Masonry Cement vs Mortar Mix Explained by the Carolinas' Concrete Cowboy

The Carolinas' Concrete Cowboy explains the difference between bagged masonry cement and bagged mortar mix. Join the Cowboy for some Construction Clarity!

[@AB-wf8ek]

To summarize: Mortar is actually sand & masonry-cement used to bind bricks together "Mortar mix" is masonry cement pre-mixed with sand Type N is softer for normal bricks Type S is harder for structural masonry Like if this saved you 10 min of your life

[@mikeandcarterwebb5177]

I am in the process of of reconstructing an old stone fireplace in our back yard. Is S type the best to use for these old stones?

[@165Dash]

I would add: “Masonry cement is Portland cement and lime”. I think he also inferred that “masonry cement” was a generic term and that ingredient proportions varied regionally. I agree, Cowboy needs to tighten up his script writing on this one.

[@Bolkonsky11]

Great video. Very informative and to the point. Thanks!

[@JLopezz]

Amazing! Thank you cowboy

[@ericmusgrove2828]

Thank you just what I wanted to know

[@StuPid-q1o]

Missing important information on the origin of the various types eg S, N. etc and their relationship to portland and lime proportions

[@carolinasconcretecowboy-di9499]

I am so glad you found my little presentation helpful!

[@UndisputedRoofer]

Where can I find them in usa?

[@UndisputedRoofer]

For bricks?

[@edmundooliver7584]

@@UndisputedRoofer its regional NY will be different than calif

[@UndisputedRoofer]

@@edmundooliver7584 ok

[@AdamSFNews]

If possible to get in touch with you? I have a few questions regarding mix's with limestone garden edging in the DFW area.

[@mainstreampropaganda7518]

you do not cover the important part of your type mix. It's all about the portland/lime combination ratio. It's quite irritating your guys still can't get it right and convey the true content of those bags! Type N has less lime than S proportionally and slaked lime is quite different than hydrated lime usage. Constantly mixing up the definition of mortar / cement / concrete / structural and composition of the mortar mix leads to complete misunderstandings and NOT complete definitions to make a real general rule. sorry

[@jamie.777]

Sorry bro, it's 2024. Any homeowner looking for youtube help, is NOT going to buy sand, lime and cement. There buying affordable ready mix. I hand mixed everything for my pops for decades and ate lime and cement, wish he had a affordable ready mix. Also. Your argument is false, YT had a million videos on hand mixing mortor said, lime, cement ratio. It's 2024 dude!!!

[@VFizz]

Hey Mr. Cowboy - thank you very much for this vid! I am definitely a beginner with concrete projects - this really explains a lot! Thank you Sir!

[@jacobmarmolejo3946]

Type N means not stromg. Type S strong. Just a short definition

[@kristinekoski7345]

𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙉𝙆 𝙔𝙊𝙐 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝙆𝙉𝙊𝙒𝙇𝙀𝘿𝙂𝙀 , 𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙏 𝙔𝙊𝙐 𝙎𝙃𝘼𝙍𝙀𝘿 𝙄𝙉 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝙑𝙄𝘿𝙀𝙊!

[@danbreault]

I have searched soooo long for this straightforward information. Thank you for making this.

[@davidgonzales6749]

Cowboy, thank you very much for making this video. I had no idea what the difference between concrete and mortar was. Now thanks to you I know. I always thought mortar was for floor tiles and cement for brick and driveways, I didn't know you needed to add sand to cement, wow. Once again thanks again for a very informative video. Subscribing for sure

[@tagetes1442]

This is just great. No BS just useful, meaningful, consolidated and more importantly..correct information. More teachers at the university level need to take lessons from you partner! Keep up the good work!

[@FirstNameLastName-okayyoutube]

He repeated the title of the video twice, which needed to happen 0 times. He had 2, " first things".. The non BS did take some warm up.

[@bryanthomas9949]

Crystal clear content, great delivery and exceptional sense of humor! Right on cowboy!

[@carolinasconcretecowboy-di9499]

Really appreciate the kind words! Thanks again!

[@kelty76]

This video is wonderful. Thank you so much!

[@SteversIO]

Trying to get a former grasp on terminology for all the DIY work we're going to be doing. This was super helpful thank you so much!

