How Much Cement and Sand Required for Plastering?

Hi! A few months ago, when I was preparing to plaster the walls of my new home, I wanted to ensure I calculated the right amount of cement and sand. Since I didn’t have much knowledge on the topic, I asked my neighbour who had also recently gotten his walls plastered about the consumption of cement in plaster. He told me that the common ratio for plastering is 1 part cement to 4 parts sand for ceilings, and for walls, it can go up to 1:6 depending on the conditions. 

What is the Cement Sand Consumption in Plaster?

I found out from my research that the ratio for plastering can vary highly based on factors such as the location and thickness of the wall. I will share a common plastering mortar thickness and mix ratio below.

I was also made aware of a few things to keep in mind by my friend when the project was ongoing. These are as follows:

• Make sure you have selected optimum cement mortar ratio

• Make sure you are using good quality sand (less silt content).

• Make sure you know the required plastering thickness.

• Make sure to follow proper plastering work procedure

For example, in my case, for a typical area of 100 sqm with a plaster thickness of 15 mm and the mix ratio to be 1:3, I would require 16.7 bags of cement and 1.74 m

3 

of sand.

Additionally, I learnt to factor in bulking and waste from the sand's moisture, which can raise the required budget by roughly 20%. I learnt from this experience how important accurate estimates are to guaranteeing a smooth and long-lasting finish for my project. 

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The plastering cement sand ratio will vary depending on the specific requirements, like: 

• Surface type

• Plaster layer thickness

• Purpose and location

• Climatic conditions

• Type of plaster

• Cement type and more

However, since we constructed a house in March, I can share the ceiling plastering ratio. 

What should be the cement and sand ratio for plastering?

Here is a list of cement and sand ratios used for different types of plastering:

• 1:3 Ratio (1 part cement : 3 parts sand): This ratio is commonly used for interior plastering on surfaces like walls and ceilings that are not exposed to excessive moisture.

• 1:4 Ratio (1 part cement: 4 parts sand): This ratio is often used for exterior plastering, as it provides a slightly weaker mix that can accommodate slight movement and weathering.

• 1:5 Ratio (1 part cement: 5 parts sand): This ratio is used for rough plastering, especially on surfaces like the base coat of external walls, which are not visible in the final finish.

The quality and properties of both the cement and sand play a significant role in determining the final strength and durability of the plaster. It is best to consult with a builder and get exact portions.

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Plastering is the process of covering a wall or ceiling with cement plaster to provide protection. Putting is finished to eliminate surface defects brought about by brickwork and to save the surface smooth for painting. I understood the cement sand ratio for plastering, when I did a small DIY project for my home.

Cement plaster is widely used among the many different types of plastering materials. A few different kinds of putting materials incorporate lime mortar, mud mortar, and so on. I will tell you cement and sand required for 1 sqm plastering.

How to figure out the ratio of cement and sand for plaster?

• The

  cement required for 1 sqm plastering

  (Ex. Cement: In a mortar, the ratio of sand to cement is one part to five.

• Sand required for 1 sqm plastering

  should have a minimum thickness of 20 mm across both coats.

• The dry density of cement is 1440 kg/m3. 

• Each bag of cement weighs 50 kg or 110 lbs.,

• The volume of each bag is 50 kg/1440, or 0.0348 m3.

• The dry density of sand = 1600Kgs/m3

• The putting is finished in two layers (two coats): The first coat of plastering, also known as the rough coat or primary coat, is applied with a thickness of at least 12 millimetres (typically between 12 and 15 millimetres).

• The second coat of plastering, also known as the "finish coat" or "secondary coat," should be applied with a thickness of 8 millimeters.

• Total Plastering = First coat + Second Coat

How much sand required for 1 bag of cement for plastering?

I hope this helps you understand cement sand ratio for plastering.

How much cement and sand required for plastering?