When most people think of cement or concrete, the first things that come to mind may be images of monstrous skyscrapers or foundations being laid out accompanied by cement mixers. And while this no doubt makes up the bulk of the multi-billion dollar cement industry, there are countless other applications and uses for cement that many people may not know of.

 

Beyond its role in the construction world, cement and concrete are constantly being reimagined across countless fields. From easy DIY projects you could do at home to cutting-edge with or without mixers to its uses in the medical world, the unparalleled versatility of cement makes it a go-to medium for continued innovation. This article explores the many other uses for cement and concrete that may be less apparent than the traditional uses.

 

 

Cement And Concrete In Modern Interior Design

 

With modern design trends increasingly leaning towards minimalism and industrial aesthetics, cement and concrete have become more commonplace in the world of architecture and interior design. Thanks to the versatility and durability of cement, designers are increasingly using the material to create stylish features inside. In recent years cement has transformed things like functional furniture pieces, sophisticated flooring, as well as bold walls.

 

In the kitchen, cement is a popular choice, too, thanks to its heat and scratch-resistant properties. In recent times, cement has been the go-to for kitchen islands, built-in sinks, countertops, and backsplashes. And when adequately sealed, cement and concrete hold up well against stains and marks with easy cleaning to boot, holding its appearance over time.

 

Further in the realm of interior design, cement and concrete have risen and have been prized as favourable materials in bathrooms for their combination of durability and aesthetic features. Being the malleable material it is, cement can be shaped into custom moulds for bathtubs and sinks for a modern, industrial chic look. Cement features are an interior design trend that pairs well with cement walling and flooring as well which completes a contemporary and minimalist bathroom aesthetic.

 

 

Cement In Home Decor

 

The roles of cement and mixers in home design have evolved far beyond only the traditional use that is construction. Thanks to its versatility, durability, and achievable aesthetic, cement has also increasingly become a preferred material in home decorating. Designers and homeowners are leveraging the unique properties of cement to create striking and functional features and accessories within homes, including fireplaces, stairs, candles, and shelves to name a few. These elements not only enhance the functionality of living spaces but also add a modern, industrial charm that complements various interior styles that fit in with the current trends.

 

Cement fireplaces and fire pits have gained massive popularity for their sleek, minimalist look, heat tolerance, and exceptional durability. Unlike other materials like brick or stone, cement allows for a seamless, smooth design and look that is not only customisable to fit any space but in line with a homeowner’s preferences as well. Cement can be moulded into just about any shape imaginable with finishes that are polished which provides endless design possibilities.

 

For storage purposes, shelving is another indoor decorating element that cement and concrete are transforming in all the best ways. Cement shelves combine functionality and affordability with a bold, industrial look, which also makes them a popular choice for modern interiors – they’re virtually maintenance-free and can be customised not only in shapes and sizing but also in texture and colouring, making them a timeless option for any interior space.

 

Cement shelves are able to support heavy weights, making them great for storing books, plants, and decorative items, while cement’s ability to be moulded enables great versatility which will fit seamlessly into various spaces and design schemes. Whether wall-mounted for a floating effect or freestanding, cement shelves provide sleek shelving solutions that will tie any room together while serving a practical function too.

 

Concrete and cement have also found their way into smaller, decorative elements like candle holders, parts of candles themselves, coasters, jewellery bowls, coffee and end tables, bookends, and even as part of lamps. The minimalist aesthetic combined with its tactile quality appeals to many. And thanks to cement’s user-friendliness, crafters can try their hand at creating their own decorative pieces with a bit of practice and experimentation.

 

Cement In Art

 

While cement art has been around probably as long as cement itself has, its use as an art medium only gained traction throughout the 20th century. Once again, the transition from its traditional role as a construction material to becoming a usable medium in the world of art is something many artists have become drawn to. The properties like durability, malleability when wet, and the ability to achieve fine detail make cement an ideal material for sculptors to express their creativity in the form of large installations and public artworks, thanks to its strength and unparalleled weather resistance.

 

This makes it ideal for outdoor sculptures that must withstand the elements -the most famous cement sculptures include The Christ Redeemer in Rio, Continuity by Max Bill, and numerous works from Henry Moore. The texture and natural, raw appearance of cement provide a contemporary aesthetic that appeals to modern sensibilities in the art world. Artists can manipulate cement in various ways, incorporating additives to change its colour, texture, and finish, thereby expanding its artistic possibilities.

