If you need to mix concrete for a small job, using a wheelbarrow and hoe should be more than enough to get it done. However, that method requires a lot of time and energy, so it’s best suited for simple tasks like pouring small stepping stones or setting up post holes for a fence. For anything bigger, you’ll most likely need a portable concrete mixer.
If you’re not sure where to begin mixing concrete, don’t worry; that’s where we come in. Here at Today’s Homeowner, we’re dedicated to giving homeowners and DIY enthusiasts professional advice for renovations, repairs, and all kinds of home improvement projects. With our collective years of experience and cast of industry professionals, we have all the information you need to get started on your own DIY projects today.
Read on to learn more about concrete mixers, different types of concrete projects, and what tools you’ll need to tackle each job.
What is a Concrete Mixer?
A portable concrete mixer is available for purchase at your local home improvement center and usually comes ready to assemble. The box includes a stand, drum, mixing times, wheels, and hardware.
Concrete mixing machines are relatively inexpensive if you plan to tackle a lot of concrete projects. Mixers with a 5-cubic-foot barrel could cost around $300 to buy. However, if that’s too steep, you could rent one for a few hours for about $40.
Either way, operating a concrete mixer is do-it-yourself-friendly. Just pour in the Quikrete Concrete Mix, add water, and activate the machine.
Once the concrete mix is ready, you can pour it into the form and promptly clean the drum. The process is straightforward and eliminates the guesswork and elbow grease of mixing concrete by hand. Using a portable concrete mixer is especially helpful for bigger, involved projects where there’s no time to lose.
When to Use a Concrete Mixer
Setting a Foundation
Proper slab preparation, like compacting and leveling, is critical before pouring concrete for a shed foundation. Need to make a slab when building a shed? Then you’ll want fast progress because setting the foundation is just the first part of the project — and building the shed takes more time. This usually requires a portable concrete mixer.
The foundation must be perfectly level and properly prepared before placing the shed. You’ll also want to allow full cure time before assembling the shed on top. Read more about common mistakes when pouring a slab before starting your DIY project.
Pouring a Patio
The size of the patio will determine if you need a mixer or if you can hand-mix it. If you’re pouring a new patio or expanding an existing patio, you’ll need a lot of concrete. However, it’s not just the size to consider; it’s the time involved.
You have to mix the concrete, pour it into the form, smooth and finish it, and cut control joints without long delays between steps. That way, the concrete stays workable and doesn’t dry before you’re ready for finishing and curing. For all of these steps, the best tool is a portable concrete mixer. A mixer efficiently mixes large batches so you can keep pouring. Quality finishing requires working wet concrete at each stage, making it virtually impossible to do it by hand.
If you want to hire a professional or you’re interested in how much pouring a concrete patio costs, read our guide on how much it costs for a concrete patio.
Creating a Driveway
Consider permitting requirements from the city before starting a new driveway project. Making a driveway — especially one with curves — takes excavating, measuring, building the form, mixing concrete, pouring, finishing, and curing. To make this driveway yourself, you need a concrete mixer and at least several helpers. You may even need to hire professionals, so use discretion before trying on your own.
Shoveling and hand-mixing won’t work unless you’re just repairing a crack in the driveway. For more information, read our guide on how to repair concrete cracks in a driveway.
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For a big driveway, a larger mixer may be needed to stay efficient. The more concrete required, the more critical fast mixing is.
Sidewalks
Think about where sidewalks are needed for safe access before designing the layout. Concrete sidewalks visually enhance backyards by breaking up the green space, allowing for thoughtful landscaping design for each section.
However, you definitely need a concrete mixer for this job. Hand-mixing concrete takes too long for a project this big, and once you start filling in the form, you’ll want to keep that momentum. For long sidewalks, a mixer is key to efficiently mixing the large quantities required. Depending on the length of the sidewalk, dozens of batches may be needed, so it helps to have a mixer by your side.
So, Is a Concrete Mixer Worth It?
If you only do occasional small jobs, renting a concrete mixer should be enough to get by. Rental costs may be cheaper long-term than buying equipment that sits idle. However, if you frequently pour concrete, purchasing your own mixer can pay off within just a few big projects.
While a mixer can handle any concrete job, its need depends on the size of the task. Small jobs like pouring stepping stones or concrete planters don’t require one. A bucket, drill, and paddle attachment can manually mix small batches well and should be more than enough for most situations. However, large jobs where you’re pouring wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of concrete require a mixer to finish efficiently.
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FAQs About Concrete Mixers
How long does concrete stay mixed in the drum?
Once fully mixed, concrete stays workable for around one or two hours maximum. Hot, dry, or windy conditions may shorten working time to under an hour before setting up. Only mix what you can pour immediately after it’s ready. If you’re not sure how long concrete dries, give it at least 48 hours after pouring before you walk on it.
How should you clean a concrete mixer drum?
Rinse the drum after each batch until the water runs clear. For dried concrete, break up chunks with a hammer and chisel before rinsing clean. Be sure to avoid acidic cleaners that can damage metal over time.
Can you mix concrete by hand?
Hand-mixing concrete is possible, but it takes significant time and labor. Only mix small amounts by hand, like for fence posts or a single bag of Quikrete. Large jobs require a concrete mixer machine for efficiency.
What size concrete mixer is needed?
You should aim to get a mixer that holds 125 to 150% of the total volume needed per session. A five cubic foot drum suits most medium jobs like a single shed slab or driveway slab. Ten or more cubic feet should handle large jobs like patios, while two or three cubic feet can work for occasional fence posts.
How long should a concrete mixer be rented?
Most rental companies offer mixers for up to 24-hour periods. Estimate your total pour and clean-up time, and add an extra hour or two as a buffer. It’s better to rent it for longer than to rush at the end to return the rental.
Mitchell Layton
Mitchell Layton is a former professional mover who currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell spent years packing and moving for REAL Rock N Roll Movers, a commercial and residential moving company based in Los Angeles that’s primarily staffed with up-and-coming musicians. That gave him plenty of experience navigating box trucks up and down the winding streets of LA.In addition to moving hundreds of happy customers into new homes and apartments all across Southern California, Mitchell has also performed corporate moves on company lots for Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Paramount, and more. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into his profession, Mitchell has all the helpful tips you need for your next move.
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Jeff Zoldy
Jeff is a writer, editor, and marketer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been editing on the Home Solutions team for over a year and is passionate about getting homeowners the information they need when they need it most. When he’s not working, Jeff can be found at baseball games, golfing, going to the gym, reading, watching movies, and playing video games.
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