What is the Difference Between Perlite Concrete and Vermiculite Concrete?

Perlite and vermiculite are both lightweight concrete aggregates that can be added to concrete mixes for different purposes. These are both used to make concrete lighter and to increase insulation values of concrete. They do not have the same physical properties though.
Perlite is a harder substance than vermiculite, is white in color, and is not absorbent like vermiculite. When used in a concrete mix, it does not consolidate as well as a vermiculite mix because the pieces of perlite are harder and less water absorbent. A lightweight concrete mix with perlite will feel more scratchy against your trowel when placing and smoothing it.
Vermiculite is a softer, squishy substance compared to perlite, it is brown-gold in color, and it is very absorbent. This is a handy product to have around shops and garages for cleaning up liquid spills. When vermiculite is used in a concrete mix, you do not want to mix everything together too much or too forcefully as the vermiculite can collapse and lose the beneficial properties of it. Vermiculite concrete will feel a little sticky and spongy under your trowel when placing and finishing it.
So the main differences between perlite and vermiculite in concrete comes mainly down to how each one consolidates with vibration and the feel of it when placing and finishing.
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#CreatingConcrete #lightweightconcrete #perliteconcrete #vermiculiteconcrete

[@buzz5974]

I didn't realize they made the concrete so much weaker. How does aircrete compare? I've watched a greater build structures out of it.

[@Indi3R]

Hi I found you videos because I decided to make concrete pots, they are pretty big. The first one I made looks really good with a brutalist finish however it weighs almost 70 kilos lmao. I made a reusable mold so I want to make the next large pot with the 4 to 1 vermiculite mix, if I can get it down to half the weight it should be fine. I did the basic 3,2,1 concrete mix. Would the vermiculite mix be too weak for a large pot?

[@jazzrat2000]

I have been making my own biochar for bonsai, and it leaves wood ash as the byproduct. I mix some of that in with concrete sometimes and it's lighter, but it does smell like smoke :) PS It also is a much weaker type of concrete than the regular.

[@atbattson]

Is there a weight difference?
What is the strength difference if any?

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

So fascinating. Just subscribed.
Have you used an admixture like Xypex? It's supposed to fill up micro fractures in concrete by crystallizing in the presence of water.

[@carterharrington]

Never heard of this but can’t wait to try it out !

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

@@carterharrington Let us know the results!
I would think making small fractures with a hammer then soaking the concrete might induce the Xypex, but unsure.

[@eldbudd]

thank you for the info!
what's this sweet sweet sweet dog's name?