DIY Mixing Mortar
Mortar is a substance used for the secure bonding of two different surfaces and is often used for projects that involve bricklaying. Mixing mortar to the right consistency isn't difficult. Although you can hire a professional to lay the bricks and mess with the mixing, you can complete the project satisfactorily yourself -- forever able to take pride in the results, saving a lot of money and gaining knowledge about working with building materials that will allow you to tackle more of your own projects in the future. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Gather your dry ingredients. Ingredients used are determined by the type of cement you're using. Masonry cement has a ratio of 1 part cement and 3 parts sand. Portland cement has a ratio of 1 part cement, 1 part lime and 6 parts sand.
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Place all of your dry ingredients in a wheelbarrow and mix thoroughly with a hoe.
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Add 2 gallons of water to the mixture for each bag of cement you use. Measure the water into buckets; do not spray an estimated amount with your garden hose. Mix with a trowel.
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Use a chopping motion to mix the mortar in your wheelbarrow and to ensure a thorough distribution of water.
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Tips & Warnings
If the mortar is allowed to sit for two hours, add more water and mix until you reach the original consistency. After two hours, you have about 30 more minutes to use the mixture before it becomes too hard to use.
