Concrete vs. Cement - What's the Difference?

Many people use the words cement and concrete interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Cement is a powder made from limestone and other minerals, and it acts as the binder. When mixed with water, sand, and gravel, it forms concrete—the durable building material used for slabs, sidewalks, and foundations.

Cement on its own is not the finished product. Asking “is cement just wet concrete?” is a common mistake. Cement is only one part of the recipe. When you pour a driveway or patio, you’re pouring concrete, not cement. Cement is the ingredient, concrete is the product.

To ensure these mixes come together correctly, builders often rely on equipment like Honda engine concrete mixers. These mixers provide the power and consistency needed for reliable blends, especially on larger projects where hand mixing would be too slow.

Performance and Strength

Bagged products like Quikrete are simply pre-mixed concrete with cement, sand, and gravel. When mixed properly, Quikrete can be just as strong as ready-mix concrete delivered by truck. Both can reach 4,000 PSI or more, depending on the blend.

Concrete is not fully waterproof, but it is highly water-resistant. Over time, water can seep into pores and cause cracks if the surface isn’t sealed. Cracking is a natural part of concrete’s life cycle, caused by shrinkage, temperature changes, and shifting ground. Proper curing, reinforcement, and sealing reduce cracking.

Lifespan and Durability

Cement powder has a long shelf life if stored dry, but once exposed to moisture, it begins to lose strength. Concrete, when poured and cured properly, can last for decades. Well-maintained slabs, driveways, and foundations often last 50 years or more.

When comparing the two, concrete clearly lasts longer. Cement on its own is brittle and not meant to be used without aggregates. Concrete’s strength comes from the combination of cement, sand, gravel, and water working together.

Usage and Cost

Choosing between cement and concrete depends on your project. For small repair jobs like patching or mortar, cement-based mixes may be enough. For structural work like slabs or driveways, you’ll need full concrete.

Concrete is usually priced by the cubic yard. Depending on your location, one yard of ready-mix costs between $125 and $175. A yard covers about 80 square feet at 4 inches thick. Concrete also takes time to cure—it may set in 24 hours, but full strength develops over 28 days.

DIY projects often use bagged mixes, but for larger pours, a quality moisture barrier under the slab can protect the investment, keeping concrete strong for decades.

Practical Situations

Sometimes people wonder if you can pour new concrete over old concrete. While it’s possible, it requires proper preparation. The surface must be cleaned, roughened, and treated with bonding agents to help the new layer stick. Without this, the new slab may crack or separate.

Pouring fresh concrete directly on old without prep is never a good idea. The old surface prevents proper bonding, which leads to weak points. For best results, follow professional guidance or consider starting fresh if the base is severely damaged.