How to make cement

Cement is available ready made, but if you want to make your own, here's how.

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Cement is the dry powdery substance that is mixed with water and aggregate (rock, sand or gravel) to make concrete.

Here's your guide on how to make cement.

Tools required for the job

Limestone
Shovel
Kiln/outdoor oven
Protective gloves
Face mask
Work gloves

Step 1: Find limestone

Limestone is the key ingredient of what makes up cement. Go down to your local landscaping or DIY store to find some.

If you want to find it naturally, you can find limestone near a riverbed.

Step 2: Break it up into small pieces

Grab your shovel and stab the limestone in order to break it apart. The smaller the pieces the better, as it will be easier to crumble it into a powder later on.

We suggest breaking it up into pieces no longer than 2 inches.

Step 3: Cook the limestone at a high temperature

You will need access to a kiln or outdoor oven to make your cement.

Turn the kiln or outdoor oven up to 900°C and bake the limestone for up to 5 hours.

Make sure to protect your hands with work gloves when handling the limestone and putting it in the kiln.

Step 4: Allow the limestone to fully cool

After 5 hours have passed, carefully take the limestone out of the kiln.

Let the chunks of limestone fully cool before you touch it and be careful not to breathe in the fumes from the limestone as it can cause lung damage. Wear a protective mask to be safe.

Step 5: Crumble the limestone

Now the limestone has been fully baked, it should have a very dry, powdery consistency. Put your work gloves back on and crumble the limestone into a powder.

This powder is now officially cement, which you can now use to make concrete.

Mixing concrete

What you’ll need to mix concrete:

Your homemade cement
Sand
Aggregate
Water
Bucket
Paddle mixer

You can now use your cement to create your own concrete mix. Your concrete mixing ratio should be one part cement, two parts sand and four parts aggregate.

Mix the sand and aggregate material together first, then add your cement. Be careful because dust will no doubt float into the air.

Add water gently and make sure to keep mixing your concrete until you have your desired texture. Ideally, it should look like thick oatmeal or peanut butter.

If you’re planning your next building project, talk to a professional.

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