In this paper, cement paste characteristics and porous concrete properties are studied. The results indicate that cement paste character- istics are dependent on the water to cement ratio (W/C), admixture and mixing time. Cement paste with high viscosity and high flow suitable for making porous concrete is obtained with the use of low W/C of 0.20–0.25, an incorporation of 1% superplasticizer, and sufficient mixing. Porous concretes having suitable void ratios are produced with appropriate paste content and flow, and sufficient compaction. Good porous concretes with void ratio of 15–25% and strength of 22–39 MPa are produced using paste with flow of 150–230 mm and top sur- face vibration of 10 s with vibrating energy of 90 kN m/