How to Mortar Rock Stairs

The mortar between the joints of a rock stairwell is typically durable and able to withstand wind, water and the elements admirably over a number of years. Ultimately, however, the mortar will succumb to the rigors of the weather and begin to crumble or crack. In these cases, it is best to remove the weak mortar and apply a sturdy replacement. Even if you are inexperienced with mortaring, the process is rather straightforward and you should be able to complete it in a single day of work.

Eye protection
Work gloves
Cold chisel
Rubber mallet
Wire brush
Wheelbarrow
Lime
White Portland cement
Washed sand
Shovel
Pointed trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Cover your eyes with protection and slip on a pair of work gloves. Wedge a chisel into the joints in the rock stairs and chip away the weak and cracked sections of mortar. Remove approximately 1 inch of the mortar from the joints, or as much as it takes to reach solid mortar.
- 2
  Set the mallet and chisel aside and sweep out the loose mortar with a wire brush.
- 3
  Measure out and incorporate one part cement, five parts lime and 10 parts sand into the bucket of a wheelbarrow using a garden shovel. Be sure that the materials are fully integrated before continuing.
- 4
  Slowly mix together the water from a garden hose into the materials inside the wheelbarrow with a shovel until the mortar has a consistency like butter-cream frosting.
- 5
  Brush bonding liquid into the joints where you will apply mortar. Wait 15 minutes for it to dry before continuing.
- 6
  Apply a 1/4-inch layer of mortar into the joints of the rock stairs using a pointed trowel. Firmly pack the mortar with the trowel. Allow this layer of mortar to dry for 15 minutes, then apply a second 1/4-inch layer of packed mortar. Continue applying the mortar to the stairs in 1/4-inch layers until the mortar is level with the rocks. Be sure to wait 15 minutes before each application.

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