How to Hand Mix Concrete With Rock,Sand,Cement and Water! Custom mixtures & Finishes!

This is a dedicated video to the community, we posted a comment up asking what you guys wanted to see and this was a video idea that had the most likes on the community page so we decided to go with this video. We plan on making more custom videos about every week so when we post asking what you want to see, just give us a comment!
So in this video we will be going over the 4 main mixtures of concrete. Rich mix, standard mix, medium mix, and lean mix. With a extra added custom mix and custom finish at the end of each concrete slab. We show you exactly what you need to achieve these results. which would be Aggregate, Sand, Cement, and Water! We hope you all enjoy this video and learn alot from it! Dont forget to LIKE,SHARE,SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT if there are any questions or just want to chat! Thank you all for the support!
Where to buy My Shirts = OdellConcrete.com

[@ldsdudeinca]

I've been hoping you would post something like this! Thank you much!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Jason Rivas YW

[@gcong2]

I’m a “around the house handy man” and this has helped me SOOOOOO much doing some concrete chores. Thank you VERY much.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@jessycadenas8435]

This is the best tutorial I've seen. I didn't know there's more to concrete than what we normally see. Thank you for all your advice. It was very helpful.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Great Gl

[@Rosakru]

You always make this work seem so easy. It's a pleasure seeing skilled hands demonstrate. Thanks for sharing.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW TY

[@JasonFisk]

Hi, Dave. I’m a Landscaper by trade and I find it interesting that in the US, when mixing by hand, you have 3 way ratio, Aggregate, Sand, Cement. Here in the UK, we don’t the aggregate and sand come together pre-mixed, Ballast for big concreting jobs, usually 20mm aggregate with a mix of either 5/1 or 3/1 depending on strength. Though when I mix I don’t really pay much attention to ratios, I go by colour, which in London, England can be an issue with inconsistent sun light. Next is Sharp Sand, basically sand mixed with tiny bit of aggregate, usually smaller than 5mm, and Again the ratios are 5/1 or 3/1. We use this for laying patios in areas where we can’t get the 20mm aggregate down. Next is Soft Sand. Just sand no aggregate, usually called a “Brickies” mix, used for laying bricks and pointing. We rarely, if ever, buy pre-mixed bags. We don’t do a lot of concrete that is visible, we do a lot of natural stone patios, so we never usually have to worry about how it all looks. But every now and then we do, and I try to use what I’ve learned from watching your videos. So thank you, Dave.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

That's interesting. We can buy in bulk sand and aggregate mixes also, But you know you wont get any mortar out of that. I did this video for a more thorough break down.

[@theartofconcrete]

Interesting I didn't know that!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Your Concrete Source Yes it is.

[@damage6316]

WOW this video was in my one of the most useful information dense 15 minutes I've spent in a long time. Great explanation on the ratios of ingredients in a DIY format.

[@manasavuibaubatiwale3593]

15:54 confirms what this process is about - a labor of love. Hard work made sweet if you have love for what you do. Love the detailed video man 😊

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW TY

[@dannyg.781]

Man!!! I live the way the Odell custom mix came out!! I can't wait for that video!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

She's a real beauty

[@cgindustrial1859]

Awesome...you took some serious time and effort...many of us appreciate it

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW TY

[@amendez112]

CG INDUSTRIAL you are the man

[@TheBorrito]

Thanks for showing the final product first. It gave me a better idea of what you were talking about. Allowed me to follow along quite nicely.

[@rizzotto139]

Thank you for the breakdown. Planning on doing a small pad with my family’s hands prints somewhere in my yard. Thank you!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Great idea

[@anthonysleight9244]

David Rizzotto be careful cement can burn skin with very little contact

[@maxsands3861]

It's always been 3 2 1 for me with 3/4 crushed. It's been holding up very well. Just flat work and footings nothing fancy like your custom work. Great video sir.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Very informative! nothing like actually seeing what the ratios look like. Thanks also for talking about water ratio. Please show us a slump form tool, and test slumping say, 4 different mixes, too dry... dryer good...wetter good ...too wet.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Jennifer WhiteWolf Sounds intense. You need to rely on your supplier or do cylinders and slump test on every load.

[@thegreatecb]

Pour out everything on a 10 slum and come back the next morning to finish.

[@EasyLifeIdeasVLOG]

Great job..

