Masonry Cement vs Mortar Mix Explained by the Carolinas' Concrete Cowboy

The Carolinas' Concrete Cowboy explains the difference between bagged masonry cement and bagged mortar mix. Join the Cowboy for some Construction Clarity!

[timothyconnecticut]

If someone can't understand what "parts" are or "ratio", then this video is already way to advanced for their level of understanding!

[carolinasconcretecowboy-di]

I am so glad you found my little presentation helpful!

[AB-wfek]

To summarize:
Mortar is actually sand & masonry-cement used to bind bricks together

"Mortar mix" is masonry cement pre-mixed with sand

Type N is softer for normal bricks

Type S is harder for structural masonry

Like if this saved you 10 min of your life

[tagetes]

This is just great. No BS just useful, meaningful, consolidated and more importantly..correct information. More teachers at the university level need to take lessons from you partner! Keep up the good work!

[danbreault]

I have searched soooo long for this straightforward information. Thank you for making this.

[SteversIO]

Trying to get a former grasp on terminology for all the DIY work we're going to be doing. This was super helpful thank you so much!

[bryanthomas]

Crystal clear content, great delivery and exceptional sense of humor! Right on cowboy!

[VFizz]

Hey Mr. Cowboy - thank you very much for this vid! I am definitely a beginner with concrete projects - this really explains a lot! Thank you Sir!

[michelecrumpley]

I really appreciate you taking time to explain the differences between the mixes. Can you tell me what kind I would use to repair my concrete front porch?

[MaryAnnNytowl]

I am glad I found this, since I have been looking for white cement, and all I kept finding was white mortar mix!

[danih]

Wow so grateful. I always want to know how things work.
I asked 7 people at a brick paver and Home Depot and Ave hardware what the difference was between S and N. No one knew. In NY I was just told to use S (for strong 😅) for repointing the brick and multi colored slate of my front porch stairs.
I bought (sp) sancrete mortar mix . I plan to add quickrite cement adhesive to the mortar mix while hand brushing adhesive to some areas (where I could not remove all the old mortar) .
I’m going to tape off all the slate (irregular edges with duck tape (for metal) just so I don’t leave stains. I’ve already spent 4 days scrubbing, using chemicals, and masonry bits removing 20 year old mortar stains and overspreads . Hoping taping off will be a neater solution.
Someone told me to add sand for extra stick to my sankrete mortar mix. I think I’ll rely on the manufacturers ratio instead and leave good enough alone.
I have one deep hole under the stoop . I’m wondering if any concrete base was ever there because there No damage to the surrounding stone . Just a deep giant gap. It not at the bottom like weep holes, but I wondered if these air pockets are for a purpose ? Should I just pour mortar into it ? How would such a large pocket dry ? Estimated 6 inches deep. The “pocket “ appears to be the circumstance of a cereal bowl. But the actual gap is the size of a regular 1/2 inch mortar space between bricks . Our temperature drops to 20 degrees, is that the purpose . First timer and wondering if it’s some kind of expansion joint ? It is two steps above the weeping holes (a 3 step stoop) . My instinct tells me it’s intended as a air pocket and that I shouldn’t try to fill it up .
Any advice (will be hand applying concrete adhesive in this area for the mortar to cling properly to the sides of the brick since there is no foundation beneath (in this area only) every other part of the stoop has a perfectly intact foundation.

[lorasteger]

Thank you for making this very easy to understand. This old lady appreciates you! Which, I knew it would be good… because anyone from the Carolinas are Great people… hence I am from NC😁

[skeon]

Between you and the Mike Haduck videos, you guys have helped me with my outdoor fireplace project, thanks.

[starshipgus]

Thanks for the clarification, I learn something today since I have never done any brick laying work, but I have a small hole to re brick where a window AC unit was removed.

[cjp]

Nice! I'm a total newbie to this, and I really appreciate your slow, careful explanation. And the humor. :)

[charlesrowley]

I love the straight talk and going through each bag 1 at a time.

[astonmartinman]

I will probably never need to watch one of these videos again, but because this was so helpful and clear, I've still subscribed to help support
Thank you for the great info in a clear and concise video!!!

[Nico-rwuo]

As a builder, the only 2 issues about dry mix mortar and cement alone are,
the price of dry mix mortar
And cement.

I had never ever used dry mix mortar to mix concrete.
Instead I take cement, aggregates, sand and water only.

Dry mix are very expensive, than sand, aggregates, water and cement in a building project.
Dry mix are a highly engineering products in terms of sand, polymers.
Nice video.

[tessyoung]

Excellent description for someone who needs clear answers. Sakrete was a great example choice as well as it's widely available. Great character too id trust a stranger in a cowboy hat to guide me through the trails and tribulations of the build 👍

Thank you! I am chinking a log cabin myself and purchased type N-Mix that is store-brand. After your explanation I feel more confident with my purchase

[jenkor]

That portland lime mix is what is required to repair an old brick house. I bought one and the psi for regular mortar is too great and breaks the bricks with normal shifting of the house. I I knew I had to use portland, but didn't understand why until you mentioned the huge difference in psi. Good video