There is no single price for concrete hardener or accelerator in Kenya. The price depends on the product, the job, the area or volume of concrete, how much you buy and how it is delivered. This guide explains each of those, so you can ask for a quote that gets a straight answer and compare two quotes fairly.
The short answer
Search for concrete additive prices in Kenya and you will find small packs and prices quoted without the job in mind. A contractor, precast yard or developer buys by the drum or sack and needs a quote built around the work.
Thika Wax Works supplies a concrete hardener for floors and a chloride-free concrete accelerator powder. The hardener comes in 20 litre drums and 4 x 5 litre cartons, and the accelerator in 25 kg sacks. The price depends on the seven things below.
Price factors
Why one concrete enhancer costs more than another
Two products can both claim to improve concrete and do very different things. These are the things that change the price, and what to tell your supplier about each.
| What changes the price | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Type of product | A surface hardener, which strengthens a finished floor and controls dust, and an accelerator, which speeds up setting and curing, do different jobs and are priced differently. |
| What you are building (the scope of the job) | Industrial floors, driveways, parking lots, warehouses, precast products and general construction each need a different product and amount. |
| Area or volume of concrete | A hardener is applied per square metre of surface. An accelerator is dosed per cubic metre of concrete. The bigger the job, the more you need. |
| Pack size | The hardener comes in a 20 litre drum or 4 x 5 litre cartons, and the accelerator in a 25 kg sack. The bigger pack is usually cheaper per unit. |
| Site conditions and timing | Hot or cold weather, how soon you need the floor in use and the grade of concrete all affect which product and dose you need. |
| Volume and how often you order | A one-off container costs more per litre than a standing monthly order. Say how much you expect to use each month. |
| Delivery | Thika, Nairobi, upcountry and export orders have different delivery costs. Always compare prices with delivery included. |
Cost per job
Price per kg is not what you actually pay
The cost that matters is the cost on each cubic metre of concrete or each square metre of floor, set against what the product saves you. A faster cure can save days of labour and site hire.
Use this simple sum for an accelerator:
Cost per m³ of concrete = price per kg × kilograms of accelerator used per m³
Here is an example with round numbers, to show the arithmetic. These are not our prices, and the dose is only for illustration. Say the data sheet gives a dose of 1 kg per cubic metre, and the accelerator costs 200 a kg. That adds 200 to each cubic metre. If the faster cure lets your crew finish and release a slab a day earlier, the labour and equipment you save on that day may be worth more than the 200.
A cheaper product can cost you in other ways. A weak hardener that lets the floor dust, or an accelerator with chloride that can attack steel, can cost far more to put right. Our accelerator powder is chloride-free.
Comparing quotes
How to compare two quotes fairly
- Ask for the price per litre or per kg and per container, and check the pack size is the same.
- Ask for the recommended dose or coverage, so you can work out the cost per cubic metre or square metre.
- Check that delivery is included in both quotes.
- Ask whether the accelerator is chloride-free. A cheaper quote may be for a product that is not suited to reinforced concrete.
- Ask for a trial on a small area or a test pour, and ask how long the price holds.
Get a quote
What to tell us to get a fast, accurate quote
You do not need to know the product. Send us these details and we will recommend one:
- What you are building, for example an industrial floor, driveway, parking lot, warehouse or precast product.
- The area in square metres, or the volume of concrete in cubic metres.
- What you need to improve: surface hardness, dust control or setting time.
- Site conditions, for example hot weather or a tight deadline.
- Where we should deliver, and when you want to start.
- Whether this is a single job or a regular order.
See our concrete enhancers range for what we supply, or ask for a quote.
Applications
Where our concrete enhancers are used
Our concrete hardener is used on industrial, commercial and residential floors, driveways, parking lots and warehouses, where it strengthens the surface and reduces dust. Our accelerator powder is used on concrete floors, driveways and pavements, parking lots, warehouses, precast concrete and general construction, where it speeds up setting.
To go deeper, read our guides on what concrete enhancers are, concrete curing compound, curing and enhancing products for slabs and release agents for precast products.
FAQ
Your questions answered
How much does concrete hardener cost in Kenya?
It depends on the product, the pack size, the area and your monthly volume. The best way to get a real figure is to send us the area of floor and what you are building.
What does a concrete hardener do?
A hardener strengthens the surface of a concrete floor, makes it more resistant to wear and reduces dusting, which suits warehouses, driveways and parking lots.
What does a concrete accelerator do?
An accelerator speeds up the setting and curing of concrete, so you can finish, strip and use the work sooner. It also improves workability.
Is your accelerator chloride-free?
Yes. Our concrete accelerator powder is chloride-free, which helps protect the durability of the concrete and avoid corrosion.
What pack sizes do you supply?
The hardener comes in a 20 litre drum or a carton of 4 x 5 litres. The accelerator comes in a 25 kg sack.
How do I work out how much I need?
Check the recommended dose or coverage on the data sheet. For a hardener, divide the area by the coverage. For an accelerator, multiply the volume of concrete by the dose per cubic metre.
Can I use these indoors and outdoors?
The hardener suits both indoor and outdoor concrete. Tell us where the work is, and we will recommend a product and dose.
Can I get a sample or a trial?
Yes. Tell us about the job and ask for a trial on a small area or a test pour before you order in bulk.
Get a price for your job
Send us what you are building, the area or volume and the result you need. We will recommend a product and quote for it.
Akshay Chandaria is the Sales Director at Thika Wax Works Limited, a manufacturer of industrial waxes, hot melt and cold glue adhesives, floor polishes, cleaning products and construction chemicals for businesses across Kenya.
