Mortar explained: types, colour and why the joints matter

People look at the bricks, but the mortar is half of what you see and most of what keeps a wall standing.

What mortar is

A mix of sand, cement and often lime, plus water. The ratio changes the strength and the workability. Old, soft bricks want a softer, lime-rich mix; modern bricks take a stronger one.

Colour

Mortar comes in a range of colours, from natural grey to off-white to charcoal. The colour dramatically changes the finished wall, so it is chosen on purpose, not by accident.

Joint profiles

How the joint is finished changes the look and how it sheds water:

• Ironed or concave: neat, weather resistant, the common choice.
• Raked: a shadow line, modern, but holds more water.
• Flush: flat and simple.

Why it matters

The wrong mortar can be stronger than the brick and crack it over time, or too weak and let water in. Matching mortar to brick is a craft decision, and we get it right on every job.