[@carolinasconcretecowboy-di9499]

I love to hear the Cowboy was helpful. Thank you for your kind comment!

[@cjp371]

Nice! I'm a total newbie to this, and I really appreciate your slow, careful explanation. And the humor. :)

[@paul-wade-hampton6766]

A life saving Question, ???? is Mutual industrial fire clay good for putting Clay bricks together & safe to use / okay to use for making my forge ? Anyone who is willing to answer, thank you sincerely in advance, it's important for me to know"! Thank you again for answering in advance & Good tidings / take care & thank you sincerely uploader of video for making this video Sir, Respectfully, / Sincerely. Signed : Paul~

[@pierreb03038]

Hi, could i use mortar type S to affix two 1.5 ft x 1.5 ft cast iron beehive doors to my brick fireplace? Thanks for your informative video.

[@Coltrabagar]

Shoot. I didn't know that type S was necessary for structural applications. I used Type N on my foundation block wall. The block wall is only 3 courses high and will only support a single story home, built with standard 2X4 and 2X6 framing. Nothing is unusually heavy. Will I need to worry about my Type N Block mortar failing? I used high strength concrete mix to fill the cores and bond beams. I also used 3/8 rebar in the bond beams.

[@reasonablespeculation3893]

Mix ratio for type N mortar is 2 Portland, 2 Hydrated lime ( AKA type N masonry Cement) plus 12 sand. .........Type N Masonry Cement is 50% Portland Cement + 50% Lime........... Each shovel full of type N masonry cement , will be mixed with 6 shovels of SAND for the specification of Type N mortar. Or; 1 Portland + 1 Lime + 6 Sand = Type N Mortar .... SHOW me I'm wrong

[@themaximusone]

THANKKKKKK YOUUUUUUUU Iam getting into sculptures on brick and I dont think I can make art I KNOW I CAN but i need to know exactly what should be used if you have any info I would be greatfull NO ARTIST on here will tell me they seem to think they own the rights to Mortar (sigh)

[@Peanutbutterjelly00]

Great video! Do you know how many 8x8x16 blocks can you lay with a bag of 80 pounds Amerimix type S mortar mix?

[@Hundert1]

Great video, very interesting. Thank you. Thomas Edison was into concrete. He made houses mostly all from concrete. Perhaps we need to do this for tornado proof homes. Especially in tornado alley, down south and Central usa. God Bless 🙌 🙏 ❤️

[@deanjustice8910]

Hello Sir, I'm having difficulty finding a tutorial on how to add a brick skirting around a pre-existing storage building. The building is 12x20, the height of the left end is 27 " and the height of the right end is 8" Can you please advise how to go about it ? I'm determined to do it myself but I'm concerned about the correct process.

[@stevenbyrd4310]

Hold on there, Mr. Note.All I've only been laying bricks since 1975 completed aprintice Ship and 77 your information on the mixing of the sand with the type N or S is foul.You don't mix 3 to 1 it's , 2 parts sand to 1 part cement or 2.2 to 1

[@erikhicks07]

I don't understand why masons prefer to manually proportion/mix instead of buying pre-mix. Even with pre-mix, you can adjust by adding more lime/sand/cement if needed. Also, particulates in the air are just as bad with pre-mix especially in windy conditions.

[@geyser3445]

I am patching a block/stucco chimney. What product would you recommend?

[@manuellopez504]

Hello I got a dumb question can i used mortar mix for a small side walk, 😅 I run out of concrete mix bags, and i had to use like 4 bags of mortar mix just to finish the job.😅 Thanks in advance

[@tibufam]

Wow, really great presentation. This was perfectly clear and helped me, thank you. I hope you are a classroom teacher somewhere.

[@carolinasconcretecowboy-di9499]

No, in real life I am blessed to be the national technical sales and support manager for Oldcastle APG.

[@diamond6256]

Great video. May I ask which is best for concrete patio spider cracks. I don't want to use filler.

[@Nobull346]

I have to finish off my pizza dome. I am using perlite. Can you please let me know which cement I should use. Thanks

[@jamie.777]

Im too old to mess with sand, lime, and cement. I hand mixed concrete and mortar for a decade, god knows what silica is in my lungs. I always buy the ready mix 😅now. Gonna build a little wall tomorrow with block and granite scraps. Love free blocks

[@chefbperez]

I want to pour a small 2'x2' slab ti build a rocket stove on. I want to add perlite as agragate and I will over. Cam I use type s mortar vs cement mix?

