Cement, Mortar and Concrete Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Materials for Your Project

Whether you're tackling a small DIY task or embarking on a full-scale renovation, choosing the right building material is essential to the success of your project. Cement, mortar, and concrete are the backbone of many home improvement jobs, yet they are often confused or used interchangeably. Understanding the differences, uses, and available options will help you choose the best product and mixing ratio for your needs.

At B&Q, we offer a wide range of cement, mortar, and concrete products, from ready to use concrete to specialist additives like waterproofers and plasticisers. This guide will walk you through their differences, help you understand how to use them correctly, and make it easier to select the right product for any project—from laying garden paths to building walls or fixing fence posts.

Cement, Mortar and Concrete: What’s the Difference?

These three essential building materials might seem similar but serve distinct purposes:

Cement

Cement is the fine binding powder used to make both mortar and concrete. It acts as the adhesive in your mix, holding everything together. On its own, cement can't be used—it needs to be combined with other materials to form a usable product.

Mortar

Mortar is a mix of cement, sand, and water (and sometimes lime or plasticiser). It’s primarily used to bond bricks or blocks together. Mortar can also be used for rendering—the thin protective layer applied to external walls.

Concrete

Concrete is made from a blend of cement, sand, gravel (or other coarse aggregates), and water. It's used for structural applications such as floors, foundations, driveways, and steps. Concrete must be mixed in precise proportions to achieve the desired strength and finish. Too much sand can weaken the mix; too much gravel can make it hard to work with.

Choosing the Right Mix: DIY or Pre-Mixed?

Create Your Own Mix

For larger projects or when cost-effectiveness is a priority, mixing your own concrete or mortar is often the better option. You can measure ingredients by volume using a shovel or a gauge box. This allows you to tailor your mix for strength, durability, or workability.

Ready to Use Concrete & Mortar

Short on time or working on a smaller project? Our ready to use concrete and mortar products are ideal. Just add water—no measuring or mixing raw materials required. Available in various pack sizes (including tubs, small bags, and large bags), they offer the flexibility and convenience to suit any project size without excess waste.

Types of Cement: Which One Do You Need?

At B&Q, we stock a variety of cement types, each suited for different applications. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

General Purpose Cement

Our general purpose cement, like Blue Circle, is a reliable all-rounder. It’s ideal for making concrete, mortar, render, and screeds. Whether you're patching up the driveway or starting a wall build, this versatile cement is suitable for most home improvement tasks.

Mastercrete Cement

Mastercrete is an enhanced Portland-limestone cement designed for general purpose use, offering improved resistance to freeze/thaw cycles. With a lower water demand and a more cohesive mix, it’s perfect for projects needing long-lasting durability.

Extra Rapid Cement

Need something that sets quickly? Extra rapid cement sets in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for urgent repairs or tasks like fixing fence posts, steps, and manholes. It’s also great for quick-setting paths and patching up concrete surfaces.

Fire Cement

Fire cement is ready-mixed and designed to withstand extreme temperatures (up to 1250˚C). Use it to seal joints in fireplaces, flue pipes, boilers, or repair firebricks—wherever heat resistance is critical.

Boost Performance with Additives & Chemicals

Additives are a game-changer when it comes to improving the workability, strength, and durability of cement-based products. Whether you’re enhancing resistance to water, cold weather, or improving texture, additives make your mix more reliable and easier to work with.

Waterproofers

Waterproofers are added to render and mortar mixes to reduce water penetration—especially important in external walls, basements, or areas exposed to moisture. They also enhance durability and improve workability.

Plasticisers

Plasticisers make mortar and concrete easier to work with by improving flow without adding more water. A better texture means easier application and a neater finish.

Hydrated Lime

Adding hydrated lime increases the plasticity and cohesion of the mix, which helps prevent cracking. It's particularly beneficial for bricklaying and external rendering.

Cement Dyes

Give your mortar or render a custom look with cement dyes. Available in powder or liquid form, these additives allow you to achieve a consistent colour tone across batches—ideal for matching existing features or adding flair.

Accelerators & Frost-Proofers

Speed up curing times in cold weather with accelerators and frost-proofers. These additives ensure your project stays on track even in lower temperatures, improving early strength and surface finish.

Slow Setting & Waterproofing Additive

For projects needing more working time and water resistance, choose a 3-in-1 solution like a slow setting waterproofer and plasticiser. It slows down the setting process, reduces water penetration, and makes mortar easier to apply—ideal for large surface areas or complex render jobs.

Concrete Fibres

To reduce cracking and shrinkage, consider adding concrete fibres to your mix. They’re particularly effective in floor slabs, pathways, and driveways, reinforcing the concrete from within.

Make the Right Choice for Your Project

Whether you're planning a garden patio, laying bricks, rendering walls, or sealing a fire pit, choosing the right cement, mortar, or concrete product—and mixing it correctly—is essential for a successful outcome. From general purpose cement to convenient ready to use concrete, B&Q offers everything you need to get the job done right.

Don’t forget to consider additives like waterproofers or plasticisers to enhance the performance of your mix and protect your project from the elements. With the right building materials, your next home improvement task is set to be durable, professional-looking, and long-lasting.