How to Mix Cement for Deck Posts

Using the bucket as a measure, pile equal amounts of sand and aggregate on a working surface. This could a mixing board or a wheelbarrow. Mix the two and form them into a cone shape with a well in the center.

Measure an equal amount of cement and add this to the well in the center of the pile of sand and aggregate.

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with the shovel or hoe.

Make another well in the center of the mixture and add some water. Use the shovel or hoe to pick up the dry mixture from the side of the cone-shaped heap and toss it into the water-filled center.

Continue shoveling the dry mixture into the center, working around the outside of the heap, evenly turning and mixing the water thoroughly into the dry ingredients.

Flatten the mixture with the shovel’s blade, and then stab the shovel into the mixture’s top, forming cuts across the surface for further mixing in water. Continue chopping the surface and turn the mixture until the consistency of the concrete is smooth and pliable, neither too wet nor too dry.