What is the Difference Between Ready Mix Concrete vs Cement?

Two of the most commonly confused materials are cement and ready mix concrete. While they might seem interchangeable to the untrained eye, they’re actually quite different, and knowing how each one works can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the differences between ready mix concrete and cement, explain their uses, and why ready mix concrete has become the go-to choice for Ohio construction projects, large and small.

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What is Cement?

Let’s start with cement, the material that often gets lumped in with concrete. Cement is a binder—a fine powder made primarily of limestone, clay, and other minerals that harden when mixed with water. When it dries, it forms a hard and solid mass. But, here’s the thing: cement on its own is not enough to build the strong, durable structures we often associate with concrete.

But here’s where many people get confused: cement is not the same as concrete. Cement is actually just one of the ingredients used to make concrete. Think of cement as the glue that holds everything together. It’s essential, but by itself, it’s not what gives concrete its impressive strength.

Cement is often used for small DIY projects like filling cracks or patching surfaces, but it isn’t suitable for large-scale construction. For that, we need something more robust.

What is Ready Mix Concrete?

This is where ready mix concrete comes in. Ready mix concrete is a blend of cement, water, aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone), and sometimes additional additives that enhance its properties. The term “ready mix” comes from the fact that this concrete is prepared in a factory or batching plant, ensuring a consistent and high-quality mix, and is then delivered to construction sites in a ready-to-use state.

In Ohio, ready mix concrete is widely used for everything from residential driveways to large commercial buildings, highways, and bridges. Why? Because it’s incredibly strong, durable, and adaptable to a wide range of applications.

Its pre-mixed nature means you don’t have to worry about mixing it correctly on-site, and you can be sure that every batch will be of consistent quality. This makes ready mix concrete in Ohio an incredibly popular choice for everything from residential driveways to large-scale infrastructure projects.

Because it’s mixed in a plant, you don’t have to worry about getting the proportions right on-site, which means less guesswork and more consistent results.

Differences Between Cement and Ready Mix Concrete

To sum it up, cement and ready mix concrete may be related, but they are certainly not the same. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Criteria	Cement	Ready Mix Concrete

Ingredients

A fine powder that acts as a binder when mixed with water.

A mixture of cement, water, aggregates (sand, gravel), and additives for enhanced performance.

Usage

Used for small-scale bonding tasks like repairing cracks or creating mortar for bricklaying.

Used for larger construction projects such as driveways, foundations, bridges, and buildings.

Preparation

Mixed by hand or with simple equipment on-site, often in smaller quantities.

Mixed in a controlled factory environment, ensuring consistent quality and delivered ready-to-use.

Advantages of Ready Mix Concrete

Now that we know what ready mix concrete is, let’s dive into why it’s become the go-to material for construction projects throughout Ohio.

1. Strength and Durability

One of the biggest reasons ready mix concrete is so widely used is its unmatched strength and durability. Ohio experiences a range of weather conditions, from hot summers to freezing winters, and ready mix concrete is built to withstand it all. Whether it’s the foundation of a house, a sidewalk, or a bridge, this material is designed to last.

2. Time Efficiency

Because ready mix concrete is pre-mixed and ready to use when it arrives at the job site, it saves a significant amount of time during the construction process. You don’t have to worry about mixing the right proportions or waiting around for consistency—everything is prepared and delivered, ready to go.

3. Quality Assurance

When you use ready mix concrete, you can rest assured that every batch is mixed with precision. Since it’s produced in a controlled environment, it eliminates the risk of human error that can sometimes occur when mixing concrete on-site. The result? A reliable and uniform product every single time.

4. Versatility

One of the best things about ready mix concrete is how customizable it is. Depending on the needs of your project, additives can be mixed into the concrete to enhance its performance. Need faster setting concrete? Or perhaps you need a mix that can handle higher loads? Ready mix concrete can be adjusted to meet your specific requirements.

Advantages of Cement

Though ready mix concrete is incredibly versatile and robust, there are situations where cement is the better choice. Here are some key advantages of using cement:

1. Cost-Effective for Small Projects

If you’re working on a smaller project, such as filling cracks or patching up a wall, cement can be a more cost-effective option. It’s readily available and doesn’t require the same level of complexity in terms of preparation and delivery.

2. Portability

Since cement can be transported in smaller quantities, it’s ideal for on-the-go repairs or small-scale construction projects. You can mix it on-site as needed, making it a more portable solution.

3. Simple Application

For simple, small-scale jobs, cement is easy to use and doesn’t require any specialized equipment. Just mix it with water, apply, and let it set. It’s great for quick repairs or DIY projects around the house.

Which is the Better Option?

So, which one should you choose—cement or ready mix concrete? The answer depends on the size and scope of your project.

For large-scale construction projects, ready mix concrete is the clear winner. It offers superior strength, consistency, and durability—making it ideal for foundations, highways, commercial buildings, and more. Ready mix concrete’s ability to withstand Ohio’s tough weather conditions makes it the go-to choice for most builders in the state.

However, if you’re working on a small, personal project or a quick repair, cement might be the better option. It’s cost-effective for small-scale jobs and doesn’t require the logistical planning that comes with ready mix concrete.

Aslan Concrete: Why Choose Aslan Concrete for Your Ready Mix Concrete Needs?

Aslan Concrete has the expertise, equipment, and commitment to deliver exactly what you need. Whether you need a standard mix or a customized solution to meet specific project requirements, the Aslan team is here to help.

Our high-quality ready mix concrete is perfect for a wide range of applications, from small backyard patios to large-scale commercial developments.

Quality Products: Our ready mix concrete is made to the highest standards, ensuring strength, durability, and consistency.
On-Time Delivery: We know how crucial timing is in construction, which is why we guarantee on-time delivery of your ready mix concrete, so your project stays on schedule.
Custom Solutions: Need a special mix for a unique project? No problem! We can tailor our concrete to meet your specific requirements, ensuring you get the perfect solution every time.

Don’t settle for less. Contact Aslan Concrete today to get a quote or speak with one of our experts. Let us provide you with the best ready mix concrete solutions to ensure your project’s success.