The terms mortar and cement can be confusing when learning how to tile. Even for some professionals, it is sometimes difficult to explain the difference between mortar and cement.
Many people tend to define both materials as substances that are used in construction to harden a surface or used as an adhesive. Even though both terms are used simultaneously, they are two different materials with different properties and uses. Read on as we explain the differences between them.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MORTAR AND CEMENT: BASIC TERMS
THE CEMENT
Cement is a fine powder binder mixture that is never used alone, but as a component of mortar, grout or adhesives for tiling and landscaping.
It is used as a binding element in both concrete and mortar. It is usually made of limestone, clay, shells, and silica sand, with limestone being the most common ingredient.
These materials are crushed and combined with other ingredients, such as iron ore, and then heated to high temperatures.
This is how the so-called Clinker is obtained, which is ground into a fine powder and packaged to be mixed into various cementitious construction materials such as mortar and concrete.
THE MORTAR
On the other hand, mortar is composed of cement, fine sand and limestone, and is usually used as an adhesive material when building with brick, stone or concrete blocks.
Water is also added to the mortar to activate the cement so that it hardens or sets.
Mortar is not as strong as concrete and is not often used as the only building material. Rather, it is the glue that holds bricks, cinder blocks, stone, or other masonry and construction materials together.
Mortar is typically sold in bags, in a dry, pre-mixed form that must be mixed with water before use. It can also be mixed on site, using a cement mixer or paddle mixer.
TYPES OF MORTARS
There are many different types of mortar designed depending on your application. When working with bricks or other types of construction materials it is important to use the correct type of mortar for that material.
In other words, some mortars are too hard for certain materials and can crack if used incorrectly.
Joint mortar is similar but usually does not contain limestone. It has a higher water content to allow it to flow and fill the spaces between the tiles.
Due to its high-water content, it is only suitable for filling holes and not for joining materials.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MORTAR AND CEMENT, SPECIFICALLY
Now that we know both compounds, let’s see what the differences are.
COMPOSITION
The first difference between mortar and cement is their composition. While cement is made of limestone, clay, shells, and silica sand, mortar is a mixture of cement and sand, which may contain additional ingredients, depending on the type.
That is, without cement you cannot make mortar.
APPLICATIONS
Another difference to note is that the mortar is used by itself, either as “glue”, to join bricks, concrete blocks or to fill joints. On the other hand, cement cannot be used alone. It is like flour in a cooking recipe, it is used to hold the rest of the materials together.
Now that you know the differences between mortar and cement, we recommend you read this article on the best adhesive to use for each type of tile.
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