Bricklaying mortar, what mix and why?

[Jimmy Conway]

Hi,

Going to have a bash at a little bit brickwork, just a small low level hopefully decorative wall.

Hope this doesn't sound too dumb a question but what is the correct mix for a bricklaying mortar using ordinary bricks.

I've been reading conflicting advice on what mix , ie, with or without lime. Are there other benefits too lime other than workability?

I'm thinking maybe 5:1 sand, cement plus plasticiser.

If anyone can share they're thoughts that would be great.

Many thanks.

[dig dug dan]

I always mix 4 soft, 1 cement and a capful of plasticiser. Mix using black builders buckets as a measure, and each mix will be the same and the same colour. Nothing worse when the odd mix is weaker showing a different colour joint in the brickwork!

[lutonlagerlout]

as dan said but you wont get 5 full buckets in a normal mixer
we have a cut down bucket we use
I tend to use sachets of powder feb as it is a better gauge than a capful
do NOT use fairy
if the brickwork is below ground consider sulphate resisting cement
cheers LLL

[Jimmy Conway]

Thanks guys for taking time to reply.

Will follow your advice.

I have plasticiser so won't be using fairy liquid.

I've read a lot of conflicting advice on using fairy liquid, to do or not to do........

Luton lager lout, has experience taught you a proper plasticiser performs much better? What's the difference?

I think DIY projects are made more challenging with all the different schools of thought and personal preference in the paving or building industry. There's so many variables to consider.

Brew cabin has been great source of info.

Many thanks

[lutonlagerlout]

proper febmix gives an even mix
with fairy the bubbles are different sizes and weaken the mortar
most important thing with bricklaying is to get your mortar the correct consistency
wetter than you might think!
LLL

[DNgroundworks]

Do you use much sulphate resisting cement?

The fella from Aggregate industries reckoned that it was sulphate attack that nackered that retaining wall.

[lutonlagerlout]

If I know the wall is mainly underground then yes
thing to note with SR cement is that it seems much stronger and it goes off much quicker than normal multicem
and of course it costs more!
cheers LLL