Mortar Mix Ratio

When one does brickwork, it can be done for various reasons. It can be to hold a roof or to form a framework. Many a time, it is seen that a lot of people choose to get brick wall made around the garden, so that they can have some privacy from the people using the street. It can also be done to prevent a lot of wind from flowing into the house, especially during winters. For doing brickwork, mortar is necessary. Likewise, someone may choose to erect a flagstone or have a concrete patio, or for basement flooring, etc. At such times, people would want to know the right mortar mix ratio, which they can use for home improvements. Before we find, out the accurate mortar mix formula, we will see the ingredients, which make up mortar.

Mortar Ingredients

For different mortar mix types, the ingredients have to be mixed in varying proportions. It is important to note, that most ingredients are sold by weight, whereas the mortar mix recipes will mention the ingredients in volume. Therefore, you may have to do some calculations, so that you have the right proportions and you do not run short of any ingredient.

Cement
The cement bags are available in various sizes. It is important not to stack cement, as it has the tendency to go bad. Therefore, buy cement as much as to you actually need it. Depending on your needs, you can opt for certain special kind of cements as well. One of the most commonly used cement is the quick drying variety.

Lime
Lime is used in mortar mix, along with cement to reduce the quantity of water drawn into the bricks. This ensures that the cement does not dry out quickly and shrink. There are three main types of lime available. The hydraulic lime sets, when it is combined with water. The non hydraulic hardens by drying out, while the semi hydraulic dries out like the non hydraulic, but does have some hydraulic properties. If you are going to use hydraulic lime, then it should be used straight out of the bag, as it is processed before it is packed. On the other hand, if the other two types are used, they should be soaked in water overnight, before it is used. Excess water will accumulate on top, which can be drained. It is important to mix this soaked lime in sand, before cement is added to it.

Sand
There are two types of sand, which can be used in mortar. However, it is important to note, that this sand cannot be interchanged. Whichever be the sand type, make sure it is sieved before used. This will ensure that only sand goes into the mortar and small stones do not make their way into it. The first type of sand used is the soft sand, also known as builders sand. It is used for bricklaying mortar, building foundations, for paving slabs, wall rendering. It is a smooth kind of sand and has cohesive properties. The other type of sand is sharp sand. It has a gritty feel to it. It is used in concrete and can also be used for rendering walls and floors.

Gravel
Different sized small stones are gravel. Often it used to mix in concrete. There is a grading system, which is used, when one talks about gravel. The grading is done according to the size of the stones in the gravel.

Aggregate
In some areas, it is also called ballast. It is one of the ingredient used to make concrete. It is actually fine variety of sand and small sizes of gravel. Like gravel it is also graded, depending on the size of the stones.

Mortar Mix Ratio ...

All of us are aware, that different ratio has to be used for different types of mortar. The ratio is dependent on for what do you want to use the mortar.

... for Pointing and General Purposes
When you want to make mortar for laying bricks, or for pointing, then you can use this ratio. This ratio can also be used for block and for other general purposes. The ratio is


... for Stone
When you are mixing mortar for paving stones or patio slabs, then this is the consistency, you can use.


... for Garden Walls
Most of us often, build our own garden walls. At such times, we are at loss of the right ratio. The answer to the problem is right here.


When you make mortar mix ratio for pointing or general purposes, then ensure that you mix only so much water, that mortar ticks to a trowel, when it is turned upside down. On the other hand, the mortar mix for stones should be stiffer as compared to the mortar for general purposes. On the other hand, mortar for garden walls should be of consistency, which pours easily. When you are using mortar or the ingredients to make mortar ensure that you cover your hands and eyes well.