What should I mix with concrete to fill potholes?
To fill a pothole in a concrete surface, mix water with a pre-bagged fast-setting concrete mix (like Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix) or a specialized concrete patch compound, and apply a concrete bonding adhesive to the hole first.
What to Mix and Use
- Fast-Setting Concrete Mix: Use a pre-mixed bag that contains cement, sand, and gravel. It hardens quickly and handles heavy weight better than standard sand mixes if the hole is deep.
- Water: Add clean water slowly to the dry mix in a wheelbarrow or bucket until it reaches a thick, workable, peanut-butter-like consistency.
- Concrete Bonding Adhesive: Paint this liquid bonding agent onto the cleaned, damp inside of the hole right before pouring your concrete mix. It acts like glue so the new patch sticks permanently to the old concrete.
How to Do It
- Clean the hole: Sweep out all dirt, dust, and loose pieces.
- Square the edges: Use a hammer and chisel to chip the edges of the pothole into straight, vertical drops (at least 2 inches deep) so the patch stays locked in place.
- Apply the bonding agent: Brush the liquid bonding adhesive over the entire inside surface of the hole.
- Pour and smooth: Shovel the mixed concrete into the hole, pack it down firmly to remove air pockets, and smooth the top flat with a trowel.
- Cure and wait: Keep the patch undisturbed for at least 24 hours (or up to several days for maximum strength) before driving or walking heavily over it.