[@Speeglelookingglass]

I would like to know what type of mortar to use when placing small black rocks in the mortar with several inches between each Rock. I don't want to use a ground because that will really mess things up. I do want this sealed properly without a grout. I would like a pure white mortar that doesn't have to be sealed with a grout. Please help. Does it need a polymer since I won't be grouting? If so can I get a solid white polymer?

[@ScienceOnTheFringe]

Painful to watch. Very long winded. The average layman does not need a chemical history break down. Just wanted to know what to use on block versus stone. 🤣

[@Perfectleaf1975]

What type of mortar mix for thin flagstone patio on ground. I think I’ve been using concrete mortar mix. Depo Brand. I’ll see in the morning

[@tonyaction5284]

Very well said, and explained to the ”T”. You just took me to school👍🏼 Thank you for the video sir🤙🏼💪🏼

[@Timba-w7f]

Thanks, this is the info I need. Should I use type N or type S, or would Portland and sand be best to cement solid blocks together to build outdoor basement steps?

[@gracegiles9383]

Will mortar mix N work for making small, concrete pots for my succulents?

[@peterfcoyle9127]

Dirk, I understand the psi for Mason Work. What is type1 , type 2 and type 3?

[@marcjacob4758]

I’m leveling a wood subfloor to put laminate on top…do I have to mix sand with the Portland type ll or can I go straight Portland

[@andyh8239]

If you subtrsct the lime; How does portland cement compare to masonry cement?

[@NekoleJ.]

Wat if u jus mixing masonry & water? Does it still work the same as it should?

[@tessyoung508]

Excellent description for someone who needs clear answers. Sakrete was a great example choice as well as it's widely available. Great character too id trust a stranger in a cowboy hat to guide me through the trails and tribulations of the build 👍 Thank you! I am chinking a log cabin myself and purchased type N-Mix that is store-brand. After your explanation I feel more confident with my purchase

[@terebrate]

1:14 "fluffier..." And lighter in color, cause it's got lime in it.

[@jesusfierro1721]

So the one that says stucco, you can use that for brick laying? Thanks for the response

[@michelecrumpley4258]

I really appreciate you taking time to explain the differences between the mixes. Can you tell me what kind I would use to repair my concrete front porch?

[@barbmiracle]

This is just the info I was looking for. Thank you.

[@scottfoster7080]

Thanks cowboy, you got this buckaroo lined up.

[@timothyconnecticut1910]

If someone can't understand what "parts" are or "ratio" , then this video is already way to advanced for their level of understanding!

[@robbiejk9613]

But if you can’t understand the difference between “to” and “too” and when to use either, English is too advanced for your level of understanding.

[@nedsocali1829]

Is it possible to use type N mortar mix to fix limestone blocks to waterproof sheet to create exterior home facade? Can we use thinset bonding for limestone blocks (2feet x 2 feet x 1.25 inch thick) or would you consider thinset to be too frail for limestone? Thanks

[@SnakeJr1225]

Use type S. They also make a very strong exterior thinset. I'm plumbing my exterior wall with type s then using a custom blend thinset for the tile. If you go to home depot or loews just read the bags of thinset and it will tell you it's intended purpose. If it were me I would use type s with a bonding agent

[@RetardedGinger27]

Thanks cowboy! I almost laid a retaining wall with concrete mix alone. Very helpful!

[@ryanbeard1119]

You didn't talk about the CA O and the MG CA O topic.

[@karenhart7169]

Very helpful. Glad to know that the s is for structural.

[@alienspace1]

Someone is being exhausted trying to steady the camera

[@KJ-tq3sm]

Thanks for the video, now i'm even more confused.

[@tylerfawcett6417]

Can you share us how to mix mortar and how much sand you used

[@billcoley8520]

You need to make 40 pound bags. 80 is to heavy for the older men

[@tonyrogers5405]

This guy doesn’t know shit

[@trappinout18]

"mortar mix" def was helpful.

[@vincentwesolowski459]

Greetings Dirk, I just watched this video. I understand what the uses for Type N & Type S mortar mix. I’m a DIY’er and although for some of my uses type N would be sufficient, however, I have found type S is easier to handle and work with. I’ll spend the extra money for type S just because I like the way it handles. Can you tell me why type S handles differently or is it just my imagination.

