WHAT CEMENT SHOULD I USE ? (Part 1) Mike Haduck

Mike shows his style and knowledge of cement use. All my videos are my ways and ideas, I always suggest when someone is building or re-doing work to consult outside professional help.

[@cvanaver]

Mike - This is bringing back so many memories of my father. He was a union Master Plasterer in Northern Indiana. He started his career back in 1957. I remember him mixing plaster in the same way you talk about mixing mortar. I remember his Ford pickup truck with the windowed cover over the bed, the same as I've seen in your videos. I remember helping him load that bed with buckets and trowels and wooden levels and bags of sand and lime and gypsum when I was probably 8 or 9. I remember him waking up at 4:30 and getting his breakfast ready and heading out by 5:00 for jobs that were an hour and half away. I found your videos because I was looking at fixing some masonry around my home. I found something else: memories and a recognition of true tradecraft. Thank you Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Chris, I actually get a lot of comments like these, it's a good thing to remember, pass it on, thanks Mike

[@aparecidadossantos2852]

Hi Mike: Thank you so much for passing on your knowledge of cement from you many years of experience. Bravo for guys like you that take the time to pass along such useful knowledge. You're a champ. Thanks again. Jim Williams

[@joelturcios7659]

Perfectly said.

[@user-sp1qn9yf9t]

اللهم صل على محمد وال محمد

[@MikeHaduck]

I appreciate that. I have fun making them. thanks mike

[@cldcstn4424]

You are my absolute go-to guy for any masonry instruction. You are easy and educational!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks cld,Mike

[@larrybarrile7549]

Very helpful for the DIYer. Thank you for not getting into too much detail. You're a great teacher.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Larry, I appreciate it, Mike

[@fc2790]

Great video to learn about this. I have always been wondering about the differences about mortar and cement.

[@elkadosh4726]

Great video! You did a great job breaking down what types of cements there are and what they are good for! Masonry is definitely an art thank you.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks El, Mike

[@linda_sue]

Wow. I'm really enjoying these older videos popping up! Thanks, Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Linda, Mike

[@dickiebrown3110]

mike thanks for all of the great tips. I always wondered how the molecular structure of cement worked. based on viewing many of your videos I'm going to do the block work on my shop addition.

[@MikeHaduck]

+Dickie Brown I hope it works out, depending on the job for block I usually use S mortar, every area and mason does it different, I would ask the locals what they use first. hope it helps, thanks mike

[@Xxjoeynumber1xX]

thank you so much for sharing your knowledge in the trade Mike. Some of the most informative videos on here

[@MikeHaduck]

thank you I appreciate the comment. mike

[@smokey4781]

Mike your the best . I did cement work around the house before. I had no idea what I was doing until I found you on KZbin. thank you very very much for teaching me things i will use the rest of my life. there is also some kind of cement work I find to do now because of you . thank you.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Smokey, I appreciate it, Mike

[@heyricksander]

Your videos are the best on the youtubes. Im watching them all before beginning a set of projects!

[@MikeHaduck]

on ready mix cements I just add the water and use it that way. hope it helps

[@tboice2535]

Your videos are the best. I have learned so much about concrete by watching your videos. Your Dad passed his knowledge onto you about how to do this and now you are teaching thousands of people to do this via the internet. Pretty neat!!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, I appreciate it and am still working on it. mike

[@MrXinsizionx]

Thank you so much! These videos have helped me do so many jobs around my house.

[@MikeHaduck]

I am having fun making the videos. thanks mike

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

Your videos are incredibly helpful. Helped me out multiple times. Thanks, Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Gypsy, Mike

[@unkulmark]

Thanks for another excellent video Mike. I'm just about to restore a 1920 fieldstone porch pillar because the mortar has decomposed so I will use Portland instead of the S-type mortar like I had planned on using

[@hx39unz]

Thank you so much for teaching these funadamentals. Appreciate it.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, I appreciate it. mike

[@jacks7112]

