Old timer told me my mortar mix was too wet, changed how I lay brick

Was working a patio job outside Ann Arbor last spring. Guy walked by my site, watched me for a minute, and said "son your mud is running like a river." He told me to cut my water back by a third and let the mix sit for 10 minutes before using it. I tried it on the next wall and my joints stayed cleaner and my bricks stopped sliding around. Has anyone else had an old timer call them out on something basic like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

jakewhite1d ago

Did you ever read that article from Fine Homebuilding about how wet mud actually loses strength over time? That old timer knew what he was talking about. I remember my grandpa used to say if you can draw a line through your mortar with your finger and it stays clean, you're good. Otherwise it's too soupy. Letting it slake for a bit really does make a difference, it lets the lime and cement marry up right.

logan_mitchell1d ago

@jakewhite actually the Fine Homebuilding article said the OPPOSITE - they tested it and wetter mud with more water held up BETTER over time because it hydrated more completely. The old timer trick about drawing a line is more about WORKABILITY than final strength, so your grandpa wasn't totally off but the science backs a slightly wetter mix. Letting it slake is still good advice though, that part you got RIGHT.

the_piper1d ago

(jumping in here) I mean it's mortar not rocket science right? Like yeah sure wetter vs dryer might matter a tiny bit but 99% of the time you just mix it till it feels right and get the bricks down. People on here act like a half inch of water makes or breaks a whole wall's lifespan.