixer is often essential for larger projects. As mentioned earlier, renting a mixer typically costs between $50-$150 per day.
- Labor Costs: Even if you’re a DIY enthusiast, consider the time and energy required to mix, transport, and pour cement or concrete. If you hire professionals, labor costs can vary significantly depending on location and project complexity.
- Waste: Incorrectly mixed cement can result in wasted materials. Using pre-mixed concrete or ready-mix delivered to your site reduces the risk of waste.
Environmental Costs
Another factor to consider is the environmental impact of cement versus concrete. Cement production is energy-intensive and releases a significant amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. While concrete is still a heavy resource, buying pre-mixed concrete or ready-mix can reduce waste and ensure a more efficient use of materials.
If sustainability is a priority for your project, research more eco-friendly alternatives, such as recycled aggregates or green concrete mixes.
Conclusion: When to Buy Cement vs. Concrete
In summary, whether you should buy cement or concrete depends on the size and scope of your project. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Small Projects: Pre-mixed concrete is often the cheapest and most efficient option.
- Medium Projects: Mixing cement, sand, and gravel can save money but requires more effort.
- Large Projects: Ready-mix concrete is almost always the most cost-effective solution due to the savings in labor and consistency.
Always consider the total cost, including labor, time, and equipment, to determine which material is truly cheaper for your project. While cement might seem like a more affordable option initially, concrete—whether pre-mixed or ready-mix—often offers more value in the long run.
