What to Use — and When

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One of the most common questions we get at Youngblood Builders Supply is:

“Which Quikrete mix do I actually need?”

If you grab the wrong one, you can end up with cracking, weak joints, or a job that just doesn’t hold up. So here’s a simple, no-BS breakdown of the most common Quikrete products—and when to use each one.

Concrete Mix

Fast-Setting Concrete Mix

What it is: Cement + sand + gravel
Best for: Slabs, footings, sidewalks, posts

• This is your go-to structural mix
• The gravel gives it strength and durability
• Ideal for anything that needs to hold weight

Use this when: You’re pouring something thick and load-bearing

Sand Mix (Topping Mix)

What it is: Cement + sand (no gravel)
Best for: Thin repairs, leveling, shower pans

• Smoother and easier to finish than concrete
• Designed for thin applications (under 2")
• Great for resurfacing existing concrete

Use this when: You need a smooth finish—not structural strength

Don’t use for: Driveways, slabs, or anything structural

Mortar Mix

What it is: Bonding mix for masonry
Best for: Brick, block, stone

• Sticky and workable
• Designed to hold masonry units together

Use this when: You’re laying brick or block

Don’t use for: Slabs or structural pours

Mason Mix Type S

What it is: High-strength mortar mix
Best for: Foundations, retaining walls, structural masonry

• Stronger bond than standard mortar
• Holds up in below-grade or load-bearing applications

Use this when: The wall carries weight or is underground

Masonry Cement Type S

What it is: Cement only (you add sand)
Best for: Mixing your own high-strength mortar

• Gives you control over your mix
• Preferred by pros doing large jobs

Use this when: You know your mix ratios and want flexibility

Masonry Cement Type N

What it is: Lower-strength masonry cement
Best for: Brick veneer, above-ground walls

• Easier to work with than Type S
• More flexible (less cracking in lighter applications)

Use this when: You’re doing general-purpose or decorative masonry

Portland Cement

What it is: Pure cement (no sand, no gravel)
Best for: Mixing your own concrete or mortar

• Total control over strength and mix design
• Used by experienced builders

Use this when: You’re building your own mix from scratch

Important: This is NOT ready-to-use—you must add sand and/or gravel

Quick Comparison (Simple Version)

• Concrete Mix → Structural (has gravel)
• Sand Mix → Smooth, thin repairs
• Mortar Mix → Brick/block bonding
• Mason Mix Type S → High-strength masonry
• Masonry Cement Type S → Custom strong mortar
• Masonry Cement Type N → General masonry
• Portland Cement → Base ingredient only

Pro Tip (From the Yard)

Most DIY mistakes come down to this:

Using mortar where concrete is needed—or vice versa.

If it needs strength → Concrete Mix
If it needs bonding → Mortar / Mason Mix
If you’re customizing → Portland or Masonry Cement

Need Help Choosing?

At Youngblood Builders Supply, we help folks get this right every day. Whether you're pouring a slab, setting posts, or laying brick—we’ll point you to the right product the first time.

Stop by or give us a call—we’ve got you covered.