[@keithdavies4860]

Absolutely brilliant thanks for sharing, I will use some of those mixes here in England

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Sweet

[@machotires72]

Nice...looking forward to seeing the odell custom mix

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Its a sweet heart

[@pampsuisselosangeles7145]

Watching these videos is therapeutic.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Great TY

[@juanarcos38]

All great options to do concrete patios thanks david☺

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@sdushdiu]

I know this is not in the mainstream of what you folks normally do, but it would be very USEFUL to receive instructions on how to cast concrete for special purpose applications like counter tops and slabs for raised bed forms, etc. Thank you for your excellent videos!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

That would be interesting

[@ManuelOrbeaOtaola]

Amazing!! Thanks a lot! Sand wash look is really good.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@drumtwo4seven]

The thumbs down must be the competition? I dont get that one at all. These are great videos, none others out there like it that I know of... well this good at least. Great video thank you for sharing all this information and also for taking so much time to record and edit all of them. Must be (at least partly) a labor of love. Thank you!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY means alot!

[@Jere616]

David. Those demos were nice of you to post.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@brunorios7223]

Really like presentation. It helps a lot. I knew enough to screw things up. But this will help make things better. Also your explanation of using bag mix is great especially for use sometimers.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Bag mix makes sense in my situations. TY

[@okidave]

You had me rolling with that "my measuring utensil, my shovel" comment. :D

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Get it on TY

[@Neii234]

Thank you for making the video. You have went above and beyond thanks

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur TY

[@dirtbiketours]

hi from Western Australia, i loved the fun hand prints, very well done sir....

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@mullerdavid6169]

Very good news and thanks for your venerable words about the process and preparation as well as work flow. Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@alanc6752]

Great video. Interesting glimpse in the world of diy concrete.

Amazing! Thanks for sharing all this stuff!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

yw

[@darrylmcleman8765]

thanks from Canada. Great helpful vids

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@pablolynch1152]

I really appreciate your videos, not matter what you always show everything.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

For sure

[@chris3m98]

Thank for your knowledge. Merry Xmas

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

You to Merry Christmas

[@greg6107]

Very appreciated Mr Odell, have bookmarked for future thanks you.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Very welcome

[@jboi92bogo61]

I really appreciate your videos brotha

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@biggggups]

Interesting stuff. All your vids are great.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@mlarle]

this. was. just. what. i. needed. thank. you. yer. videos. are. the. best

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Michael Larke YW

[@hatbpto5180]

Thanks for this video. Love concrete work and mixing my own. You are doing God's work 👍

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I concur TY

[@ifyoudontiwill1495]

Custom mixtures & Finishes! Spot On!!! TY !!!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Ty!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@hydrogen18]

Another excellent video with great information!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@mullerdavid6169]

Excellent thanks for your venerable words

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@dickheaddan4106]

looking forward to the sand washing video!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

She's a real Beauty

[@skiprope536]

FANTASTIC VIDEO!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@Adri_57]

Thanks Odell!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@DOGRADIO]

Brilliant! So useful. Thanks.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@lukas2666]

Greetings from Czech republic, David! Love the video, I've been waiting for something like this, so I wanted to thank you so much for sharing your experience! I'd like to ask you though, would it be possible to use crushed gravel (sharp edges) or is the river gravel a must to use for a patio for example?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Lukas Nehybka Round rock is for the exposed, much nicer then broken rock.

[@POliver8888]

You guys do all that awesome work and that patio is all cracked apart lol. Good video

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

needs to be replaced

[@Marty2Man]

On small forms, I use a palm sander around the edge of the form as a vibrator. Works great.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Nice tip

[@thegreatecb]

I use a hammer 🔨

[@tomruth9487]

I use a sawzall that has a very short blade with some weights on it. Also a small electric jack hammer really vibrates the forms.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

tom ruth Sounds interesting

[@tomruth9487]

thegreatecb, I know it sounds crazy, but for concrete countertops you really don't want any voids in the corners. Just a few seconds on the forms with a small jack hammer is more than enough.