[@erikhicks07]

Type S mortar has more cement, less lime. Type N mortar has less cement, more lime. Some would say the type N is easier to work with because of the lime (it holds more water). The type S probably seems to handle better because the higher cement gives it a more paste-like consistency.

[@YvonneLarsen]

Thank you! This is great info for DIYers!

[@checka1558]

Thanks Concrete Cowboy! Your demonstration helped me build my Texas sized retaining wall around my flowerbed and trees with confidence. They turned out great and now my neighbor wants to build walls. My suggestion to him was checkout Carolina's Concrete Cowboy and Cowboy up.

[@carolinasconcretecowboy-di9499]

Awesome and thanks for spreading the Cowboy around!

[@Theoldhouse1880]

Thank you so much for this video! I had purchased the sakrete mortar/stucco type S and was working on my chimney. There are two problems: one is that it’s so grainy in comparison to what I see in some pointing videos where the mortar looks more like a putty. The other issue is that this mortar is very dark gray while the rest of the old mortar is a much lighter color. Any recommendations on these two issues?

[@jacobmarmolejo3946]

Problem with pre blended mortar. Is sand weighs more than cement. What happens when it is being sacked. Sand sinks faster than cement with any kind of vibration.

[@Partsunknown426]

Making me sleepy so I need to go poop now, sorry.

[@chadgrantham2883]

And that cleared it all up!! Thank u sir!

[@jonathankeller3976]

Anyone think of Dale Dimmadome?

[@quantumreality8844]

I thought the ratios where by weight not area

[@venomous]

Thank you for making this video. I’m new and this was explained well 👍🏻

[@wp869]

Sakrete, the worst mortar mix ever made

[@danvee1804]

thanks so much for this info it was very helpful....Now I know ...

[@TheTomar33]

Great video

[@Coltrabagar]

parts are by volume.

[@scotthiles9944]

Explained very well. From an old mason!

[@familytabrizi76]

It was as clear as mud😅😅😅😅.

[@b0neme]

Hey Dirk, good video! I wonder, if I'm fixing a 100 yr old brick wall that has 2 courses and supports a corner of the basement, do I use Type N to tuckpoint or type S? Some say the "S" was too strong and that 100 yrs ago they used weaker lime mortar. Using the stronger "S" will damage the structural soundness...but others say, like you, "structural? Use Type S", who's right?

[@carolinasconcretecowboy-di9499]

100 years old! Your brick may be softer than today's. Type N at the strongest. Go to your nearest block and brick yard and see if they have a tuck point mortar, which is a softer Type O.

[@clancymac1959]

You're Great...I just learned what I needed to know.....Thank You

[@carolinasconcretecowboy-di9499]

Your welcome partner! Does my heart good to hear the Cowboy was helpful.

[@KJ-tq3sm]

what a terrible presentation

[@BrandonTran]

Wow I just learned what S and N where hah. Structural and Non-Structural. I had no idea. I did notice the higher PSI in S so I always bought it. Thanks for the video.

[@skeon67]

Between you and the Mike Haduck videos, you guys have helped me with my outdoor fireplace project, thanks.

[@samisrael3165]

Gold! Thank you.

[@PhilVerryChannel]

Where is your microphone?

[@kirkglundal4289]

The mortar is supposed to be the sacrificial part, not the brick or CMU's!! It's difficult to get even type N around here anymore let alone type O, as I suspect people are choosing to use type S out of lack of knowledge and/or understanding. Take for example an 8x8" clay flue liner chimney with 6 standard bricks per course. Each brick weighs close to 6 lbs. so 6 x 6 = 36 lbs per course. Four courses is a foot tall. 4c x 36 lbs... That's 144 lbs per foot in Height. A 30' tall chimney is approx 4320 lbs. (not including tile inside which bears on it's own basically). The area of each brick is 3.5 x 8" = 28 sq. in. and 28 x 6 bricks = 168 sq in. Take the weight of the chimney and divide by the footprint or area of the bricks, 4320 lbs/168 sq. in. to get PSI = 25.7 psi load on the bottom most brick and mortar which makes 1800 psi type S ridiculous in compressive strength. Even with a 10x safety factor, the 25 psi load at 250 psi still makes type N just fine. How about for the sake of argument we were to build a ridiculous 1000 foot tall chimney of the same dimension. 1000' x 144lbs = 144,000 lbs. Divide by the area or footprint once again, 144,000/168 = 857 PSI. Type S still laughs at the load! More important is the elasticity and compatibility to the brick being used. So think for yourself and stop using type S if not required for a specific application, please. The mortar is the sacrificial part!

