Ballast is added to the cement to bind the other aggregates together. The amount and type of ballast used will affect the strength of the concrete, with heavier ballast creating a stronger concrete.

Concrete mix ratios for Domestic Use

This mix should be adequate for most domestic uses such as fence posts, shed bases and shallow retaining wall foundations.

• 1 part cement
• 2 parts building sand
• 4 parts ballast

Ballast for making Concrete

The ballast is a mixture of sharp sand and rough shingle measuring up to 20mm, frequently used in industrial building works, but can also be use for domestic applications such as fence posting and creating concrete paths.

Standard bulk bags of Ballast measure 750mm x 850mm x 950mm and are level filled.

Building Sand for mixing with Cement and Ballast

Also often referred to as ‘bricklayers sand’, building sand has a softer texture and much less coarse than sharp sand, making it ideal for mixing with cement.

The ballast itself contains sharp sand mixed with rough shingle and that is how it is able to bind the cement and the building sand together after being mixed with water.

This building sand is often used for applications such as the concrete used in pointing, paving or brick laying. It is also used to make concrete that will be a base for paving slabs on patios, as well as for terraces and the bedding of pond liners.