 

The malleability of cement enables pouring and moulding which opens the door to produce intricate and complex shapes, allowing for high levels of creativity and experimentation. The industrial finished look of cement works well for abstract and minimalist art which is ideal for contemporary artists pushing the boundaries. For a more in-depth look at cement in art, check out a previous article of ours.

 

 

Cement In Medicine

 

Cement has found significant and innovative applications in the medical field as well and plays a crucial role in various treatments and procedures. And while we doubt that you’ll find any of our cement mixers in an operating room anytime soon, it remains fascinating to know that a version of the material is used to cure health issues and better people’s lives. One of the most prominent uses of medical cement is in orthopaedic surgery, particularly in procedures involving bone repair and joint replacement.

 

Materially, medical cement differs from traditional cement significantly, but the principles of how the compounds operate, essentially stay the same. Bone cement, typically composed of polymethyl methacrylate, which is much different from different cement, but is malleable in the same way. This enables it to be used for things like implants and filling gaps in bones amongst an array of other medical uses.

 

Cement’s Role In Agriculture And Urban Farming

 

Cement plays a massive role in the agricultural space that is often easily overlooked. Key infrastructure like silos, water tanks, and irrigation channels are vital for successful farming that cannot be achieved without the help of cement and cement mixers. These structures protect crops, manage water resources, and ensures that traditional farming can continue as we know it.

 

In urban farming, cement has become a cornerstone material for creating sustainable and innovative growing environments within city landscapes. Urban farming initiatives, such as rooftop and community gardens, often rely on cement-based structures for support and stability. Rooftop gardens, for instance, use cement planters and raised beds to create green spaces on building tops – something that is becoming increasingly popular in densely populated cities.

 

In another “green” breakthrough for the agricultural world and where the use of cement is prominent, is vertical farming. Vertical farming is a farming technique where the farming is done vertically instead of the traditional, horizontal way where a lot of land is required. Essentially, much more food is farmable in this manner, with the same amount, or less, land space which encourages and increases sustainability.

 

Cement is frequently used in the construction of vertical towers that are used to grow crops. The structural integrity of cement ensures that the weight of the multitude of crops and plants is adequately supported. Furthermore, vertical farms need optimal conditions to thrive, and cement’s thermal properties help with the regulation of temperatures to ensure that those conditions are met, more easily.

 

Mixing Cement Correctly

 

Regardless of what you aim to achieve with cement, using the proper mixing technique and mixing tools is crucial to the success of your project. To mix cement, you need the correct materials which is a combination of raw cement, sand, gravel, water, and tools to do the mixing. A standard concrete mix has a typical ratio of one part cement, two parts sand, and three parts gravel, but these ratios can and should be adjusted for the task at hand and the strength of the mix required.

 

There are numerous ways to mix cement and, for the most part, the process stays the same, but the method may alter slightly depending on the amount of the mixture. For smaller mixes, cement can be mixed by hand, using tools like a spade or trowel. For medium mixes, a drill mixer is advised while cement mixers are the best method for larger quantities as it’s not only more convenient, but also ensures that proper mixing occurs.

 

Whatever you use to mix, you can start by mixing the dry materials together until you can have a consistent mixture between all the elements. You should then gradually add the water while still mixing in a stirring motion if by hand or drill. Continue to mix all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth, consistent mixture that is free of lumps. Adjust the water content as needed to ensure the mix is workable for your project but be careful not to over hydrate as this could cause delays if you don’t have any more dry materials on hand.

 

When the desired consistency is reached, your cement is ready for use. Be sure to as efficiently as possible as cement begins can set quickly in hot weather, but keep water close by and continuing to mix, you can circumvent any such issues. By following these steps, you can ensure a reliable and durable cement mix suitable for your construction, artistic, or DIY projects.

 

Cement Mixers At BS Power

 

No matter whether you’re using mixers for traditional construction, for artwork and sculptures, or for large home projects, having the right tools for the job is essential. BS Power offers a range of industry-leading powered mixers like Baumax and Honda, designed to meet any size of cement-mixing needs. Our robust mixers are easy to operate and are available in numerous capacity options starting from 360L going up all the way to 500L of drum value.

 

Whether you’re a professional contractor, a rental business, an artist looking to create your next masterpiece, or embarking on a home improvement project, our cement mixers will immensely simplify your process. For any queries or further information, feel free to contact us and let’s talk about equipment. Our knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you in finding the perfect solution for your cement mixing needs.