Hot take: That new 'quick set' mortar mix is a total waste of money for anything structural.

I used it on a small garden wall in my yard last month, and after a heavy rain, the whole thing shifted and cracked. I had to tear it down and redo it with the standard stuff. What's a mix you guys actually trust for small outdoor jobs?

3 comments

3 Comments

gavin_clark1mo ago

Ugh, that's rough but not surprising. My buddy used that quick junk to set a mailbox post, said it was fine. Then his kid leaned on it getting off the bus and the whole thing rocked like a loose tooth. We had to dig it out that weekend. For small stuff outside now, I just bite the bullet and mix the old school type S from the bag. It's a bit more work but it actually stays where you put it.

thomas2911mo ago

@gavin_clark, did you wet the mix first?

taylor821mo ago

Wait, have you considered maybe the mix wasn't the problem? Sometimes people rush the prep work or don't pack the base right... I've used that quick set for stepping stones and a short border, and it's been solid for years. It's all about following the directions to the letter and making sure your ground is totally firm first. If the base moves, even the best mortar won't save you. For a small garden wall, it should have been fine if everything else was done right.