Mike, I just wanted to take some time and thank you for the videos you have posted. I had some cracks in my basement steps and stumbled upon your channel looking into ways to patch em up. I'm a younger guy mid 20s but relate to your old school methodology as it reminds me much of the way my grandfather who was a big influence on me during my teens worked on diesel equipment well into his 90s, the nothing to fancy get the job done kinda approach. Anyways after watching all you had to offer twice (including the banjo stuff) i came away with the courage to not only try and patch up my stairs I ended up busting up and rebuilding a old small garden retainer wall on the side of my house. Got quite a bit of smack talk from the neighbors during the process n probably took me 5xs the amount time to complete compared to paying someone to do it but in the end cost me bout 150 bucks for the tools and portland/sand and got compliments from all of them, my father in law thought my my stairs were brand new at first. I had my 8yr old watching n he even got into once you started painting the chickens. Anyone asks him he'll tell you want it stick gotta get it wet first. I'm in the tropics of WNY where we get the mildest of winter weather from our northern neighbors across Great puddles of Erie and Ontario so well see how it looks in April. Thanks again man.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Jack, hearing these kind of comments make me feel I am on the right track, and its true lots of folks do not have the guts to try it themselves, I should be the one giving you the credit, thanks mike

[@bengunns9500]

Great advice Mike thanks very much for your videos

[@MikeHaduck]

BestToys Collector thanks, I appreciate it, mike

[@joelturcios7659]

Thanks for you for the videos Mike, I'm young I really value this work, thank you for your videos.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Joel, mike

[@MikeHaduck]

glad it helped. thanks mike

[@MikeHaduck]

glad it does. thanks mike

[@dallasbeus2117]

Interesting. I worked on resurfacing and adding some grade to a little sidewalk project and tried everything until I read an article that mentioned 2 sand and 1 portland and I have used it for projects all summer and it works great. It's nice to hear a confirmation on it. Thanks Mike for your expertise and willingness to share it.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Dallas, mike

[@MediumHalf]

Thanks for the explanation Mike, this is very helpful (especially as I'm also in PA, so your region-specific tips apply for me). Your teaching style really makes the prospect of masonry work less intimidating.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, glad it helps, mike

[@HBCSurfMountPleasant]

Down in South Carolina. I think I've watched every video you've done twice. I wanted to thank you as you've made me a more informed owner. I know I can't do these jobs myself, but you've given me the confidence to make sure I get the RIGHT people to do the job and that's what I needed. I hoped to do the work myself, but seeing skilled laborers vs myself, it's better to pay a skilled worker the first time. Thanks Mike, I owe you a beer or 12.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks HBC, I appreciate it. the south has same different techniques that is not required as up here because of the weather, but I appreciate it. mike

[@MUSIcMaN587]

Very informative!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, I hope it helps, mike

[@jamesnagle2226]

Mike- Once again, thanks so much for another fantastic video containing outstanding unbiased information. JJN ALBANY, NY.

[@MikeHaduck]

+james nagle thanks, I appreciate it. I know other folks have other opinions, thanks mike

[@rayperez9913]

Great video and great visuals. Thanks for sharing

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Ray, mike

[@truthbetold459]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Mr Mike .

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@tauhidsims1]

love it . I work for E.G Conti for 6 months and I was the pit man. I learned that they had a special way of mixing which gave them a special looking mortar.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks ty, I appreciate it. mike

[@xjustslimx9803]

Thanks for the video! Very informative and easy to understand.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, I hope it helps. mike

[@experienceprecision5406]

Mike truly thank you for your time and the education you provide. I can't wait to get the shirt I ordered a few weeks back I'll wear it with pride.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, I appreciate it, Mike

[@experienceprecision5406]

@@MikeHaduck shirt came in. Showed it to my dad he got a kick out of it. Thanks again

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@jessychurchwell2613]

Mike Haduck. The winters aren't nearly as harsh here in Oklahoma. I'm learning how to lay stone and the professionals are helping me. Love your videos.

[@MikeHaduck]

Jessy Churchwell thanks Jessy, I appreciate it. mike

[@pag30134]

Thank you so much for your informative videos Mike Haduck! I love those repairing concrete steps videos. They are a great help for what I want to undertake to repair my mom's steps. You instruct like a real pro who has been doing it "for thousands of years!" lol. Best of luck and thanks again for your generosity and insight!

