Just realized my mortar mix was way too dry after a guy on a site in Tacoma told me it looked like 'sandcastle mix' and my joints started failing after a single winter.

He was right, so now I always add a bit more water than I think I need and my work holds up better, so what's your go-to check for the right consistency before you start laying?

3 comments

3 Comments

taylor_flores2mo ago

Ever notice how a lot of life's big mistakes come from being a little too careful? I mean, with mortar, paint, even cake batter, we're so scared of making it too wet that we make it useless. My check is it should hold a ridge when I trowel it but still slump slowly. If it just sits there in a perfect peak, it's already too late.

robin_wright2mo ago

Wait, isn't that slump check for concrete? For mortar, I just make a ball that sticks together without wet sludge on my gloves. If it crumbles, add water, if it drips, add mix.

the_miles26d ago

Ha, that brings back a memory of my buddy Dave trying to repoint his whole chimney last summer. He was so paranoid about making the mortar too wet that he mixed it like playdough, and it just crumbled right out of the joints the next day (huge mess, total redo). He finally called his old man who told him the exact same ball test you mentioned, and the second batch held like a charm, no drama.