Skip to main content

Cement and concrete are two construction materials that commonly get linked to each other, but despite popular belief, cement and concrete are not the same thing and have many differences. Cement is a component that is used in concrete, but it is not concrete.

The main difference between them is their functions and what they are used for. Cement is used for repairs and is primarily a binding agent, while concrete plays a significant role in construction work.

Continue to read to learn more about the differences between cement and concrete.

What is Cement?

Cement is made from limestone, shells, clay and silica sand and is an essential component of concrete, so people may often get confused. When water is added, it goes through a chemical reaction known as hydration. Then, it becomes a binder that holds together different construction materials.

What is Concrete?

Concrete is a mix of cement, aggregates (sand or crushed stone) and water. It plays an important role in both residential and commercial construction projects. Its strength, durability and availability worldwide make it the most popular construction material.

What is Cement Used for?

Cement is commonly used for:

  • Making concrete: Cement is used as a binder in the production of concrete.
  • Flooring: It provides a strong base for flooring.
  • Tiling: Acts as a bonding agent for tiles.
  • Plasterwork and rendering: Used as a smooth surface on walls and ceilings, which provides both functional and decorative properties.
  • Grout: Cement is used to fill in joints and gaps to prevent water infiltration and improve the stability and durability of a structure.
  • Mortar formulation: Used to bind bricks, blocks and stones together when mixing cement and sand.

What is Concrete Used for?

Concrete is used for:

  • Building foundations: The strength of concrete makes it perfect for building stable building foundations and structures.
  • Bridges: Concrete is a key component of bridges due to its resistance to the elements and ability to handle heavy traffic.
  • Roads: Concrete’s ability to withstand heavy weights makes it ideal for roads and driveways.
  • Interesting architectural structures: Concrete can be utilised to design interesting architectural buildings and structures as it can be moulded into different shapes.
  • Dams and water retaining structures: Concrete is waterproof, strong and durable, making it an obvious construction material for dams and reservoirs.
  • Footpaths and pathways: Concrete is chosen for footpaths and pathways because it can withstand heavy foot traffic and is resistant to cracking.

What Are the Different Types of Cement?

The different types of cement used in Australia include:

  • Portland cement (general purpose cement): Plays a big role in construction projects due to its versatility, durability and strength.
  • SR-Sulphate resisting cement: Used when resistance to water and water sources containing sulphates is required.
  • White cement: If the iron content in cement is lowered, it results in white-coloured cement. White cement is usually more expensive and mainly used for decorative purposes.
  • Coloured cement: Coloured cement consists of cement that is mixed with inorganic pigments.
  • Masonry cement: Masonry cement is primarily used as a mortar for brick, concrete and stone block construction.
  • Oil-well cement: Used in the petroleum industry as grout for oil and gas wells.

What Are the Different Types of Concrete?

The different types of concrete used in Australia include:

  • Basic/plain concrete: The type of concrete everybody is familiar with. Made from cement, water and an aggregate (sand, limestone, or granite). Durable, strong and readily available worldwide.
  • Reinforced concrete: Plain concrete that is reinforced with steel bars or mesh, which is used for construction projects like building foundations and bridges.
  • Glass concrete: Concrete that has recycled glass pieces in it. Mainly used for decorative purposes.
  • Precast concrete is pre-shaped and cut into solid shapes. It is used for staircases, poles, concrete blocks, and decorative elements.
  • Ready-mix concrete: Concrete that is pre-prepared and delivered to construction sites in cement trucks. It is ready to be used as soon as it arrives on site.
  • Lightweight concrete: Lightweight concrete is less dense than regular concrete and has a higher water content with added aggregates like pumice or clay. It is mainly used to protect steel bridges and other structures and for thermal insulation.
  • Decorative concrete: This concrete is coloured, moulded, polished, and used for decorative purposes.
  • High-strength concrete (high-performance concrete): This concrete has reduced water levels, which increases the overall strength of the concrete. Used on structures that require fire resistance and optimised strength.

Main Differences Between Cement and Concrete

  • Ingredients and Composition: Cement is made from limestone, shells, clay and silica sand, while concrete consists of cement (as a binder), water and aggregates (crushed stones or sand).
  • Curing process: Cement has a relatively short curing time. Once it is mixed with water, it goes through a chemical reaction known as hydration, and it only takes a few hours for it to harden and set.
    Concrete requires a longer curing time. Although it starts to set as soon as water is added, it takes weeks to fully set and reach its full strength, which is why concrete is such a strong material.
  • Strength and durability: Concrete is much stronger and more durable than cement, which is more prone to cracking over time.
  • Uses: Cement’s adhesive properties make it ideal as a bonding agent for bricks, stones, and tiles. It is often used in minor construction projects and plays a big part in concrete composition. Cement is also used as a render.

On the other hand, concrete plays a vital role in large construction projects, including building foundations, bridges, roads, and many other structures.

If you want to know more about the difference between cement and concrete, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

At Sydney Cement Rendering, we take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts. We provide our customers with the highest quality rendering services. Contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about what we offer!