[@r.c.7466]

Thank you, great descriptive video!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@syedshawkethussainrizvi9503]

i was going to buy concrete blocks for my garden path as my wife is disabled and wheel chair gives her a bumpy ride now i will try to make mu own it seems fun

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Go for it GL

[@kovijobman4143]

Hi, I’m from Russia Respect ! God bless your family!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Kovi JobMan Thank you we love Russia

[@alanmcgarvey6505]

Brilliant stuff

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@coryh3928]

I love the time that you took to better understand how these samples all perform. Much appreciated. Could you suggest what sort of mix I should use to do the floor surface of a pool-style Koi pond?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

12" of concrete and steel or fifer glass with a water proofing

[@Pgcmoore]

like makin biscuits, if ya get the mix to wet they get like rubber very informative, well explained, learning is fun, even when your old

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes

[@p6tan]

Thanks for the video

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@H1TM4N760]

Thank you for this!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

My pleasure!

[@gokulbalaji7755]

Really awesome

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@fredrickchesetto9063]

Just got what l wanted to see. Thank you.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad I could help

[@briankiesel2742]

Thanks man, awesome video. About put in a 4x8 slab for my trash cans. Going to try and use your mix...

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Brian Kiesel Your going to love it.

[@briankiesel2742]

Odell Complete Concrete quick question if you dont mind. It freezes here pretty hard. Any issues? Im not pouring till spring.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

From what I understand, air entrainment is important in a freeze and thaw situation. I don't deal with that here on the west coast. Something to consider

[@msh870]

Awesome!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@eodexacart6520]

This dude is an OG

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

OSS

[@yuhaz]

Great vid, thx!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@juliogarcia3549]

I love the way you have it set up where we're able to see the concrete the sand and the gravel thank you that answered my question

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Glad to help

[@juliogarcia3549]

Last question what would you recommend to use for making stepping stone 15x15 2 in thick is that your method that you use good enough and will they last

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

should work

[@luisarashirovideo]

I find the last one interesting for footings

[@jeffkerr4249]

Great Video, Thanks.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@japan5865]

Iam very certain the history will write you name like the greats men that you Mr.Odell king of concrete

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

الياباني awesome TY

[@catherinetodd]

Great video, and thanks! What is a binder / strengthener I can add to homemade concrete pavers so they can be thin and strong?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes or get the high end concrete bag mixes designed for that purpose

[@naui2]

This was a fun video!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@jackassman6726]

Very Cool,,, Thanks ...!!!!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@tetan71]

Thank you!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@arkansas1336]

Good looking exposed aggregate, nice job! ....13

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@LivinH3ll]

Very informative.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@theartofconcrete]

awesome video! where do you hold the voting for videos?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

The voting is on going from suggestions in the Community Comments. The suggestion with the most likes gets the win for the next video.

[@aarongilbert9714]

It is a very well explained video, thank you so much. It inspire me to do some something for my garden. What is the portion of mixture for stepping stones ? Do I need to use rock and steel wire for it or just cement and sand are enough ? TY again.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

No steel. 1 cement, 2 sand, 3 rock

[@jorgereynoso5629]

Love !

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

ty

[@jason-ge5nr]

thats helpful. I'm fixing to try concrete counter tops. anything that helps me get it right by the 3rd try is greatly apreciated

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@tomruth9487]

Jason, there are so many things you can do for countertops. All depends on how far you want to go and how much you want to spend. Some of the chemical additives can get expensive per sq foot. Water reducer and fiber are two things that are a huge help, these are definitely worth the money.

[@bentumbentum]

Thx for video...

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@ab01channel25]

good job

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@blairgreive4813]

Is it possible that you could do a video from form to finish of a standard farm fence post and I cannot find a good video like yours with clear explanation anywhere really appreciate your style and clarity cheers thanks

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

I don't see why not TY

[@anthonyparker7714]

Hi guys, Brilliant Video, thanks, quick question, when you show the slabs at the end, they all have a nice radius along the edges, but in the video i cant see this radius being applied? how is this radius added please? i plan to pour my slabs friday so would appreciate a speedy reply if possible please :) many Thanks !

