cement

[springbulb81]

what's the recipe for cement too build a brick wall. How much of each ingredient, sand etc?

[peanut]

Why not just buy bags of mortar mix? Then all you need is water. Type s masonary cement should do the job.

[springbulb81]

thanks. didn't know you could just buy mortar mix. Is that what they use on building sites for building houses? or do they actually add sand and cement?

[burnhal]

have a look here for different mixes for different applicaions
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/mortarmix es.htm

[Mr k]

Mix to mortar to � 1 part cement, 3 parts building sand and � part hydrated lime (this helps with movement and makes the mortar less likely to crack). Also add some PVA bonding to the gauging water.

The trick here is consistency! Make it too wet and you will struggle and get it all over the bricks, it needs to be pretty firm so that if you press the mortar against the side of the bucket you can cut it with the trowel like cutting a piece of marzipan with a knife.

The mortar should stand up on the trowel without sagging. Take your time and ensure you do not get it all over the bricks as this looks terrible. Repoint the horizontal joints then the vertical joints in the area that you have just ground out. When you get close to the next row of joints to grind out, put the cement somewhere safe.

Taken from http://www.houseprofessionals.com/diy/brickwor k/repointing.htm

[bearface]

for a wall you dont want the mortar to be too strong because if there is any ground movement the bricks will crack . I suggest four parts sand and one of cement ,to keep the mortar colour consistent gauge it by useing a bucket, and buy some stuff called plasticiser this makes the mortar stick better i wouldnt buy the ready mixed mortar as it will cost a lot more. gray.

[Seafarer1966]

Don't be offended but if you don't know what mortar is do you think you're competent to build a brick wall? Lego it ain't.

[springbulb81]

who are you talking about seafarer?