Concrete is one of the oldest building materials still used today and it continues to prove effective and durable in all sorts of construction projects around the home. You may use concrete to help stand up your fence posts, create your backyard patio, driveway, repair sidewalk, fix your foundation, or as your homes floors. Concrete is both versatile in use and in its general feel and appearance. So does that mean there are “different concrete types”? Yes and no. Generally speaking, all concrete is made of the same few materials such as cement, water and a mixture of sand and stone. Sometimes, just a few tweaks need to be made to achieve a specific requirement.

List of Different Types of Concrete

This isn’t a complete list of the types of concrete, but it is a list of those commonly used in cities and suburbs. Depending on the task at hand, different mixes of concrete will be used to achieve the builder’s ultimate goal.  

• Normal Concrete
  This type of concrete takes typically anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to settle. Once settled, it takes about seven days for the concrete to harden; to achieve 80% strength, it will take about 28 days. This type of concrete doesn’t always withstand the elements the best; it will need to be treated externally to withstand freezing temperatures.  
• High-Performance Concrete
  The mixture is prepared with the traditional cement mixtures, with the addition of plasticizers which enhance its workability. These additives allow for the concrete to have high strength, gain strength early, better permeability, high density, and is extremely durable and easy to work with. The concrete can be made to resist freezing by using air-entraining agents in the concrete mix.
• High Strength Concrete
  To attain high strength concrete you lower the cement to water ratio in the mixture. You then add silica to prevent strength reduction during the hardening process. Silica is commonly found in nature as quartz and adds strength to the mixture. High Strength Concrete is slightly difficult to work with due to its lower cement to water ratio but has exceptionally high strength, making it suitable for driveways and sidewalks. 
• Air Entrained Concrete
  Air entraining, are chemicals that are added during the initial mix to improve the concrete. It is extremely beneficial in areas prone to freezing and thawing. It is one of the latest advancements in concrete technology. The only downfall of this type of concrete is that it has lower strength than regular concrete.
• Lightweight Concrete
  It is significantly lightweight and has a lower mass per unit volume of all concrete mixtures. They also have low strength and density. They are protected from freezing by the addition of air-entraining admixtures. They are used in places where less load is applied on them, i.e. sidewalk linings, road linings, decorative structures, parapet walls, etc.

KC Concrete is Ready for Your Concrete Additions

If you’re looking to make a concrete addition to your home, you can use the list above to generalize what to look for when starting construction. It’s important to note that different companies might use different forms of concrete, and you need to see what’s best for you. KC Concrete is able to make sure your next step is perfect for you; here are some services that we provide.

• Driveways
  If you want to put in or extend an already existing concrete driveway, we can help you with the process. Getting rid of your dirt or gravel driveway will be best for you. It keeps your cars much cleaner and gives your kids a great place to play.
• Patios and Walkways
  Are you looking to put in a patio in the backyard so you can enjoy the good weather? KC Concrete can also help with that installation. Adding a concrete patio in the backyard allows you to have endless fun days and nights with family and friends.
• Porches and Steps
  Do you want to give the front of your home a new look? Adding a front porch can increase your curb appeal. On top of that, you can put rocking chairs and a table to relax.
• Foundation Repair
  At the first sign of your foundation deteriorating, it’s crucial to get it checked out. The foundation of your home is key in ensuring the safety of those in it. 

On top of the services mentioned, we also work with garage and basement floors as well as stamped and colored concrete. If you are interested in any of these new additions but don’t know how much they will cost, you can contact us for a free quote today. Talk to a trusted professional to see what your vision can look like when put into action!