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Calculate mortar needed for brick, block, stone veneer, or repointing projects. Get accurate material estimates including bags, sand, lime, and water requirements for your masonry work.
Standard modular bricks (approx. 7 per sq ft)
Includes 10% waste factor
80 lb premixed bags
Portland Cement : Lime : Sand (by volume)
High strength (1800 psi), general purpose
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Mortar is categorized by ASTM standards into four main types based on compressive strength and application. Choosing the right type ensures structural integrity and longevity.
Mix: 1 part Portland : 0.25 parts Lime : 3 parts Sand
Uses: Below-grade applications, heavy load-bearing walls, retaining walls, foundations, driveways, and areas exposed to freeze-thaw cycles.
Mix: 1 part Portland : 0.5 parts Lime : 4.5 parts Sand
Uses: General purpose, at or below grade, exterior walls above grade, brick veneer, chimneys. Most common choice for residential masonry.
Mix: 1 part Portland : 1 part Lime : 6 parts Sand
Uses: Above-grade exterior walls, interior walls, non-load bearing applications, parapet walls, soft stone and brick.
Mix: 1 part Portland : 2 parts Lime : 9 parts Sand
Uses: Interior non-load bearing walls, repointing historic masonry, low-stress applications. High lime content provides excellent workability.
| Application | Coverage Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brick Wall (standard modular) | 7 bags / 1000 bricks | 1/2" joint, Type S mortar |
| Concrete Block (8×8×16) | 3 bags / 100 blocks | 3/8" joint standard |
| Stone Veneer | 1 bag / 35 sq ft | Varies by stone size |
| Repointing (1/2" deep) | 1 bag / 30 sq ft | Depends on joint depth |
| Flagstone Patio | 1 bag / 15-20 sq ft | Wide joints typical |
Note: Always add 10-15% extra for waste, spillage, and variations in joint size.
Mortar mix ratios are expressed as Portland Cement : Lime : Sand by volume. The ratio determines strength, workability, and bonding characteristics.
| Type | Ratio (P:L:S) | PSI |
|---|---|---|
| Type M | 1 : 0.25 : 3 | 2500+ |
| Type S | 1 : 0.5 : 4.5 | 1800 |
| Type N | 1 : 1 : 6 | 750 |
| Type O | 1 : 2 : 9 | 350 |
Add approximately 6 gallons of clean water per 80 lb bag of mortar. Add gradually and mix to achieve proper consistency - should be plastic and workable, not soupy.
Use clean masonry sand free of clay, silt, and organic matter. Sand should be well-graded with particles ranging from fine to coarse for optimal workability and strength.
Best for: Small projects, DIY work, repairs, repointing
Best for: Large projects, commercial work, custom applications
For standard modular bricks with 1/2" joints using Type S mortar, you'll need approximately 7 bags (80 lb each) of mortar per 1000 bricks. This covers both horizontal and vertical joints.
Type S (1800 psi) is stronger and more resistant to weather, making it ideal for below-grade and exterior applications. Type N (750 psi) has higher lime content, providing better workability and is used for above-grade, non-load bearing walls.
Premixed bags are convenient for small projects and ensure consistent quality. Site mixing is more economical for large projects (over 50 bags) and allows custom ratios. For DIY projects under 20 bags, premixed is recommended.
For Type S mortar, use 4.5 parts sand per 1 part Portland cement and 0.5 parts lime. One 80 lb bag of mortar produces about 0.6 cubic feet, so you'd need approximately 2.7 cubic feet of sand per equivalent bag.
Mixed mortar typically remains workable for 1.5 to 2 hours in moderate temperatures (60-75°F). In hot weather, working time decreases to 60-90 minutes. Never add extra water to re-temper mortar that has begun to set.
For historic masonry (pre-1900), use Type O or a custom lime mortar to match the original. Type O is softer and more flexible, preventing damage to older, softer bricks. For modern brick (post-1930), Type N or S is appropriate.
Mortar color depends on sand color and cement type. For color matching, use sand from the local area, consider white Portland cement for lighter colors, and test small batches. Mortar lightens as it cures, so let samples dry completely before comparing.
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