Don t get too far ahead of yourself.
Mortar or concrete retaining wall.
Likewise if a wall is over three feet you should seriously consider using only mortar for work on brick or stone.
Lay out the wall and excavate the slope and the footing trench.
This is high strength contractor grade and pre blended mortar.
It is used as a binding material when building with brick block and stone.
Cement is a fine binding powder that is never used alone but is a component of both concrete and mortar as well as stucco tile grout and thin set adhesive.
A concrete block retaining wall is the perfect solution to control erosion to eliminate a hard to mow slope to add a planting bed or to level an ideal patio area.
These systems are easy to install durable reasonably priced and available in a variety of colors and textures.
Spread mortar in short runs.
Even though the adhesive is easier to use and cleanup mortar has wider options and applications for masonry projects.
How to do it build and prep footing.
A medium strength mortar suited to below ground applications such as shallow retaining walls and exterior projects where moderate loads can be expected.
This article shows you how to install one in a weekend.
This is also ideal for stone columns.
It s a product that isn t often used on its own but rather is the basic active bonding ingredient in concrete and mortar.
Fixing structural walls or pillars should be done with mortar every time.
As you lay the second course of block insert weep holes 3 4 inch pipe into the mortar every third.
Scrape off excess mortar.
Type m mortar mix has the highest amount of portland cement and is recommended for heavy loads and below grade applications including foundations retaining walls and driveways.
If you re building a retaining wall use a blended mason mix which includes the heavy duty mortar type s masonry cement and graded sand.
Begin placing the capping blocks or stones on top of the retaining wall.
Mortar is composed of cement fine sands and lime.
Before you set a block or stone spread a layer of mortar that is about inch thick along the top surface of the retaining wall.
While type m mortar provides at least 2 500 psi of compressive strength it offers relatively poor adhesion and sealing properties making it unsuitable for many exposed applications.
Build the footing and insert.
Cement is commonly referred to as portland cement a material that was first invented by english bricklayer joseph aspdin in the 19th century when he burned powered limestone and clay on his kitchen stove.