How to Mix for Mortared Flagstone
Developing the correct consistency for mortar is an imperative part of building with flagstone. An incorrect mortar mix will crumble, crack and fall apart with or without stress. Flagstone is a natural stone mined from quarries. Cutting and using the stone for walls, roofs, chimneys and as paving stones on patios, walkways and driveways is a common building practice. The stones vary in color, including greens, browns, grays and a combination of colors. The color choices and size depend on the local quarry. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wheelbarrow, trough or bucket
- Flat shovel
- Hoe
- Hand-held shovel
- Clean water
- Trowel
- Gloves
- Dust mask
- Safety glasses
Instructions
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Put on gloves, a dust mask and safety glasses before working with mortar.
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Pour dry mortar mix into a wheelbarrow, trough or bucket, depending on how much mortar you need. For small projects or repairs, buckets hold enough mix, medium-sized jobs require a wheelbarrow and large jobs call for a trough.
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Use a flat shovel to turn the dry mortar to mix it and blend it together.
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4
Make a hill in your container with the dry mortar mix.
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Create a hole in the center of the dry mortar mix hill with a hoe. Use a hand-held garden shovel if you are mixing in a bucket.
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Use a small bucket to add clean water to the hole in the center of the dry mix. Fill the hole about halfway. Do not use recycled water or dirty water, as this will compromise the set strength of the mortar.
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Drag the hoe through the mix from all angles, turning and blending the mix and water. Add water as needed to create a toothpaste-like consistency.
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Test the consistency of the mortar by slicing the mortar with a trowel. Cut a slice into the side of the mortar with the end of the trowel. If the cut closes, the mortar is too wet, if the edges of the cut crack and crumble, the mortar is too dry. If the cut remains in the mortar unchanged, the consistency is correct.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear gloves, a dust mask and safety glasses when mixing and working with mortar.
Place your wheelbarrow, trough or bucket close to the project before mixing to avoid carry or moving heavy mortar.
Do not allow mortar to come in contact with skin; it will cause chemical burns.
