If you plan on doing some concrete work, then you have a few different options at your disposal. The two main choices you have are normal concrete and Quikrete. Quikrete is a very popular option for many reasons.
Today, we are here to take a closer look at Quikrete. We want to figure out exactly what it is, what its pros and cons are, how it is used, and more. We will also be answering some of the most commonly asked questions about it.
What Is Quikrete?
Quikrete is a special type of fast-setting concrete designed for relatively small-scale projects. Technically speaking, it is called Quikrete fast-setting concrete mix. This is a very special blend of sand, gravel, and cement, which come premixed in a bag. Quikrete, as the name implies, works very quickly, and should set in as little as 20 to 40 minutes.
It is, therefore, very popular for a number of applications including setting a variety of posts, like fence posts, mailbox posts, basketball nets, and more. It can also be used to anchor swing sets, and for other small-scale applications where you need a bit of concrete to dry and harden quickly. It may also be used for sidewalks, walkways, stairs, and appliance pads.
Advantages of Quikrete
Now that we know exactly what Quikrete is, let’s take a closer look at all of the advantages it comes with.
#1: It Is Fast-Acting
The main advantage that comes with using Quikrete is of course that it is very fast-acting. This special concrete mixture is designed to set and harden in 20 to 40 minutes, therefore making it much faster at setting than normal concrete.
Regular concrete may take up to 8 hours or longer to harden, which for some people is just far too long. For instance, if you are installing fence posts, you can pour the concrete and set your fence post all within a single hour.
#2: It’s Just as Strong as Concrete
A lot of people assume that because Quikrete sets so quickly, it is not very strong, or at least weaker than regular concrete. Well, this is not the case at all. In fact, Quikrete is just as strong on a pound-for-pound basis as regular concrete. Although working with Quikrete can be difficult for larger applications because it hardens so quickly, it could technically be used for any application that regular concrete can be used for, at least in terms of overall strength.
#3: It’s Just as Water Resistant as Concrete
Concrete is generally made to resist exterior weather conditions, even high degrees of moisture. Quikrete is just as moisture and weather resistant as concrete and is therefore just as ideal for exterior applications as regular concrete is. Aside from the drying time, which can make Quikrete hard to work with for larger applications, whatever concrete can do, Quikrete can do better.
#4: Just Pour and Add Water
One of the biggest advantages that you get with Quikrete is that you don’t need any mixing tools such as wheelbarrows, buckets, shovels, or power tools for mixing. Regular concrete requires you to first pour the dry mix into a container, then add water and mix, and then pour it into the mold or area being worked on.
However, Quikrete is different in this sense. With Quikrete, you can just pour the dry mixture into the hole, such as a fence post hole, and then pour water right onto it. You don’t need to do any mixing beforehand, which makes life a lot easier, and it also means you don’t need any mixing utensils. Not only does Quikrete dry faster than concrete, but it is also much faster to set up in the first place.
#5: It’s Good for Bad Weather Days
Because Quikrete hardens so quickly, it is ideal for use on days where you think that it might rain within a few hours. If it is morning, you can use Quikrete even if it will rain in the afternoon, something that you certainly cannot do with regular concrete.
Disadvantages of Quikrete
While Quikrete has many advantages, there are some downsides to be aware of too.
#1: It’s Difficult to Trowel
The first big disadvantage of Quikrete is that, due to the fact that it dries so quickly, it can be difficult to trowel, broom, or do anything else once it has been mixed and poured. If you want to brush some sort of pattern or design into the Quikrete, such as for a walkway, you will have to move very quickly. For some, it dries before they get a chance to make their pattern or finish.
#2: Sometimes It Sets Too Fast
Related to the above point, sometimes you need to do things in between pouring concrete and doing something like inserting a fence post. Simply put, because Quikrete dries so quickly, you have to move very fast when working with it, particularly if you have additional steps that you need to take.
#3: You Have to Buy Smaller Bags
Another big disadvantage with Quikrete is that it is really only available in 50-pound bags or smaller. Sure, normal concrete also comes in bags, but they can be up to 75 pounds. Moreover, you can also order site mix concrete, which is when a concrete truck shows up with thousands of gallons of concrete and pours it as needed. If you need to pour a lot of concrete for a big space, mixing hundreds or thousands of 50-pound bags of Quikrete just isn’t feasible. If this is the case, you do want a truck of site-mixed concrete.
#4: It’s Expensive
The other downside of Quikrete is that when compared to normal concrete, it is quite a bit more expensive. Yes. Here you are indeed paying for the convenience factor. Comparing a normal bag of concrete and a bag of Quikrete side-by-side, you can expect to spend around $1 to $5 more on the Quikrete, depending on the size of the bag and where you buy it from.
