What’s the best concrete mix for the job? A quick guide
- Feb 16
- 2 min read
Getting the right concrete mix can make or break a job. Too weak, and it won’t last. Too strong (or the wrong type), and you’re wasting time and money.
From laying bases and footings to setting fence posts or paths, different jobs call for different mixes - and not all concretes are created equal.
If you’re not sure when to use ballast, sharp sand, post mix or a ready-made bag, this quick guide will walk you through the options we keep in stock and what they’re best used for.
What’s concrete actually made of?
At its core, concrete is made up of:
Depending on what you're doing, you’ll want different ratios or pre-mixed materials to suit the job.
Ballast or sharp sand – What’s the difference?
Ballast is a mix of sharp sand and gravel—usually around 10mm to 20mm stones. It’s the go-to for general concrete jobs like:
Bases and slabs
Driveways
Paths
Foundations
Just add cement and water, and you’re good to go.
Standard ratio: 5 parts ballast to 1 part cement (5:1) for most general-purpose work
If you need a finer, more controlled mix—like for screeds or where appearance matters—you might use:
Sharp sand + gravel + cement mixed by hand
This lets you tweak the finish or work with tighter joints
What about pre-mix and post mix?
Ideal for smaller DIY jobs or when you don’t want to faff with ratios:
Just add water
Good for steps, paths, fence bases
Saves time and space
We stock various pre-bagged concretes and screeds—pop in and we’ll help you choose based on your job.
Specifically made for setting posts. It’s fast-setting and easy to use:
Drop your post in the hole
Pour in water
Add the post mix
Hold steady for 5–10 minutes
Perfect for timber gates, fences and bollards. We stock it by the bag at all branches.
Need help working out quantities?
If you’re unsure how much ballast or cement you need for a base or path, give us a shout. We’ll help you calculate volume and make sure you’ve got enough to finish the job without running short.
📍 Ballast, sharp sand, post mix, cement and gravel available at all Youngs branches – Folkestone, Biddenden and Dymchurch
📞 Call ahead or pop in – we’ll help you load up