[@djexclusivee]

Thanks. Super helpful

[@1bottlefed]

Glad to find your channel, I really like that you back your personal preference with factual data in clear concise terms....so many others simply say "I do this" or "use that mix" without explaining the reasons behind their choices.

[@carolinasconcretecowboy-di9499]

I appreciate your feedback. Some folks seem to want quick summaries, but that is not the purpose on the series. I reject the "two minutes or less" mentality applied to KZbin.

[@themaximusone]

appreciate the Info haws, can ya tell me which brand is used for wall sculptures?

[@thedavises9420]

Very informative

[@jenkor513]

That portland lime mix is what is required to repair an old brick house. I bought one and the psi for regular mortar is too great and breaks the bricks with normal shifting of the house. I I knew I had to use portland, but didn't understand why until you mentioned the huge difference in psi. Good video

[@Katana_00]

How did your repair go?

[@jenkor513]

@@Katana_00 It is not repaired. To be clear, I bought an old brick house. the brick is in serious need of repair. I don't like getting ripped off so before I hire someone I have been watching videos on how it should be done. I knew portland lime was supposed to be used because my house is about 100 years old. I did not understand about the PSI and that pressure with the mortar and the brick is why it had to be mixed with portland lime and not the newer mortar mixes. Your explanation of the psi and why my very old bricks would break makes perfect sense now. Hopefully in the spring (2023) I can get someone out to repoint the house. your video was very helpful and I have it saved. thank you much.

[@threatassessment216]

Thank you sir ❤

[@annhans3535]

Thank you sir.

[@idahogreen2885]

WheeHAAAAAW!!! thisnis what i needed to be able to not only understand mortar a little better for sure, but also ill use your infomto lie my way into bigger jobs😂😂😂just joshin, ill only be storytellin, not actual lyin. Subbed just cuz i like you and we need more real men on the internet. Keep on trowelin big man!

[@bonanzatime]

No, You're Wrong! There is NO Guarantee there is lime in 'masonry cement'. 'Masonry Cement' can be Portland Cement mixed with 'anything else'. .. Portland-Lime mortar is what you're talking about!... so you might want to trash this video so you don't look like a fool.

[@kirkgroeneveld3191]

Not very clear in your opening statement, and attempts to clarify Mortar cement without sand was confusing. However, the difference between Mortar Mix and Mortar Cement needing sand in the correct ratio was very clear. Thank you for posting.

[@JosephColenda]

Thanks partner

[@VictorRuiz-k4t]

Thank you sir!! No BS and I learned exactly what I need for my project. Concise very well explained that even my half wit-brother will understand.

[@cansanity]

Great video! Right to the point. Thank you for sharing!

[@dejhadelaroush604]

Thank you for this explanation Cowboy 🤠 QUESTION: I want to grout Saltillo Mexican tiles. I want as smooth a grout line as possible and not so grainy or porous. Smooth not rough. I would like to use Mortar mix could I add some Portland cement to the mortar mix for a smoother texture maybe,??? What would the portions be? What about adding more lime for smoothness? If so how much? For instance maybe 1/2 bucket of mortar mix add 1 large tomato can (28 oz) of cement....or a small (16oz) tomato sauce can of cement... Thank you 😊

[@Nico-rw1uo]

As a builder, the only 2 issues about dry mix mortar and cement alone are, the price of dry mix mortar And cement. I had never ever used dry mix mortar to mix concrete. Instead I take cement, aggregates,sand and water only. Dry mix are very expensive, than sand, aggregates,water and cement in a building project. Dry mix are a highly engineering products in terms of sand, polymers. Nice video.

[@RaquelBaranow]

I mixed the American brand type S and it didn’t harden very well, it crumbled. Then I looked up how to mix it and it said to let it sit five minutes and stir again .