The most common type is known as Portland cement. Portland cement is commonly used for producing concrete. Concrete itself is simply a mixture gravel, sand, cement and water. The cement is what makes it possible for concrete to be shaped and hardened. Cement is a binder that activates when combined with water and binds other materials together. Portland cement is a hydraulic cement meaning that is fast setting and is formulated to expand slightly. Portland cement contains very basic materials. Limestone, chalk and certain clay materials are heated to over 2600 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes a partial fusion and causes the formation of clinker.

Clinker is then combined with gypsum to produce Portland cement. Mixing water with the cement will then start chemical process that will begin to harden the mixture. Portland cement is fast setting and usually it sets in a few hours. Once hardened, the cement will need to cure for a period of time. During the time the cement mixture hardens and strengthens. Soon it can become the load bearing part of a large structure.

Cement also makes it possible to make fixtures for home and gardens using concrete. Because it sets relatively quickly, cement structures can take on just about any shape as long as you can build a frame for it. Something as simple as a garden water feature can become an elaborate piece of art with the right planning. Many people are being turned onto using concrete as the material for their kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Care should be taken to allow plenty of time for the piece to cure, a structure may look and feel hard but in order to produce a premium surface the maximum amount of time must be allowed. Doing this will ensure the strength and durability of the materials.