How to Make Mortar for Bricks

Good mortar will ensure the brick wall will last for years.

Mortar is the most important part of a brick wall as it is what holds all the bricks together, making the wall strong. There are only three ingredients required to make good mortar, two of which can be easily bought from any good builder's merchant and the third being water. The other key element of this to make sure the mix is right so it is not too thick or to thin.

Things You'll Need

• Cement
• Builder's sand
• Water
• Cement mixer

Instructions

1. Pour the dry cement and the builder's sand into a cement mixer in a ratio of 1 part cement to 5 parts sand. Portland cement is the best to use.

2. Add water to the mixer with the mixer turn on. While adding water also stir the mortar mix with a wooden stick to get everything combined.

3. Continue to add water until the mortar is spreadable, but not runny. The mortar should hold to a trowel when held upside down.

4. Add extra cement and sand to thicken-up the mortar if required. These should be added in the same ratio as before.

Tips & Warnings

• A container can be used instead of a cement mixer, but for a large project the mixer will reduce the amount of work.

• For sub-surface or mortar that will be very exposed to bad weather use a ratio of 1 part cement to 4 parts sand.

References

• Builder Register: Brickwork