[@MikeHaduck]

+Pristine S. I just passing along what I learned from the old timers, thanks, I appreciate it. Mike

[@LyndalMcMurphy]

Thanks for the great videos. I'm researching because I'm planning on doing a little flagstone work by my pool after a plumbing company wanted $700 to do about a 4x4 area after fixing a leak underneath.

[@MikeHaduck]

I hope it helps. lots of stuff on youtube to give you good ideas. thanks mike

[@slickwilly5802]

Thank you so much, God bless you and your family , Portland I will use for my swimming pool.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks slick, I have a whole playlist on " concrete patches" Mike haduck,

[@hectormejia7076]

You answer my question I am installing a standing shower & when you explain that Portland cement they use it in high way & swimming pools , I am going for the portal cement, because experience is knowledge, thanks a million!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Hector, Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

It all depends. Old school is just Portland in a paint but there are some resurface products at lowes and homedepot tha work well, depending. on what you want. test it on an old block to make sure. thanks mike

[@craigswu]

Thanks mike for the info.

[@Out-to-Pastor]

Here from your Lime or Portland video. Love your work. Thank you for the cement lesson!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@Thrasherfourlife]

"YOU ARE THE MAN" thank you for your videos; their are still folks out here that are self reliant.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Thrasher, I appreciate that, mike

[@MikeHaduck]

, I wouldn't do anything on anybodys house that I wouldn,t do on mine. Of course it is always my opinion and my ways of doing things, seems to work for me. and I try to tell folks to always ask other pros. I appreciate the comment. thanks mike

[@billgreen576]

Mike thanks for the education. Very helpful for a not very skilled (but wants to have a go DIYer). I liked how as soon as you started the lawnmower started up. I assume you asked them to stop please and then as soon as you re-commenced over came the aircraft.

[@MikeHaduck]

Very true bill, lol, mike

[@dzabelal7261]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Dzabel, I am passing along what I learned from others, thanks mike

[@pinedadave2574]

Nice vid! I love the old school knowledge seems to always be the best!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Dave, mike

[@gothrhys]

Great content. Thanks for sharing your lifetime of experience.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@sydd7797]

Mike i'm from the UK i am going to lay slabs,do i use sharp sand and cement or play sand and cement?fantastic vid thanks for your tips

[@c9sus4]

very informative, very easy to understand, thanks for the lesson.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, mike

[@frankfarr5767]

Thanks! Mike you explained it very well

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Frank, I appreciate it. mike

[@luistello1971]

Mike, thanks for the fundamentals.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Luis, Mike

[@JimRobinEric]

Out of all the videos I've watched, your the only one that tills me how much sand to mix with Portland...thanks!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jim, every area of the country is different and depends on what you’re doing, but for the most part that’s what I use, thanks Mike

[@JimRobinEric]

Hey Mike, I’m from Kansas, we bought a small house, but the east basement wall leaks water really badly when it rains. Built in 1908 and has the old (red brick) walls with a slight bow in it. The house has no guttering and a sidewalk by it, which is terrible. I’m putting up guttering and putting in a new sidewalk, but this time the cement will go up to the house and about 4 feet out, should end the water problem. Then I want to put about a 1/4 inch of Portland on the brick walls to seal them, inside. What mix do you recommend? I was going to mix 2-Sand and 1-Portland? Thanks, Jim

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jim, That is what I use, and I have not had a problem, others say different, but I do have videos out and how i repair an old stone foundation, They may help thanks Mike

[@wyntonwheeler5976]

Veteran realtime experienced knowledge . no better teacher than the real old timers. Reminds me of summers carpenters apprentice 1985 Bklyn Shops ARtie ( Italian) and Ray(Irish) two of the best tradesmen. similar to this old house. Thanks Mike Haduck _ please continue to share your vast knowledge .