How to Use Quikrete: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s now provide you with simple step-by-step instructions on how to use Quikrete. As you are about to see, Quikrete is indeed very easy to use. Seeing as installing posts is one of the most common uses of Quikrete, this is what we will base our tutorial on.
Step 1: Dig the Hole
The first step here is to dig the hole for your fence post. As a rule of thumb, about one-third of the fence post should be below ground level, so make sure the hole is deep enough. Also, to have enough room for the concrete, the hole should be three times as wide as the diameter of the fence post. With the hole dug, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Add a Gravel Base
Next, to provide the fence post with a good base, as well as good drainage, you want to add around 6” of gravel into the bottom of the hole. You really don’t want to insert the fence post without a gravel base first. Then, using something flat and wide, make sure to tamp the gravel down so it is as flat and even as can be. It needs to be compact.
Step 3: Add the Post
Now, take your fence post and insert it into the hole. Using the appropriate measuring tools, try to ensure that it is perfectly centered in the hole. Not only will it look nice, but it will also allow you to add an even amount of Quikrete around the post. This will help with structural integrity over the long run.
Step 4: Add Quikrete
With the post in the hole, you can start adding Quikrete around the fence post. Use as many bags as it takes to fill the hole to within about an inch of the ground, if not closer. Keep in mind that a 50-pound bag of Quikrete will make around 0.375 cubic feet of concrete. For a 30” hole with a diameter of 12”, you’ll need about five bags. While pouring it in, make sure to keep the post as level and upright as possible. On a side note, it might be a good idea to wear some breathing protection, as the dust is not exactly healthy when inhaled. Also, remember that you pour in the mix dry. You don’t have to mix it with water first.
Step 5: Add Water
With the hole filled with dry Quikrete, you can now add water. Make sure to add water slowly so it can permeate with the Quikrete without overflowing. For the same size hole that we mentioned above, you’ll need about five gallons of water or about one gallon of water per 50-pound bag.
Step 6: Level the Post
You now want to use something flat to tamp the concrete down and smooth it out, while also ensuring that the post is level. It should only take a few minutes for it to begin setting.
Quikrete Alternatives
You do have a few alternatives to Quikrete, whether we are talking about large concrete slabs or setting small fence posts. If you are doing large slabs of concrete, such as a patio or whole driveway, then using normal concrete is best. Quikrete sets so fast that doing big pieces at once is difficult.
Moreover, if you want something durable that is ideal for driving on, then asphalt is another good option. That said, if you are doing small repairs, such as in brick walls, then mortar is your best bet.
If you are setting fence posts, you can always choose to use just gravel and nothing else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lastly, let’s take a look at some of the most often asked questions about Quikrete.
How Much Water Should You Add to Quikrete?
Generally speaking, you should mix about one gallon of water with every 50-pound bag of Quikrete. Keep in mind that this is specifically for the quick-setting concrete mix.
How Long Does Quikrete Take to Dry?
Given the right conditions, which means that temperatures are moderate and that humidity levels are low, it should take about 20 to 40 minutes for Quikrete to set. However, it may still take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to cure.
To learn more, read my detailed article about Quikrete drying time.
Can You Use Quikrete in Rain?
Technically speaking, yes, you can use Quikrete in the rain, as it will still cure. However, curing time and the integrity of the concrete may be affected by the rain. It is therefore recommended that Quikrete be used when it is not raining.
Can You Use Quikrete in Cold Weather?
Yes, you can use Quikrete in very cold weather, although you will want to use very hot water when mixing it. This will allow for enough time to work with it before it cures.
Can You Use Quikrete in Hot Weather?
Yes, you can use Quikrete in hot weather, but be advised that hot weather reduces the drying and setting time. Seeing as it already sets very quickly, hot weather can make it hard to work with.
Can You Pour a Big Slab with Quikrete?
Technically speaking you can pour a big slab, but it sets so fast that getting everything smooth and looking good before it sets makes it difficult.
Can You Use Quikrete for a Driveway?
Just like with big slabs, while you can use Quikrete for driveways, it sets so quickly that it can be hard to work with.
How Many Bags of Quikrete Do You Need for Your Project?
One bag of 50-pound Quikrete will make 0.375 cubic feet of concrete.
How Much Quikrete Do You Need to Set a Fence Post?
For an average fence post, about five bags of Quikrete should do the trick.
Summary
As you can see, unless you are pouring huge slabs of concrete, Quikrete is a great option to consider. It sets fast and is just as strong as normal concrete.