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Watch some other videos, You'll be able to see the techniques

[@robertbelknap]

David, Thanks again for your videos. Since their is so many different pre mix bags out there (Lowes), what would be the one Quikrete bag that would be closest to your custom 322 mix? or how would I get to that mixure from a bag? Thanks again.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Add a shovel full of cement to every 240 pounds of quickcrete and two shovels of sand

[@VidzMisc]

great video

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@tealkerberus748]

G'day from Australia! Watching this the wrong side of one in the morning, and it isn't even what I was looking for, but it's so interesting, and you present it really well. Can you direct me to any vids about how to cast concrete retaining wall sleepers and small livestock water troughs? Including how to make the mould? The plastic water troughs I bought a while ago, I think 200mm high by 1.2m long, were over $200 each including the float valve, and one of them is broken now from my daughters' pony sticking her foot in it! Also, they only come in dark green, so the water heats up and grows slime and evaporates a lot faster than it would if I cast them in white concrete.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

try plywood on the outside as a form. Pour concrete on the bottom against dirt whatever thickness you want, then place a block of styrofoam on wet concrete base, hold in place and pour concrete around Styrofoam, remove Styrofoam and add water

[@liaandstu]

this was amazing! We live in Fiji and we only have access to Cement, no Premaid quickcrete countertop mixes here! Which of your mixes in this video would recommend doing for a concrete countertop?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

NOne

[@StarrTile]

That traffic ! You live next to the 405 ?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

No just a busy street, it some getting use to that's for sure.

[@Andre-tc1wj]

Great Video. Very informative. Where would I purchase these materials from. Do you have a video showing the tools needed and what they are all used for. How can I accomplish mixing without the big machine? Is that possible.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

You can mix by hand without the mixer its just a lot more work.

[@khanhbuifamily]

Appreciated.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@luis00903]

Great video.. I was one who voted for hand mixing!!!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Hey well thank you for the video idea! glad you liked it!

[@theartofconcrete]

where did you vote?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

The community

[@EliteCupRacing88]

Thx David

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@banzai668593]

Hi there. Really like the second one. What kind of rock and sand and cement did you use? is there a specific amount of viscosity you look for? never mixed rock and sand before. thank you much.

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

1 C, 2 S, 3 R

[@cristianneve2222]

Cool vid

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

TY

[@ericyu9758]

Thank you for showing us the different mixes. Are lean mixes used to reduce cost?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Bingo

[@Goodnewsglobal]

Great video's.It is possible to mix 1 gravel, 2 sand and 2 cemmet? The sand they delivered is very sand heavy.."I might have to drive the ton.

[@RyanC411]

nice job! how did you remove the forms? did you take them apart or did they lift off of the paver in one piece?

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Openened one corner and peeled it off

[@225051]

Great video. Have you ventured into countertops? If so I would appreciate that video. Thanks David

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

No but I have been considering it. TY

[@danpark417]

Odell Complete Concrete U can do it at my place. I'm thinking about putting in concrete countertops. I'll buy the material and be your Guinea pig and U could make a video on it, win win! I'm local too!

[@patrickbrady4729]

SAND FINISH LOOKED NICE. LIKE YOU SAID IT LOOKS LIKE 40 YR OLD CONCRETE..

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

True TY

[@chadhanson3431]

What is a sand wash?

[@kcstoneguy]

Man I learned so much ..

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

great

[@kcstoneguy]

I m a marble and terrazzo contractor , polished concrete, etc now I’m trying to learn precast concrete. I’m working on precast terrazzo steps w Portland FYI

[@TC-rk9vu]

Dave would you use an O’Dell custom mix on a curb wall ? The finish I think would be very nice…..

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Yes I would say so

[@rocketsurgeon1746]

Thanks

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

YW

[@shraddhas1005]

Wow I love this.. Where could I find some literature on the basics? Terminology, basic tools that you need etc. I want to start learning this..

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

On some of my other videos or my Patreon account

[@shraddhas1005]

Odell Complete Concrete thanks do I need a membership there?

[@leonleon2239]

Super Nice job..& perfect explanation...? What type of cement brand n wer u get it..im in phx..

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Portland

[@danpark417]

Awesome video on ratios and showing the various mixes! Question: I've always just bought skips of 50/50 3/8 stone and washed sand mix + the Cal Portland cement type II/IV 94lb bags. Then I do a 3:1 ratio of 50/50 to cement. I use it for paths, footings, filling cinder blocks, etc. What do u think about this mix? Also I noticed u used Riverside cement. Is this better than regular type II/IV Portland cement? Thanks guys!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Dan Park Sounds like a rich mixture

[@danpark417]

Odell Complete Concrete Sweetness! I'm going to call u guys in a few weeks. I have a large job coming up in Tustin. Ahhh yeah!! Time to get it on!

[@OdellCompleteConcrete]

Dan Park Sounds good