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Wynton, I appreciate it, mike

[@lionelhodges226]

Great and very clear video. Thank you Mark (UK)

[@MikeHaduck]

+lionel hodges thanks lionel, I appreciate it, mike

[@warrengraham7461]

Thanks for the video! This is exactly the type of info I wanted to know

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Warren, Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

I can't tell anyone what to use. but I ususally on a outside wall use two buckets of sand to one bucket of S mortar. then if it will be exposed to any weather I will add a shovel of portland. now if it is on a patio where the rain hits it everyday I will use only portland. sometimes its a good idea to let some days go by so the base coat has time to shrink, my opinion thanks mike

[@DAS-Videos]

Good video. I never understood why the ready mix mortars never seemed to work for me. After they set, I could scratch the material away with my fingernail. I experimented trying to make a block of ready mix mortar, and it would just crush into sand. So I purchased portland cement and sand, and will do the 1 to 2 mix like you do. I have brick stairs to repair and also a flagstone patio. I am not looking for perfection with the patio, I just don't want the weeds growing through the joints.

[@grimetv7737]

thanks for the in depth.

[@Mendezo2009]

Excellent. Thanks for shearing.

[@MikeHaduck]

Oscar Mendez thanks, check out my video," masonry tips for beginners," MIke Haduck --- it adds a little more to dealing with masonry thanks again, mike

[@getmymail2676]

Hey Mike. As always great vid. I have learned much from you, thanks. 1 question. I am adding a res parking area, 20'x30'. Is using crushed used concrete, adding lime, ramping and then wetting the surface w water a good mix for this?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Get, that is something I can not say, every area and job is different, I would ask the locals if you are in doubt, I wish you well , thanks mike

[@mayfje23]

Thank you for the info Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Jeremy, Mike

[@carlosyo2011]

What an awesome channel You’ve helped me out so much TY

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@my5092nv]

Mike, I know Concrete work is brutal work. I enjoy watching someone that definitely know his trade. You make it look simple, but I know it is not. Thank, Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thank you, I appreciate it. mike

[@NewYorkCityBoxing]

Thank you, this is very helpful.

[@markm8995]

Hay Mike, Your videos are the balls!....Please keep them coming…..Inspiring me to take on my front door steps with stick on fake stones like in your video. My prefab steps have a “Ghetto” look that I want to class up, any words of advice or caution regarding drilling prefab steps for support wire or how to finish sides and top? Can send a pic for reference. I live in northern MA. Thanks for your help! Mark McD.

[@sandpiper9988]

Excellent video Mike, very helpful. The last time I patched my sidewalk it came out gray. Will the Portland mixed with white sand turn out white or should I use cement all? Thanks for taking the time to post this vid.

[@MikeHaduck]

sandpiper9988 I have to do a video on cement colors, (I am color blind actually) I don't really use them but my dad would. I know what ever you mix I get a hair dryer and dry a piece so I know how it ends up. thanks mike

[@zthermo]

Great video. I'm going to resurface my concrete entryway steps. I have some minor spawling that I'm going to patch before I resurface. After I strip the old paint off and clean it, what type of cement/mix would you use I use to resurface it?

[@MikeHaduck]

Don't forget it takes cement weeks to finally cure, and every mason uses different mixes especially from different states, I get my masonry sand sometimes from the concrete company or quarrys, all depends on what I am doing, good luck, mike

[@burns_]

I really needed this information! Thanks Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, I hope it helped. mike

[@burns_]

Thanks Mike.

[@RD-wy5dj]

Thanks for the video!

[@silverfox401]

Thank you for the info and time!

[@MikeHaduck]

I appreciate it thanks mike

[@amoszook3775]

Your videos are great. Thank you.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Amos, Mike

[@Speeglelookingglass]

I learned a lot about cement and sand. It's good to know I can just go with Portland's on most projects. I don't have any projects yet but it's something to think about

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Laura, I usually show what I used in each of my projects, thanks. Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks on the comment, it its my opinion of course but it works form me, mike

[@Tonycoelho123]

Love your videos Mike. You do things like my Dad and Uncle used to do. #OLDSCHOOL

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Tony, I am just passing along what the old timers taught me, thanks mike

[@dzabelal7261]

Thanks, Its really amazing how we miss the basics when we are learning.

