Best Concrete Mix for DIYers
Bagged concrete mix handles fence posts, small slabs, footings, and repairs without a ready-mix truck. The choice is mostly fast-setting versus standard, plus the right product for the specific job.
What to look for
- ·Fast-setting mix is ideal for fence posts: pour it dry in the hole, add water, and it sets in 20 to 40 minutes with no mixing.
- ·For slabs, walkways, and footings you can take your time with, standard concrete mix costs less and gives working time.
- ·Estimate generously: a 60 lb bag yields about half a cubic foot. A standard fence post hole takes one to two bags.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix | Editor's pick | $6 to $9 per 50 lb bag | Fence posts and quick sets |
| Sakrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix | Editor's pick | $6 to $9 per 50 lb bag | Fast sets for many jobs |
| Rapid Set Concrete Mix | Editor's pick | $10 to $15 per 50 lb bag | Strong, durable fast repairs |
| Quikrete Fence Post Mix | Best value | $5 to $8 per 50 lb bag | Dedicated post setting |
| Sakrete Post Setting Concrete | Best value | $5 to $8 per 50 lb bag | Posts and poles |
| Quikrete 5000 High-Strength | Best value | $6 to $10 per 60 lb bag | Footings and strong slabs |
| Quikrete Standard Concrete Mix | Budget pick | $5 to $8 per 60 lb bag | General slabs and walkways |
| Sakrete Standard Concrete Mix | Budget pick | $5 to $8 per 60 lb bag | Everyday concrete work |
| Store-Brand Concrete Mix | Budget pick | $4 to $7 per 60 lb bag | Lowest-cost simple pours |
Editor's pick
Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix
$6 to $9 per 50 lb bag
Sets in 20 to 40 minutes with no mixing, reaching load-bearing strength in about four hours. The go-to for same-day fence posts and quick footings.
Best for: Fence posts and quick sets
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Sakrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix
$6 to $9 per 50 lb bag
A rapid-setting blend of cement, sand, and aggregate for posts, slabs, steps, and walkways where speed matters. A reliable equal to the category leader.
Best for: Fast sets for many jobs
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Rapid Set Concrete Mix
$10 to $15 per 50 lb bag
A premium fast-setting concrete that cures hard and strong with low shrinkage and cracking. The pick for repairs and sets where strength and durability matter.
Best for: Strong, durable fast repairs
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Best value
Quikrete Fence Post Mix
$5 to $8 per 50 lb bag
A no-mix product formulated specifically for setting posts: pour dry, add water, brace, done. A straightforward value for fence and mailbox posts.
Best for: Dedicated post setting
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Sakrete Post Setting Concrete
$5 to $8 per 50 lb bag
A formula made specifically to secure posts and poles, with strong structural support. A focused value pick for a fence project.
Best for: Posts and poles
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Quikrete 5000 High-Strength
$6 to $10 per 60 lb bag
A high-early-strength concrete (around 5,000 psi) for footings, slabs, and anything load-bearing. A strong value when you need durability and working time.
Best for: Footings and strong slabs
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Budget pick
Quikrete Standard Concrete Mix
$5 to $8 per 60 lb bag
The everyday all-purpose concrete for slabs, walkways, and footings at a low price, with working time to float and finish. The budget workhorse.
Best for: General slabs and walkways
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Sakrete Standard Concrete Mix
$5 to $8 per 60 lb bag
A general-purpose concrete for everyday slabs, steps, and footings at a budget price. Reliable and widely stocked for routine concrete work.
Best for: Everyday concrete work
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Store-Brand Concrete Mix
$4 to $7 per 60 lb bag
The cheapest bagged concrete for simple, non-critical pours and repairs. Basic, but a low-cost way to fill a footing or set a small slab.
Best for: Lowest-cost simple pours
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Frequently asked
Fast-setting or standard concrete mix?+
Fast-setting mix sets in 20 to 40 minutes and is perfect for fence posts, since you pour it dry and add water with no mixing. Standard concrete mix costs less and gives you working time, better for slabs, walkways, and footings you want to finish and float.
Do I need to mix fast-setting concrete for a post?+
No, that is the appeal. Set and brace the post, pour the dry mix into the hole around it, then add water per the instructions. It sets quickly and reaches load-bearing strength in a few hours.
How many bags do I need for a fence post?+
A typical 4x4 post in a hole about 10 to 12 inches wide and 2 feet deep takes roughly one to two 50 lb bags. Bigger posts or deeper holes need more. Buy a few extra bags so you do not stop mid-job.
What concrete for a slab or walkway?+
Use standard concrete mix or a high-strength mix (around 4,000 to 5,000 psi) for slabs, walkways, and steps. For thin overlays or repairs, use a product made for that thickness, since standard mix needs a minimum depth to hold.
How long before concrete is usable?+
Fast-setting posts can take light load in a few hours. Standard concrete reaches walk-on strength in a day or two and full cure in about 28 days. Keep fresh concrete damp as it cures for the strongest result.
Planning a bigger job? See the full Concrete Driveway project guide: cost, DIY vs. hire, and the whole plan.
Open the Concrete Driveway guide →