What Is The Difference Between Concrete and Cement?

Are concrete and cement the same thing? If you’re reading this, it’s probably because someone tried to convince you (or heaven forbid, you tried to convince someone!) that they are the same. Ahem. Sorry to be the burster of bubbles, but concrete and cement are, in fact, quite different. But don’t feel bad – even construction pros occasionally (and wrongly) use the terms cement and concrete interchangeably.

Cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. It is the fine, grey powder that, when mixed with water, sand, and gravel or crushed stone (fine and coarse aggregate), forms the rock-like mass we know as concrete. So while concrete contains cement, cement is not concrete. Although the Brits like to mess with our heads by calling concrete roadways and sidewalks ‘the cement’ – good thing we cut and ran when we did!

So the next time someone refers to your beautiful concrete driveway as cement, you can somewhat imperiously correct them. If they’re American, that is; if they’re British, there’s no hope.

And the next time you need your concrete sealed, buffed or stained, call the Utah professionals at Stone Surface Specialists at 801 856 0164. We know the difference between concrete and cement.