What Is The Difference Between Concrete and Mortar?

Concrete and mortar are almost the same thing but if you are new to working with concrete as a hobby it is important to differentiate between the two. Concrete, the word, is often used as a catch all term when it doesn't necessarily always get used correctly. Concrete is made from cement, sand, gravel and water.

Mortar in its most basic form is cement, sand and water; no larger aggregates. Mortar can and does often contain other things like admixtures (PVA, acrylic, latex) but mortar by definition is just concrete without the larger aggregates. People sometimes interchange the words mortar and grout as well depending on the application to which it is being applied. Since mortar does not contain large aggregates, it can be applied thinner than concrete, which has a variety of uses.

Concrete is primarily used when economy of yield is an important consideration as adding graded stones (gravel) significantly increases the bulk of the yield for a given volume of cement.

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[Do_not_assume]

Mortar is a binding agent where as concrete is a structural agent. There's a big difference in their uses and one is not a substitute for the other.

[stormshandmadekreations]

Your explanation above was VERY clear on the differences and similarities.Very helpful! Thank you for sharing!

[kimshannon]

Wowee!! You got it in the intro. I've watched 4 videos thus far, and to complex for me. I am wanting to do make mosaic paths in my back yard, so am wanting to understand what I need to build a solid foundation then mortar the tiles onto the paths. This has been great to understand the difference between mortar and Stones! ah ha!

[ju]

Tthe structural difference is most important. The rocks don't serve just to increase the yield of concrete but more importantly to increase strength.

[Stonelandscaping_pools]

i think im a concrete nerd lol great question and answer