Mortar Mixes

The standard mix for creating your own mortar is:

	1 part Portland Cement ( type 1 )
	1 part masonry cement ( type S )
	6 parts sand *
	Water

*You want sand particles that are coarse with sharp edges. For this reason avoid using beach sand or play sand ( meant for sandboxes ) Both of these have round edges. C-144 is a coarse sand available at most building supply outlets. There are many masonry cements available. Choose the cement that best fits your needs.

Types of Mortar

	Type M mortar is a durable mortar with high strength that's best used in foundations, stone veneer, and retaining walls. It can handle high compression loads.
	Type S Mortar has the ability to give when under pressure. It's good for stonework that will be subjected to normal compression loads. It has good adhesion, making this a good mortar for vertical veneer work and setting paving stones to a concrete pad.
	Type N mortar is a general purpose mortar for structures above grade such as masonry veneers and interior walls.

Portland cement-lime mortar is a durable mortar with a consistent hardening rate and a high compressive strength. The lime adds workability, water retention and elasticity.

Mixing Mortar

Shovel in sand first. Then add other ingredients specific to your mix. Use a mortar hoe to dry-mix the ingredients until you get a uniform color. Pull the dry mix to one end of the mixing pan and add one gallon of water at the opposite end. Using the hoe, begin pulling sections of the dry mix into the water, mixing the two with a chopping motion. Pull the wet mortar to the opposite end of the dry mix, add more water, and repeat the process until all the dry mix is wet. If more water is necessary add it in small increments, because it's easy to add to much water and end up with a soupy mix.

Mortar Consistency

The mortar used in the dry-stack look is mixed drier than in other mortars. It should be slight sticky, yet still crumbly. Take a small handful and pat it into a ball. It should hold together easily. Drop it a couple feet from one hand to another. The ball should crumble and fall apart on impact. If you're working in dry, hot weather, the mortar should be mixed slightly wetter, but should not be soupy.

When stacking stone with a visible mortar joint or laying mortared paving, the mortar should be as wet as possible without being runny.

Please feel free to call us at 717-671-8711 or contact your mason, prior to beginning your project.