Mix cement and crushed Styrofoam and discover a gold mine that will surprise you!

In the world of construction and home DIY, the most surprising materials often emerge from simple combinations that no one would imagine. One of these secrets is mixing cement with crushed Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene), a formula that transforms waste into a valuable resource.

What for many is just trash or packaging material can actually become a true ally for building, saving, and even innovating in home and professional projects.

The procedure is described below, and the video from the Inova ou inventa channel is also shown:

The secret of the mix

Styrofoam, when crushed and combined with cement and water, creates a lightweight, durable, and insulating material. This mixture is known as lightweight concrete . Its benefits are astonishing:

• Lightness : It weighs much less than traditional concrete, which makes it easier to handle and reduces the load on structures.
• Thermal and acoustic insulation : Shredded Styrofoam provides properties that help maintain more stable temperatures and reduce noise.
• Sustainability : A material that normally ends up in the trash is reused, reducing the environmental impact.
• Economy : Less cement in relation to volume, which lowers costs compared to other materials.

Practical uses in the home and construction

This lightweight concrete is used in various projects, including:

• Filling floors and ceilings to improve insulation.
• Prefabricated panels for lighter walls.
• Homemade building blocks.
• Furniture and decorative elements with a cement finish but without excessive weight.

Its versatility opens up a range of possibilities for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Additional tips

• Finely ground : The finer the Styrofoam is ground, the more uniform and durable the mixture will be. You can use a grater or a simple shredder.
• Balanced proportions : A basic mix can be 1 part cement, 2 to 3 parts crushed Styrofoam and the amount of water needed to achieve a firm but workable consistency.
• Reinforcement : If the project requires greater strength, you can add metal mesh or fiberglass to reinforce the structure.
• Finishes : Styrofoam concrete can be coated with a thin layer of mortar or special paint, achieving more aesthetic and durable surfaces.
• Precautions : Although it is durable, it is not a substitute for traditional concrete in heavy-duty support structures. Its best use is for auxiliary or decorative elements.

With some care and proper techniques, what seemed like simple waste can be transformed into a veritable gold mine, providing practical solutions and benefits that are surprisingly effective.