Portland cement is the most basic type of cement; most construction professionals use it. You can use cement to secure a foundation, to create a low-maintenance floor or to create custom countertops. Cement also makes up a key incredient in other cement products like concrete, stucco and mortar. Construction workers can use wet or dry cement in the building process.

Aside from determing the best way to use cement, you also want a good understanding of the different tools you can use with cement. Using cement building products efficiently means that you:

1. Estimate project costs accurately and use cement efficiently.

2. Determine the best way to mix cement products.

3. Use online tutorials, demonstrations and training to expand your capabilities by using cement to make additional building materials.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a project plan to determine what types of cement building products you need

Whether you operate a construction business or want to remodel your office, a project plan can help you determine your needs for cement products. Look for calculators or quantity estimates to help you budget cost or find out the maintenance level for cement products.

I recommend: Quikrete, one of several cement manufacturers, provides project plans for a variety of categories relating to cement products. Targeted specifically to business professionals, it offers product information and a quantity calculator. The Family Handyman offers a formula for calculating the amount of cement you need for projects.

Mix cement correctly during cement production

Using cement building products means you need to decide whether you want to mix the cement or whether you should hire cement manufacturer to do it. In some cases, you might want to rent a cement mixer. Before you decide which works best, use tutorials and step-by-step instructions to ensure you know the aspects involved in mixing cement.

I recommend: How To Do Things provides an article detailing the steps involved in mixing cement and the different ways to mix it. Use the free tutorials from Learn2 to find physical requirements and safety issues. Follow the step-by-step article on how to use a power mixer at eHow.

Incorporate different types of products made with cement

Cement forms the foundation for a variety of building materials including concrete, stucco and shotcrete. This sometimes leads people to use the term cement concrete, however the terms refer to different types of products.

I recommend: Find tutorials on using cement and concrete at The Mold Store. Visit Cement Professor for demos and to order videos on using cement building products. Concrete Ideas offers its Flex-C-Ment training for professionals who want to learn to use decorative concrete.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask your cement suppliers for tips on using cement building products and for information on new techniques or products.

Cement manufacturers produce cement, concrete and cement machinery around the world. The production of cement and concrete are one of the world's oldest industries, going back to before the founding of the Roman Empire.

Although cement products are basically the same, there have been numerous innovations if the materials and their applications. There are cement factories in most countries, but finding the best source to meet your needs requires some investigation.

Find a well established manufacturer of cement building products with a proven track record. Whether it's for large scale or small scale construction projects, using the highest quality cement does not always mean you have to pay the highest prices. Establish a close business relationship with a cement manufacturer with timely payments and consistent orders.

1. Locate cement manufacturers and cement suppliers near you to get quick shipments.

2. Purchase enough specialty cement products, such as fiber cement, to finish the job. Supplies may not be consistent throughout the year.

3. Create a reliable supply chain with cement manufacturers by following established practices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Survey cement manufacturers in your area

Work directly with regional cement suppliers and cement manufacturers. Large building projects, such as office complexes and subdivisions, place a large demand on local cement suppliers. Contacting area suppliers far in advance will also guarantee a fixed prices and top quality. Tour the cement factory and use the product before placing large orders.

I recommend: In the southeastern United States, contact Suwanee American Cement for the highest quality cement building products. For projects in the American Midwest, get in touch with the Monarch Cement Company.

Use fiber cement products for building exteriors

Fiber cement products are made of sand, cement and cellulose. The material is formed into sheets for prefabricated construction. Fiber cement does not insulate well but has a highly weather resistant surface and is relatively maintenance free once installed.

I recommend: James Hardie is an international leader in manufacturing and supply of fiber cement products. Its products are available at most building supply stores. American Fiber Cement is one of the largest suppliers of fiber cement products in America. Its Minerit product is one of the finest fiber cement products available.

Familiarize yourself with sales force of cement manufacturers

Large cement manufacturers employ dozens of sales people. Cement manufacturing can easily be scaled up for large projects, or discounts offered to a steady customer. Establish a good relationship with the sales department of a cement manufacturer or supplier. Cement is one of the key materials in most construction project, so don't get caught short.

I recommend: Titan America is one of the largest suppliers of cement in America and their sales force has centuries of combined experience with cement building products. Turn to the experts at the Lehigh Cement Company. They've been in the business since 1897, and have a global supply chain that's guaranteed meet your needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The shipping and transportation costs for cement products will fluctuate along with energy costs. Finding a reliable regional source will allow you to cut operation costs and increase your competitiveness.

Cement products are used in a variety of industries, but most commonly in the construction industry. This is because there are many structural elements that can be built with cement products, including foundations, walkways, columns and other decorative features.

There are various educational opportunities for those who seek a job in a cement factory or working with cement products on the job site. Cement building products education and training can range from courses in masonry, to training sessions that teach skills on working with specific products. Many educational opportunities can be found through:

1. Classes and training sessions provided by masonry schools and associations.

2. Day-long educational sessions provided by cement manufacturers on specific products.

3. Additional online resources that provide news, information and instructions on how to use the latest products.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider masonry training courses to work with cement concrete

Masonry courses will give a person the skills they need to properly build with masonry, design projects and make repairs. Masonry courses will also provide an overview of the different cement products on the market and how they differ.

I recommend: The Portland Cement Association provides training courses in masonry for designers, inspectors, teachers and students. The Masonry Industry Training Association provides masonry classes and training in many areas that can accommodate both youth and adult students.

Attend training sessions with a cement manufacturer

To learn more about specific concrete and cement products, take training courses offered by the cement manufacturers you do business with. This will give you and your employees extensive knowledge of a product line, including a product's ideal applications. These training sessions usually last few hours, up to a day long.

I recommend: Essroc Italcementi Group's interactive tools help contractors and architects learn about cost, design and technical issues, and the company sends out technical consultants to work with customers. It also publishes product data and material safety product sheets online. Lafarge is similarly committed to keeping engineers and architects up to date on product innovations with a number of online resources and continuing education classes.

Find additional online resources for educational materials about cement production and products

Along with training that is manufacturer-specific, you can also get more general information online that can help you learn a variety of skills. These skills range from how to use a specific product to information on storage and repair of cement products.

I recommend: Nichiha USA provides information and videos on its cement products so builders and contractors can become familiar with them before installation. Lehigh Cement Company offers many educational tools on cement products, including an online glossary of terms.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When working with cement, you will also need to be very familiar with the tools you will use on the job. Cement suppliers should be able to suggest the best tools for each specific cement job.