How to Mix Mortar

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose

1. 1

   Make a pile of sand and place the appropriate number of cement bags on or right next to the pile. The pile should look like a small mountain.

2. 2

   Cut open one side of the bag staving it with the blade of the shovel. Roll and pull the bag to empty the cement.

3. 3

   Use a small shovel or hoe to work the mix around vigorously, making sure that the mix is distributed uniformly and even colored. If the mix is not evenly distributed the mortar won't have the right consistency.

4. 4

   Form a crater with the shovel and pour the water inside. The water will begin to sink and soak through the mix.

5. 5

   Use the shovel or hoe to pick the dry mix from the edges and throw it to the water in the center. Keep adding extra water as necessary to make sure it stays nice and wet. Mix thoroughly to distribute all the ingredients evenly.

6. 6

   Let it mix for 3-5 minutes and let it sit another minute. Some brands like Quikrete call for a resting period to let the particulate get moist, making the mortar more effective. Transporting the mix into a wheelbarrow or buckets tends to take care of this resting period for you, though. It's important to not let it sit around too long or it will become stiff. Likewise, over-mixing tends to dry out the mix and decrease its working life.
   • A good way of checking the consistency is to "snap" the trowel. Scoop up some mortar on your laying trowel and flick your wrist downward to flatten it against the flat side of the trowel, then turn the trowel 90 degrees. If it stays without sliding off, you've got good mud.

   Some brands like Quikrete call for a resting period to let the particulate get moist, making the mortar more effective. Transporting the mix into a wheelbarrow or buckets tends to take care of this resting period for you, though. It's important to not let it sit around too long or it will become stiff. Likewise, over-mixing tends to dry out the mix and decrease its working life.