[@Londonfogey]

These videos remind me of the old days when my father and grandfather used to team up to do some job around the house. Dad had been in the building trade in the early 50s and Grandpa learned way back in the 20s. They used to call me over and say 'watch this and learn something'. They hated any fancy quick fix solution that cost a lot of money.

[@unclefester9113]

I'm a Janitor / Sextant... for a Boston Church with a 5' Stone Wall and a series of steps up to sanctuary entrance. The stone wall has a bit of loose mortar. The side walls for the stairs are also cracking like crazy. When I first started working on the wall - I used premixed cement with some small stones built in. Well - long story short - that was wrong cement - tough to tuck into the cracks and between stones. Now I'm using Portland and sand. 2:1 ratio. I'm getting better at this. Tremendous thanks to Mike Haddock. I feel like I'm a Mike Haddock - Apprentice.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Fester, I appreciate it, mike

[@marshalek208]

Thanks, I found the video very informative. I live in NE PA by the way.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, hope it helped. mike

[@MikeHaduck]

my best answer is - every mason I every worked with used a different mix and every region and state and country is the same way. many masons still add lime ,nothing wrong with that. but you can go to lowes or home depot and buy a ready mix for mortar or Portland , which is fine, I use them for certain jobs. hope it helped, thanks mike

[@joeclarke9782]

Excellent advice from Harduck

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Joe, mike

[@jonathanschearer7778]

Yup, this is one of the videos that saved me on my first attempt at fixing stairs. I’ve watched it 4 times. My garage is now filled with small wooden molds, bags of aggregate and Portland cement. My wife got annoyed that I snuck out at 1am to check on the 1’ by 2’ “slab” I poured.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Jonathan, I bet it comes out great, mike

[@jonathanschearer7778]

Mike Haduck Masonry I was just watching your bird bath video when I got your reply. Your the best Mike, thank you!

[@randyhigh7343]

hey mike. I got myself in a pickle. I have an entire stone foundation wall that needs serious repointing. I've done repointing in the past but not to the degree that's needed here. I'm managing to get the pointing done but I'm not sure how to tackle the dusty brown coat or what material to use. Should I use sand topping mix. How do I parge over the stone after I've repointed. I am already going to take a hit on this job so I just need to get it done. The parging I've done in the past was usually on semi flush walls not over uneven stones. Help! The existing brown coat is very unstable but there is no way I can remove all of it.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, my opinion of course, mike

[@kristenneuwirth8848]

Hi Mike: I am repairing the crumbling stone foundation of my 1860s home (inside and out), but I read somewhere that I should not use Portland Cement. Does that sound right to you? If so, will the Type N mortar work on the exterior as well as the interior of the basement walls?

[@raylenemay5391]

Hlo..so glad i stumbled acroos your videos...im learning so much...thankyou. i have to repoint brickwork in a semi desert area in South Africa should i use cement or mortar please?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Raylene, I have a playlist called, " repointing brick work" Mike haduck, that should help, thanks Mike

[@workingshlub8861]

great lesson..i was told if its a horizontal like walkway or patio always use portland...if its veritcal like chimney block etc....mortar is fine.

[@MikeHaduck]

That’s my rule of thumb, Thanks mike

[@brentgearhart2633]

Hi Mike, thanks for teaching us about blockwork and concrete and such. I am moving to Panama ( Central America ) I was wondering how to calculate how many bags of portland and sand I would need to build a 30 x 30 building? I would eventually like to skim coat the whole thing but was wondering if you could show us the formula to calculate how much I would need to lay the block and how many rows of blocks I can set in one day? Thanks Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

I can't calculate what you would use because every situation and building is different, rods, pilasters, footers, windows, door openings etc, etc, everything matters, is is a hard call, but I will think about it when I do my future videos ,, thanks mike

[@luismendoza363]

Great info sr Im planing on building under ground hole to cook Il be using fire brick dilema is what kind of mix to use Store recomend spec mix with some clay mix to it What doyou think

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Luis, I can say is that everybody will say something different, fireplaces etc. are a thing of the past because the heat cracks masonry, everybody is going to stainless steel, I really won’t build a fireplace anymore, but the old timers Would many times use fire brick and the fire clay, I think you would have to research it more, I hope it helps, thanks Mike

[@RB-pl5pg]

Hello Mike, Can you help me out? I am making some things for an art project such as votives and planters with molds...things like that. Can you tell me what you recommend? I feel like this portland would be the one. Sorry I am new to this world. Thanks. Your tip is much appreciated.

