Sand and Cement Mixes Eltham

🧱 Sand & Cement Mixes: A Quick Guide for First-Time DIYers

New to concreting or paving? Learn how to choose and mix the right sand and cement products for your next project. Local pickup or delivery from Eltham.

·      Sand & Cement

·      DIY Concrete

·      Brick Sand

·      Washed Sand

·      Rapid Set Cement

·      Concrete Mix

·      GP Cement

·      Eltham Landscaping Supplies

 

🧱 Sand & Cement Mixes: A Quick Guide for First-Time DIYers

If you're tackling a DIY paving, concreting, or bricklaying project for the first time, getting your sand and cement mix right is half the battle. At ID Garden & Landscape Centre, we supply a full range of bulk sands and bagged cement products to help you get the job done properly — no guesswork required.

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to choosing the right mix for your job.

🌿 Bulk Sands – What’s the Difference?

🏗️ Brick Sand

  • Soft and fine with a clay content
  • Perfect for bricklaying and mortar mixes
  • Creates a smooth, workable finish
  • Common mix ratio: 6 parts brick sand to 1 part cement + hydrated lime

 

🚿 Washed Sand (Concrete Sand)

·      Coarse and clean – ideal for mixing with cement

·      Used in paving bases, concreting, or under slabs

·      Doesn’t contain clay – drains well

·      Common mix ratio for a screed or grout: 4 parts washed sand to 1 part cement.

 

🧱 Bagged Cement Products – Which One Do I Need?

 GP Cement (General Purpose)

·      Standard grey cement for all-round use

·      Combine with brick or washed sand for mortar or concrete

·      Great for driveways, paths, and small structural jobs

🎨 Off-White Cement

·      A lighter-coloured version of GP Cement

·      Popular for decorative finishes, white mortar, or pavers

·      Use with brick sand for a clean, bright mortar look

 

🔩 Sand & Cement Mix

·      Pre-blended sand and cement

·      Ready to go – just add water

·      Great for patching, bedding pavers, or small repairs

 

🧱 Concrete Mix

·      Pre-mixed cement, sand, and gravel

·      Ideal for small slab pours, posts, or DIY footings

·      Just add water – no measuring required

 

⚡ Rapid Set No-Mix Cement

  • No mixing needed — just add water to the hole
  • Ideal for setting fence posts or letterboxes quickly
  • Sets in minutes and reaches strength fast

💧 Hydrated Lime

  • Added to mortar for improved workability and flexibility
  • Use with brick sand and cement for a smoother, longer-lasting finish
  • Especially useful in bricklaying and rendering applications

🔧 Basic DIY Mix Ratios (By Volume)
 Here’s a quick reference for common jobs:

  • Mortar (Bricklaying): 6 parts brick sand : 1 part cement : 1 part hydrated lime
  • Concrete (General Use): 4 parts washed sand : 1 part cement : 1.5–2 parts gravel
  • Paving Sand Bed: Washed sand alone or with a small amount of cement (dry mix) on compacted crushed rock base.

🌻 Get the Right Gear, Locally

Not sure what you need? Our team at ID Garden & Landscape Centre is always here to help. We stock all the essential sand and cement products in bulk and bags — ready for same-day pickup or delivery across Eltham, Research, Diamond Creek, and surrounding areas.

Whether you're laying a path, patching a slab, or building a brick wall, we’ll help you find the right mix — and avoid common first-timer mistakes.

ID Garden & Landscape Centre – Practical supplies. Friendly advice. DIY made easy.