How to Make Fireplace Mortar

If you have a fireplace that needs some repairs and would like to make the repairs yourself with your own fireplace mortar mix, you can do so with a couple of ingredients. Premixed mortar comes in a variety of sizes and bonds, but you can make your own without having to purchase a ready-made mix. The principle components in any mortar are Portland cement and calcium hydroxide, also known as builder's lime.

Ordinary Portland cement
Calcium hydroxide (builder's lime)
Shovel
Sand
Garden hose
Wheelbarrow
Hoe
Trowel
Wood board

Instructions

- 1
  Shovel 2 parts of ordinary Portland cement and 1 part calcium hydroxide into a wheelbarrow to create your own fireplace mortar mix. This is essentially the same as premixed mortar sold in home improvement retail stores. Mix together with a hoe thoroughly.
- 2
  Add three shovels of sand to the cement/lime mixture. Mix together thoroughly with a hoe. Mist the entire mixture with a garden hose. Mix in the water with a hoe, making the mixture the same consistency as pancake batter. Do not add too much water or the fireplace mortar will be too diluted to cure and harden.
- 3
  Scrape a portion of the mixture onto a wood board with a trowel. Use the newly mixed fireplace mortar to make repairs to your fireplace. Use the mortar within two hours while it is still able to be spread.

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