GP Cement vs Builders Cement: Which One Should You Choose?
GP Cement vs Builders Cement: Which One Should You Choose?
Two bags of cement, one real difference. GP cement sets fast and suits slabs and posts. Builders cement sets slower and suits brick, block and footings.
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GP cement: fast and cheap
GP stands for general purpose, and that is exactly what it is. It sets in about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the weather and how wet the mix is, it has a good balance of early and long-term strength, and it is the cheaper bag. Use it for concrete slabs, paths, fixing fence posts and garden edging, and the small repairs around the place.
For standard concrete the mix is 1 part cement, 2 parts sand and 4 parts aggregate. Add water slowly until it is smooth and workable, and place it straight away. GP does not wait for you.
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Builders cement is made for the jobs where you need the mix to stay workable. It sets slower, so there is time to adjust and finish, and it ends up with superior long-term strength. Bricklaying, blockwork, big footings and anything in hot weather where a fast set would beat you. A typical mortar is 1 part builders cement to 4 parts sand.
It costs a touch more than GP. On a brick job that is nothing against a wall you had to rush.
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Not sure which bag?
Tell us the job and we tell you the bag and how many. Ring 1300 136 895, or come to the yard at North Maclean and we load it for you.
Sat 8am to 4pm
Sun 9am to 4pm1300 136 895
How many bags per cubic metre
With builders cement, by volume, with 20kg bags per cubic metre: paths and driveways are 1 : 2 : 3 and take 16 bags. Foundations and footings are 1 : 3 : 3 and take 13 bags. Concrete that needs improved water tightness is 1 : 1.5 : 3 and takes 17 bags. General purpose mortar is 1 : 4 and takes 15 bags. Render is 1 : 3 and takes 20 bags.
With GP cement in a standard concrete mix, allow roughly 16-20 bags per cubic metre. These are a guide. Get specific advice for a structural job, and use any additives to the maker's directions.
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Mortar and render ratios with GP
GP works for mortar and render too, by volume. High durability mortar for retaining walls is 1 cement : 3 sand : 0 - 0.25 lime. Maximum bond mortar for structural brickwork is 1 : 4.5 : 0.5. General purpose mortar is 1 : 6 : 1. Wall render is 1 : 3 : 0. Our sand collection has the sand for all of these, and we deliver the cement on the same truck.
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GP Cement 20kg (Wagners)The fast one. Slabs, posts, repairs.$9.00 per bag
Builders Cement 20kg (Cement Aus)The slow one. Brick, block, footings.$10.50 each
10mm Concrete BlendSand and aggregate already blended for concrete.$149.95 per m3GP cement. It sets in about 30 to 60 minutes, so the post is standing and the slab is placed before the day gets away from you. Mix 1 : 2 : 4 with sand and aggregate.
Builders cement. The slower set gives you working time, and the mortar ends up stronger over the long run. A typical mortar is 1 part cement to 4 parts sand.
With builders cement, 16 bags for paths and driveways and 13 bags for footings. With GP in a standard mix, roughly 16-20 bags. Both are a guide, not a spec.
Yes. Both bags are at North Maclean, or order online and we deliver across South East Queensland with the sand and aggregate on the same truck.
Pick the bag. We have both.
Order the bag for your job at rockmate.com.au and we bring it with the sand, or come to the yard at North Maclean and we load you up.
Pickup and Delivery. Available for pickup at our North Maclean yard or delivery across South East Queensland. If you need any help, please call us on 1300 136 895. Our team are happy to help.