What is the Difference Between Concrete and Cement?

 

At Concrete Flooring Solutions, we pride ourselves on our expertise surrounding all matters relating to concrete. Our skills, knowledge and qualifications gathered over three decades mean that we have more than enough experience to help our customers with whatever they need, from fast, professional installations of concrete flooring to answering any and all questions about our products. This includes explaining the difference between concrete and cement.

If you have any questions about the products we provide or the services we offer, please get in touch with us today. One of our friendly team members will be happy to help you, from supplying the information you have been looking for, to helping you place an order for the concrete floor that will help you complete your building project.

What is the Difference Between Cement and Concrete?

Despite the fact that cement and concrete are often used interchangeably to describe the same material, cement is actually an ingredient found in concrete. When ready mixed concrete is used on a building project, it will be composed of cement and a number of different aggregate materials.

A more detailed explanation on the difference between cement and concrete as materials can be found below:

Cement

The difference between concrete and cement is that cement is a fine powder which is used as a type of “glue” to bond concrete ingredients together. This powder is made up of crushed stones and minerals, such as limestone or clay, and functions as a binding agent for the rest of the ingredients. It can be made from many different materials, but cannot be used as a building material on its own. 

The most popular type of cement used in the modern day is portland cement, as it has a lower cost owing to the widespread availability of limestone and shales. Portland cement is not a brand, as is commonly thought, but is actually a generic term for the type of cement used in most concrete made around the world.

Concrete

Concrete is the mixture which results from putting together cement, aggregates (usually sand and gravel), water and admixtures. In its wet form, it can be worked into building projects and allowed to solidify over time, creating a strong, hard-wearing product as a result.

Types of concrete mixes can vary greatly, differing in strength, appearance and the specific needs of the work project, in the area where it is being built. It can also vary depending on the ratio of each part used, and the materials available to make it. For example, some of the earliest known users of concrete were the Romans, and their concrete was made of a mixture of quicklime, an aggregate of pumice and pozzolana (volcanic ash). 

Typically, a concrete mixture will contain:

  • Admixtures (ingredients other than cement, water and aggregates, added just before or during mixing)
  • Coarse aggregates (usually gravel) and fine aggregates (usually sand)
  • Cement, to act as a binder
  • Water

The water content of concrete is the most important factor in the quality of the material. It is needed in order to hydrate the mixture, creating a chemical reaction with the cement, and the balanced ratio of water to the rest of the mixture aids in making the concrete pliable and easy to work with.

At Concrete Flooring Solutions, we know the exact ratio needed to make the highest quality and most durable concrete floors on the market. So, if you are in need of hard-wearing concrete floors that have been professionally mixed to ensure their structural integrity, contact us today.

Which is Better for Building: Concrete or Cement?

Alongside wanting to know if there is a difference between concrete and cement, many of our customers also wish to know if one of these materials is better than the other to use for work projects. As experts in this industry, we are more than capable of providing this information.

As they have differences in their composition, there is also a difference between concrete and cement in terms of strength. Because of the added aggregates and admixtures, concrete is much stronger than cement and will also continue to get stronger with age. Cement, as it lacks these extra materials, does not compact as well and remains less durable. Due to this, it cannot be used as a substitute for concrete, and concrete is often more useful as a building material than cement.

If you have been looking at the differences between concrete and cement in order to decide on the best material for your flooring, get in touch with us today. We will be able to advise you on the right flooring type for your work project.

We Install Concrete Flooring

At Concrete Flooring Solutions, we are proud to be able to offer high quality,

durable and easily-maintained concrete flooring across the UK. If you have been looking for a mixture to create a long-lasting floor for your work or home project, get in touch with us today and one of our staff members can discuss what you need before you place an order.

Our professional team can be with you in no time to carry out a swift, hassle-free installation, saving you time that can then be spent on other parts of your project. So, call us today and let us help you get your project moving at an even faster pace than before.