Comparing Postcrete and Concrete

Concrete is a commonly used construction material in the engineering industry that gained massive popularity in modern architecture during the 1960s and 1970s. It is a composite substance that primarily comprises three components: cement, water, and a mix of rock, sand, or gravel known as aggregate, which must be blended together.

The optimal ratios of these three constituents are necessary for the application of the required amount of concrete. These ratios have a significant impact on the qualities of the finished product, including durability, strength, and workability. For significant undertakings, a concrete mixer is required. However, hand-mixing can be employed when producing smaller amounts in a bowl or bucket. Traditional concrete typically requires a minimum of 24-48 hours and up to seven days to properly set depending on the scope of the application, and its maximum strength is attained within 25-28 days.

On the other hand, postcrete is an already blended substance made up of concrete components designed specifically for use in projects requiring setting of wooden, metal or concrete posts in the ground on smaller jobs. Most fence or gate posts need concrete fixing, and builders would traditionally be required to mix sand and cement on-site or have ready-mixed concrete delivered. The use of postcrete eliminates the need for such time-consuming preparation while also providing an assurance of an accurately mixed blend.

Perhaps the most significant advantage of postcrete is that it can set within 5-10 minutes in favorable conditions, and it fully solidifies after only a few hours. This advantage eliminates downtime while waiting for concrete to dry or waiting for the newly installed posts to attain the required strength to support fencing, gates, trellis, or any heavy weight. With postcrete, a series of posts can be quickly installed, providing a consistent pace across the project. A weekend project can be completed within a single day.

Postcrete is ideal for use in fixing decking posts, rotary washing lines, and medium-sized gate posts, as long as the gates are no wider than a meter. However, it is not suitable for use in general concrete applications, screeds, mortar, grout, or render.

To use postcrete effectively, begin by digging the post holes and carefully placing the posts in an upright position. Proceed by filling the hole with water following the bag's directions and pouring the mix around the post until it is completely covered, and no water is visible. When the post is verified as straight and upright, it takes around ten minutes to set inside the postcrete. Once the postcrete has entirely set, cover it with soil and grass if desired.

Our 20kg bag of postcrete is ideal for small projects, While for more massive projects, our knowledgeable staff is available to offer advice on the materials required to guarantee optimal results. Find our postcrete bags here.