Concrete performance starts with the right mix design. Over the past 20 years Fishstone has developed and used a variety of concrete formulations for countertops, furniture, sinks, architectural precast, GFRC, ECC, UHPC and other high-performance concrete applications.
The mix designs below provide practical starting formulations using both pre-blended materials and from-scratch components. Because cement, sand, fibers, temperature, mixing equipment and locally sourced materials can vary, always test a new mix design before using it on a finished project.
Concrete Mix Designs & Recipes
Choose a mix below based on the type of concrete you want to produce and the materials you prefer to work with.
TruCast SiX™ Ultra-Performance Mix Designs
Advanced high-performance mix designs for GFRC, ECC, UHPC and self-consolidating concrete using TruCast SiX with locally sourced Portland cement and aggregate.
View TruCast SiX Mix DesignsGFRC Mix Design & Recipe
A proven from-scratch GFRC formulation with separate face-coat and backer-coat recipes using acrylic polymer, AR glass fiber, superplasticizer and air-control admixtures.
View GFRC Mix DesignStandard HP50 – Versatile Mix Designs
Start with Fishstone HP50 and modify the formulation for high-performance concrete, traditional GFRC, ECC, lightweight concrete and other specialty casting applications.
View HP50 Mix DesignsTraditional Sand Mix – Pressed Finish
A from-scratch sand-based concrete mix designed for traditional pressed finishes and general architectural concrete casting.
View Traditional Sand MixWhich Concrete Mix Should I Use?
Different casting methods and applications benefit from different mix designs. The chart below provides a simple starting point.
| Application | Good Starting Point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete Countertops & Sinks | GFRC, HP50 or TruCast SiX | Choose based on thickness, reinforcement method and desired performance. |
| Thin or Lightweight Architectural Pieces | GFRC, TruCast SiX | AR glass reinforcement allows relatively thin concrete sections. |
| High-Performance Self-Consolidating Concrete | TruCast SiX | Designed to simplify advanced high-performance concrete formulations. |
| ECC | TruCast SiX or HP50 | Both systems can be modified for fiber-reinforced ECC-style formulations. |
| UHPC-Style Architectural Concrete | TruCast SiX | Provides a starting platform for dense, low-water, high-performance mixes. |
| Traditional Pressed Concrete Finish | Traditional Sand Mix | A conventional from-scratch approach suited to pressed finishes. |
How Much Concrete Do I Need?
Before batching a mix, determine the total volume of concrete required for the project. For a simple rectangular casting, multiply:
Cubic Inches ÷ 1,728 = Cubic Feet
For example, a countertop measuring 48 inches long × 25.5 inches wide × 2 inches thick requires:
48 × 25.5 × 2 = 2,448 cubic inches
2,448 ÷ 1,728 = approximately 1.42 cubic feet
Always allow additional material for waste, mold variations, spills and material left in the mixer or bucket. Complex shapes, sinks, openings and GFRC construction may require a more detailed volume calculation.
Concrete Mix Calculator
We are developing an easier way to calculate project volume and material requirements for Fishstone mix designs. In the meantime, use the volume calculation above and refer to the yield shown on the individual mix-design page.
Learn More About High-Performance Concrete
Mix design is only one part of producing consistent architectural concrete. Fibers, polymers, pozzolans, water reducers, air control, aggregate selection, mixing technique and curing can all affect the finished result.
GFRC Materials & Information | Concrete Admixtures & Pozzolans | Fibers & Reinforcement