Should I go with cement over concrete for our house remodeling? What would be the perfect choice to remodel our kitchen and bathroom countertops? What is the difference between concrete and cement? These and many questions always come to mind when we are not experts in construction related matters.Cement and Concrete are world's most commonly used construction material. However few people are aware of the thin line between these two. If you are one of those who need guidance on what material you should opt for your remodeling or home improvement, here are a few things you should be aware of before you make your selection.
The Basics: Cement and Concrete
Cement and Concrete are the terms that are often mistaken as reciprocals. As for cement, it is a is a powdery substance made by calcining lime and clay, and happens to be a key ingredient in making concrete.Concrete, on the other hand, is a mixture of aggregates and paste. These aggregates usually are sand, gravel or crushed stone, and paste is water and Portland cement.
Cement makes up about 10 to 15 percent of the total volume of concrete. The aggregates and cement paste are mixed through a process known as hydration, where the mixture binds with aggregates to form a thick mass. This mixture keeps getting harder with time, and process continues for years. Hence, concrete gets stronger as it gets older.