[@jorgearellano1175]

Thank you Sir, for all the information 😉

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Jorge, Mike

[@dogfan4lyfe]

What would you use to repoint a clay tile block foundation? What would you use to parge it?

[@massholelive]

Hi mike, every video you’ve posted has been very informative and you inspire me to become a better mason with every job. I notice your mixing 2 parts sand into almost everything other than rapid set. You’ve even added sand to type s mortar mix,(which has some sand already in it) in the video where you repair steps. I was curious to know what adding the extra sand does to the mix. And why you do it. YOUR feedback (not a “cement scientist’s”) would be much appreciated.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Franco, very hard to explain, every job is different, I did a series years ago called , masonry tips for beginners, I explain all the different types of cement, maybe you seen me adding sand to straight mortar, thanks, mike

[@rebeccaanna3268]

Need to do a project on my own..Thank you!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Rebecca, Mike

[@davidmiddleton9191]

Thank you God Bless Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

God bless also, thanks, Mike

[@craigswu]

Hi Mike, I live in long island NYC the weather here is cold, hot muggy. This is my first time using cement. My front house step is made of bricks and the bricks are getting loose. just wondering can i just use Portland cement to fix the loose brick. Do i need to add sand or type S cement. kinda new in this and trying to save money by fixing it my self. can you tell me what the best way of fixing my brick step and what kind of cement i need to buy. Thank you

[@300rear27]

Hi Mike. Could I use Portland to make mud bed for swimming pool wall tile thanks for the video and sharing.😃

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi 300, I can't answer that, I think it is more a swimming pool thing, thanks Mike

[@pedrochip]

thanks for sharing this information

[@MikeHaduck]

I appreciate it thanks mike

[@mustafaaktas7460]

Hi Mike, Appreciate your videos. They are very much helpful. I live in Toronto, and I would appreciate if you could please advise me on the type of Portland cement with the most freeze and thaw resistance. I am asking this question cuz I would like to replace my porch`s surface with flagstone. And you may know the seasonal temperature differences in Canada. Thanks once again, and stay safe and healthy.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Mustafa, I have a whole playlist on stone patios, I show what cement I use, thanks, mike

[@mustafaaktas7460]

@@MikeHaduck Many thanks Mike for the prompt response. Appreciated. Stay safe and healthy.

[@Bostonandwakefield]

Hi Mike thanks for the video, I am working on a 59 foot wide x 5 foot high stone retaining wall, I have been using 2/1 type s mortar plus one shovel of Portland . Could this wall strength improve by using 2/1 Portland? Thanks in advance

[@kcstoneguy]

I like mixing my own mortar cause I can buy sand better matches whatever was put in originally We can buy brick sand or cement sand Also we can get Missouri River sand or Kansas river sand ks sand has issues and gives alkaline silica reaction in cement. I mostly work on historic buildings My main gig is cement terrazzo repair but after watching your video I'm starting to do more stone and cement repair I'm going start making precast terrazzo steps and cement caps this spring Love your videos

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks John, I appreciate the comment, and wish you well, keep going, mike

[@jamesmeraviglia1993]

Hi Mike, I have large cobblestones edging my driveway, originally the contractor put mortar between each one. Now 7 years later all the mortar is falling out between the stones. I would like to put it back, should I wet it before and what mix to use ? Thanks....Jim..... Love all the videos. You are your own man !!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jim, usually when they put cobblestone and lay it in concrete like curbs it all stays together, but if they are laid in sand they move and the mortar falls out, I don't wet it in that case but the idea is not to make a mess of it, thanks Mike

[@jamesmeraviglia1993]

@@MikeHaduck thanks mike, you are the real deal... watch you all the time , what I like is you dont screw people over jobs