What is the Difference Between Concrete, Cement, and Mortar?

If you’re seeking clarity on cement versus concrete, or have questions about mortar versus concrete, this article will provide the information you need. We’ll explore the key differences between these construction components, their unique characteristics and their specific applications.

Cement explained

Cement is often confused with concrete or mortar. However, it's important to recognise that cement is a powdery substance composed of limestone, clay and other minerals. When combined with water, cement forms a paste that hardens and binds other materials together. The most common type of cement used in construction is Portland cement (CEM I), which is a versatile and reliable binder.

Concrete: a robust building material

Concrete is a composite material made from a mixture of cement, water and aggregates such as sand, gravel or crushed stone. The cement and water combine to create a paste that coats the aggregates, which then harden as the mixture cures. The resulting material is strong and durable construction material. This makes concrete an excellent choice for a wide range of structural applications, for instance:

Basements: basecrete is an economical and durable option, ideal for direct floor finishes like shed bases.

Driveways: drivecrete is a high-quality concrete designed for domestic driveways and pavements.

Foundations: foundationcrete is a durable concrete designed for single-storey building foundations without steel reinforcement. And others.

Each of these concrete types is formulated to provide specific properties and performance characteristics, catering to the diverse needs of construction projects. Whether for a simple garden path or a complex foundation, we at Concrete2You provide a concrete mix tailored to meet every requirement.

Comparing cement and concrete

When talking about the difference between cement and concrete, it's important to note that cement is an ingredient used in the creation of concrete. Cement acts as a binder that holds the other components of concrete together, while the strength and durability of the final product come from the combination of cement, water and aggregates. Concrete is a versatile and robust material used in a wide variety of construction projects, whereas cement is primarily utilised as a binding agent. For more detailed information, you can read our article “Difference between Cement vs. Concrete”.

Mortar: the binding agent for masonry

Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand and water. Its primary purpose is to act as a binding agent, joining bricks, stones or other masonry units together in construction projects. Mortar creates a strong bond between the individual masonry units and helps to distribute the weight and pressure evenly. It's also essential for sealing gaps between bricks or stones, preventing moisture penetration and providing a finished appearance to masonry work.

Understanding mortar versus concrete

While both mortar and concrete share cement as a key ingredient, they serve distinctly different purposes in construction. Mortar is used to bind masonry units together, while concrete is a structural material used for building foundations, walls and other load-bearing elements. The main difference between the two lies in their composition: mortar has a higher proportion of sand, making it more pliable and easier to work with, whereas concrete includes aggregates for added strength and durability.

Cement, concrete and mortar in construction

Understanding the differences between cement, concrete and mortar is essential for selecting the appropriate materials for your construction projects. Cement is the binding ingredient that, when combined with water and other materials, forms either concrete or mortar. Concrete is a strong, durable material used for structural purposes, while mortar is a more pliable material used to join masonry units together. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about the materials you use in your home building and improvement endeavours.