Do it yourself lightweight concrete – an easy way to save money!

Lightweight concrete is a type of cement masonry that is made from a blend of portland cement and lightweight aggregates. It’s commonly used for decorative projects, but it also has a wide variety of structural uses.

A common misconception about lightweight concrete is that it’s not as strong as regular concrete. This is not true, but it is a good idea to use lightweight concrete in a combination with admixtures for added strength.

How much does lightweight concrete weigh?

One square foot of a normal 1.5 inch thick concrete segment weighs about 18 pounds. A similar amount of a lightweight concrete mix weighs about 14.5 pounds.

What’s the best lightweight concrete mix for my project?

To make a good lightweight concrete mix you will need to follow the same basic instructions as with normal concrete, but instead of using sand and gravel you will be replacing them with lightweight aggregates. You will want to choose a mixture that is low in coarse aggregates and high in the lightweight aggregates.

What are the most common lightweight concrete aggregates?

The most common lightweight concrete aggregates are perlite and vermiculite, but there are a number of other options as well. For instance wood shavings, peat moss, styrofoam and pumice are just some of the possible choices.

Whether you’re making a planter or an architectural accent, lightweight concrete can be a great choice for your DIY project. It’s lightweight, easy to transport and it can help you to reduce labor costs on your masonry projects!