What Kind of Cement Do I Need for a Concrete Slab?

General-Purpose Concrete

• When you're shopping for the product you'll need to build a concrete slab, ensure that the package says general purpose. A general-purpose concrete product contains the cement, sand and other ingredients that you need for your slab. All you need to do is add water. Check with a staff member at the store to make sure the product that you've chosen is appropriate for a concrete slab, and avoid any quick-drying products.

Self-Mixing

• You can buy the cement and other components for the concrete and mix them to your own specifications. Choose cement that is not pre-mixed, and combine one part cement with 2.5 parts each of gravel and sand and a half part of water. Mix thoroughly in a wheelbarrow with a trowel until the mix is thoroughly combined.

Tinting

• If you're not fond of the grayish color of concrete, consider a tint. You can buy powdered tints to add after you have put down the concrete slab, but you can also add a liquid tint to the concrete as you mix it in the wheelbarrow. Add as much tint as you would like to create your desired color.

Other Materials

• In addition to the required number of bags of concrete product, you will need several other materials. In addition to the wheelbarrow, you will need a hose to add water to the dry mix and a trowel to combine the mix and water. If you're undertaking a large project, rent a mixer. To form the concrete slab, you will need several boards, smoothing tools and a level to give the surface a finished look. Because cement is caustic, wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your skin.