Quikrete 110110 Concrete Mix 10LB

Why I reached for a 10‑lb concrete mix

There are plenty of jobs where an 80‑lb sack is overkill and a backache waiting to happen. For patching a few voids in a sidewalk, casting a small stepping stone, or setting a single paver edge, I’ve been keeping a 10‑lb Quikrete mix on the shelf. It’s a ready-to-use, gray concrete in a manageable size, and it’s been a handy “one bag, one job” solution for small tasks where convenience matters more than bulk economy.

What I used it for

Across a couple of weeks, I put this 10‑lb mix to work in three scenarios:
- Filling two palm‑sized holes in a decades‑old walkway
- Casting a small 10" planter in a silicone mold
- Bedding a loose edging stone that had heaved over the winter

These are the kinds of tasks that don’t justify opening a big bag or hauling home a cart full of material. The smaller format let me mix what I needed in a bucket, finish in minutes, and toss the empty bag without leftovers turning into a rock in my garage.

Mixing and workability

This is a true concrete mix, not a mortar or sand/topping blend, so it includes coarse aggregate along with sand and cement. I added water gradually until I hit a plastic, moldable consistency—on my scale, that landed around 1 to 1.5 cups of water per bag. Your climate and humidity will nudge that up or down, so start low and adjust.

Work time was roughly 20–40 minutes at 70°F before the mix began to stiffen. That’s enough to place, consolidate, and finish small patches without rushing. If you’re crafting or casting in molds, tap the form or bucket to drive out air bubbles; I got noticeably fewer pinholes that way.

For thin patches, the included gravel can be a mixed blessing. The stone adds strength for thicker sections, but it can get in the way if you’re trying to feather an edge to nothing. In one of my bags, a few stones were larger than I wanted for a tight finish; I sifted the mix through a simple screen for the planter pour and got a much cleaner face. If most of your work is under 2" thick, consider a sand/topping mix or a vinyl patcher instead.

Setting, curing, and strength

Initial set came on in a few hours, depending on the day—faster in sun, slower in cool shade. I treat it like any general-purpose concrete: protect it from traffic for at least 24 hours, keep it damp for the first day or two if possible, and expect full cure around 28 days. After a week, my sidewalk patches rang solid underfoot and took a broom finish well.

In terms of durability, this behaves like a standard general-purpose mix in the 4,000 psi class at 28 days. For light structural tasks (like bedding a stone or filling a deep spall), it’s plenty tough. For posts or time-critical work, I’d still reach for a fast-setting formulation.

Finish quality

Because it’s gray and uses standard aggregate, the finished look blends nicely with older, uncolored concrete once it cures out. I troweled one patch smooth and broomed the other to mimic the surrounding texture. Both blended better than I expected after a week of weathering. If color-matching is critical, plan on a skim of patching compound over the top once cured, or tint the surface with a stain.

For casting, sieving out the largest aggregate made a meaningful improvement—edges were sharper and surfaces smoother. Without sieving, you’ll see a bit more texture, which may be perfectly fine for rustic planters or stepping stones.

Yield and planning

A common question is, “How much area does a 10‑lb bag cover?” Roughly speaking, a bag yields about 0.075 cubic feet, or around 138 cubic inches. Picture a 12" x 12" slab at just under 1" thick—that’s the ballpark. For my two sidewalk voids (each about 4" x 6" x 2"), one bag was plenty with a little to spare. For anything larger, do the math in cubic inches and buy accordingly.

The small format also reduces waste. I used every ounce and didn’t have to worry about an opened 80‑lb sack absorbing moisture and hardening on the shelf.

Where it shines

• Small, deep repairs: Filling holes or spalls deeper than 2" where coarse aggregate helps.
• Light setting tasks: Bedding a single stone, minor grade corrections, or building a small footing for a mailbox step or garden feature.
• Craft projects: Casting small planters, pavers, and stepping stones, especially if you screen the mix for a finer face.
• Convenience: Minimal tools, quick setup, and easy cleanup—mix in a bucket, finish, done.

Limitations to keep in mind

• Thin patches: For feather‑edge repairs or sections under 2", a sand/topping mix or dedicated patching compound finishes more cleanly and bonds better.
• Aggregate variability: Expect some coarse stone; if you need a trowel‑smooth face, plan to sieve or switch to a finer mix.
• Price per pound: You’re paying for convenience. Per‑pound cost is higher than larger bags, and shipping heavy material can add a premium. When I need more than a couple bags, I buy larger sizes locally.
• Packaging and transport: Small concrete bags can arrive scuffed or dusty if they’ve had a rough ride. I’ve had better luck picking them up in-store, or at least opening shipped bags outside.

Practical tips from use

• Prep matters: Undercut the edges of a spalled area, blow out dust, and pre‑dampen the substrate. For best bond, brush on a concrete bonding adhesive per the label.
• Mix in stages: Add two-thirds of your water, blend, then trickle in the rest until it’s workable but not soupy. Soupy mixes finish nicely but shrink and weaken.
• Consolidate: For patches, tamp with a margin trowel to drive out air and seat the mix against existing concrete.
• Finish smart: Float first to bring up paste; wait for bleed water to disappear before final troweling or brooming.
• Cure: Keep it damp and shaded if you can. Even a light misting and plastic cover for the first day helps.

Build and origin

This particular 10‑lb mix is manufactured in China. In use, it behaved like the Quikrete general-purpose blends I’m familiar with: predictable set, workable paste, and a reliable cure. If domestic sourcing is a priority for your projects, you may want to check availability of locally produced mixes in similar sizes.

Value

As a convenience product, the value proposition is straightforward. You’re trading unit price for portability, zero waste, and no heavy lifting. For one‑off fixes or creative projects, that trade has been worth it. For multi‑bag jobs, it makes more sense to step up to 40‑ or 80‑lb bags where the per‑yard cost drops substantially.

The bottom line

The 10‑lb Quikrete mix has earned a spot in my kit for small concrete tasks. It’s easy to mix by hand, cures to a durable result, and suits both minor repairs and hobby casting. It’s not the right choice for feather‑thin patches or large pours, and I’m mindful of price and packaging when ordering online. But used within its sweet spot—deep small repairs, small set‑ins, and compact molds—it delivers predictable, sturdy results with minimal fuss.

Recommendation: I recommend this 10‑lb mix for small repairs, light setting, and craft projects where convenience and manageable quantities matter. It’s durable, simple to use, and easy to finish. If you’re tackling thin overlays or need significant volume, pick a more appropriate mix or a larger bag to save money and get the finish you want.