Quikrete vs Sakrete: Which Concrete Mix Should You Buy?
**Buy whichever is cheaper or more available at your store.** Both Quikrete and Sakrete are established, quality brands that produce nearly identical results. The "best" concrete mix is the one that's in stock, priced fairly, and matches your project requirements.
Quikrete vs Sakrete: Which Concrete Mix Should You Buy?
Buy whichever is cheaper or more available at your store. Both Quikrete and Sakrete are established, quality brands that produce nearly identical results. The "best" concrete mix is the one that's in stock, priced fairly, and matches your project requirements.
This comparison will cover the real differences—which are minor—so you can make a confident decision without overthinking it.
The Honest Answer
| Factor | Quikrete | Sakrete |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Strength options | 3,000-5,000+ PSI | 3,000-5,000+ PSI |
| Product variety | Extensive | Extensive |
| Price | Very similar | Very similar |
| Availability | Widespread | Widespread |
Bottom line: Performance differences between these brands are negligible. Both have been trusted by professionals and DIYers for decades. Choose based on price and availability, not brand loyalty.
Brand Backgrounds
Quikrete
- Founded: 1940
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
- Market position: Largest manufacturer of packaged concrete in the US
- Available at: Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, Ace, independent stores
Sakrete
- Founded: 1936
- Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Owned by: Oldcastle APG (CRH Company)
- Available at: Lowe's, Menards, independent stores, some Home Depots
Both companies have 80+ years of manufacturing experience. Neither is a newcomer or untested brand.
Product Line Comparison
Both brands offer equivalent products for every common application:
Standard/All-Purpose Mix
| Product | Quikrete | Sakrete |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Concrete Mix | Concrete Mix |
| PSI | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| Bag sizes | 40, 60, 80 lb | 40, 60, 80 lb |
| Use | General purpose | General purpose |
Verdict: Identical specifications.
High-Strength Mix
| Product | Quikrete | Sakrete |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Quikrete 5000 | High Strength |
| PSI | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Bag sizes | 50, 80 lb | 60, 80 lb |
| Use | Driveways, structural | Driveways, structural |
Verdict: Same strength, slightly different bag size options.
Fast-Setting Mix
| Product | Quikrete | Sakrete |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Fast-Setting Concrete | Fast-Setting Concrete |
| Set time | 20-40 minutes | 25-45 minutes |
| PSI | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| Use | Posts, repairs | Posts, repairs |
Verdict: Nearly identical performance.
Crack-Resistant Mix
| Product | Quikrete | Sakrete |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Crack Resistant | MaxStrength |
| PSI | 4,000 | 5,500 |
| Feature | Fiber reinforced | Polymer modified |
| Use | Large slabs | Large slabs, high stress |
Verdict: Different formulations with similar goals. Sakrete MaxStrength has higher rated strength.
For detailed information on mix types, see types of concrete.
Price Comparison
Prices vary by region and retailer, but typically fall within the same range:
| Product Type | Quikrete (80 lb) | Sakrete (80 lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard mix | $6.00-7.00 | $6.00-7.00 |
| High-strength | $7.00-8.00 | $7.00-8.00 |
| Fast-setting | $7.50-8.50 | $7.50-8.50 |
Price difference: Usually less than $0.50 per bag when comparable products are available.
Where you'll see price differences:
- Store sales and promotions
- Bulk/pallet pricing
- Regional availability
Don't drive to another store to save $0.25 per bag—your time and fuel cost more than the savings.
For concrete pricing context, see concrete cost per yard.
Availability by Retailer
| Retailer | Quikrete | Sakrete |
|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | Primary brand | Limited/varies |
| Lowe's | Available | Primary brand |
| Menards | Available | Available |
| Ace Hardware | Primary brand | Limited |
| True Value | Available | Available |
Practical implication: If you shop at Home Depot, you'll likely buy Quikrete. Lowe's shoppers often find better Sakrete selection. Neither choice is wrong.
Store Brands
Both major retailers also sell store-brand concrete:
- Home Depot: Various house brands
- Lowe's: Various house brands
Store brands are often manufactured by Quikrete or Sakrete (or similar quality manufacturers) and sold at 10-20% lower prices. For standard mix concrete, store brands are perfectly acceptable.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Quikrete If:
- You shop primarily at Home Depot
- You need a specific Quikrete specialty product
- It's on sale or priced lower
- It's what's in stock
Buy Sakrete If:
- You shop primarily at Lowe's
- You want Sakrete MaxStrength (5,500 PSI)
- It's on sale or priced lower
- It's what's in stock
Buy Either If:
- You want standard 4,000 PSI mix
- You want fast-setting for posts
- You want high-strength for driveways
- Quality matters more than brand name
What Actually Matters More Than Brand
Instead of debating Quikrete vs Sakrete, focus on factors that genuinely affect results:
1. Choosing the Right Product Type
Using standard mix for a driveway (instead of high-strength) matters more than which brand of standard mix you buy. See types of concrete.
2. Proper Water Ratio
Adding too much water weakens any concrete—Quikrete, Sakrete, or otherwise. Follow package directions. See how to mix concrete.
3. Adequate Mixing Time
Under-mixed concrete has weak spots regardless of brand. Mix thoroughly for 3-5 minutes per batch.
4. Proper Curing
How you cure concrete affects final strength more than brand choice. Keep it moist for 7 days.
5. Correct Thickness
A 4-inch driveway will crack whether you use Quikrete or Sakrete. Thickness matters more than brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Quikrete better quality than Sakrete?
No. Both are established, quality manufacturers with 80+ years of experience. Products with matching specifications (like 4,000 PSI standard mix) perform identically. Neither brand has a meaningful quality advantage over the other.
Can you mix Quikrete and Sakrete together?
Yes, though there's rarely a reason to. Products with the same specifications (4,000 PSI standard mix from both brands, for example) can be combined in the same project. They're chemically compatible.
Which concrete brand is strongest?
Both offer products at the same strength levels (3,000 to 5,000+ PSI). Sakrete MaxStrength at 5,500 PSI is slightly stronger than Quikrete 5000 at 5,000 PSI, but for residential applications, 5,000 PSI is more than adequate. Strength differences at this level rarely matter practically.
Should I buy bags or ready-mix?
This matters more than brand choice. Bags work for small projects (under 1 cubic yard). Ready-mix is better for larger projects—cheaper per yard and more consistent. See ready-mix vs bagged.
Key Takeaways
- Both brands are excellent—no meaningful quality difference
- Buy based on price and availability, not brand preference
- Product type matters more than brand (use high-strength for driveways)
- Store brands are fine for standard applications
- Focus on technique—water ratio, mixing, curing matter more than brand
Next Steps
- Calculate quantities: Concrete Calculator
- Learn mixing technique: How to Mix Concrete
- Understand product types: Types of Concrete
- Compare delivery options: Ready-Mix vs Bagged
- Concrete fundamentals: Concrete Basics