A method of preparing a light weight concrete composition using expanded polymer particles that includes a) replacing from about 10 to about 50 volume percent of the coarse aggregate in the concrete composition with prepuff particles; and b) preparing the concrete composition by combining ingredients comprising 3 - 40 volume percent cement, 1 - 50 volume percent fine aggregate, 0 - 40 volume percent coarse aggregate, 10 - 22 volume percent water, and 5 - 40 volume percent of prepuff particles. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 5 mm, a density of from 0.02 g/cc to 0.56 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3. The concrete composition has a density of from about 90 to about 135 lb./ft3 and after it is set for 28 days, has a compressive strength of at least 1800 psi as tested according to ASTM C39.