Mortars are used in masonry to fill the gaps between stones, bricks, blocks and pavers, as well as bedding them in and binding them together.

Originally, mortars consisted of mud and clay, but are now commonly made from sand, water, and a cement or lime binder. They can also be based on epoxy resins or other resins.

Rapid-setting mortars harden quickly and reach a high early strength, so are useful in high-traffic areas that need to be back in use shortly after repairs have been completed.

Mortars can also have special properties such as low shrinkage, high permeability, or resistance to frost, chemicals and fire.

Mortars can be specified for specialist applications, such as the restoration of stonework on heritage buildings, for new-build projects using lightweight or dense concrete blocks, or for bedding natural stone paving slabs and setts.

Grouts and cements are found in separate sections on this website.