Laying mortar involves a precise technique to ensure a strong and even bed for bricks or other masonry units. The fundamental steps focus on scooping, spreading, and grooving the mortar.
Essential Steps for Laying Mortar
When preparing to lay bricks or blocks, the method for applying mortar is crucial for stability and adhesion. Follow these steps for an effective application:
1. Scoop and Initial Placement
- Scoop the Mortar: Begin by scooping up a portion of mortar using your trowel. The ideal amount should form a "sausage shape" roughly the size of your trowel blade.
- Lay on Surface: Carefully lay this sausage-shaped mortar directly onto the ground or the top of the existing brick course where you intend to place the next unit. This initial deposit forms the foundation of your mortar bed.
2. Spreading the Mortar Bed
- Use the Back of the Trowel: Once the mortar is laid down, use the flat back of your trowel to spread it out.
- Achieve Desired Length: Extend the spread mortar to cover the length required, typically for about 5 or 6 bricks. This ensures a continuous and uniform bed for multiple units.
3. Creating the Furrow
- Utilize the Trowel Point: With the mortar spread, use the pointed tip of your trowel to create a "furrow" in the center of the mortar bed.
- Understanding the Furrow: A furrow is essentially a groove. This groove helps to distribute the mortar evenly when the brick is pressed into it, ensuring good adhesion and preventing air pockets.
Summary of Mortar Laying Steps
To summarize the process of laying mortar for masonry work:
| Step | Action Performed | Tool Used | Purpose/Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scoop and lay a "sausage shape" of mortar | Trowel Blade | Initial, precise placement on the surface |
| 2 | Spread the mortar along the desired length | Back of Trowel | Create a uniform bed for multiple bricks (e.g., 5-6 bricks) |
| 3 | Create a furrow (groove) in the mortar | Point of Trowel | Ensures even distribution and good bonding when a brick is laid |
By following these specific steps, you can effectively lay mortar to create a solid foundation for your masonry work.
