What is the correct mortar mix for a brick BBQ?

Question

Hi all
I am working on building my own brick barbecue at the moment. 
I have a completed base of concrete and now trying to sort a good mortar mix. 
I’ve been told to use a ratio of 6:2:1 of sand:lime:cement, but does not seem to have turned out as I had hoped which dries exceptionally quickly and does not bind with the bricks to stick together. 
Has anyone any advice or suggestions? Should I try a different ratio for the mix?

Chris · Accepted Answer

Hi
It sounds like you’ve done your best with the information you had there. 
Unfortunately, you won’t need to use the lime at all and you should use a ratio of 4:5 of sand to cement. 
You can also add some plasticiser (about a capful) to make it more malleable while you are positioning the bricks. 
While you are still new to this, I would recommend you continue testing this yourself by making small batches to reduce potential waste.
If you have any other major problems, you may want to look at hiring a builder for the work instead – it should be a fairly simple job for them and be reasonably cheap.
Best of luck!

Steven · Answer

For this I would use the standard mix of 4 parts sand, 1 part cement. You may have to PVA the bricks depending if it is a smooth surface.

Scott · Answer

Are you using a plasticiser in the mix this is necessary to give the mortar workability .can be purchased from any builders merchants

Philip · Answer

I would use a 4:1 ratio, this is a good strong mix and should be adequate for your barbecue hope this helps.

Jason · Answer

Hi there, you don't need to use lime, a standard 4:1 ratio mix with a cap full of plasticiser is what I would use

Mark · Answer

Try a sand and cement mix, you can use a ratio at 6:1, 5:1, or 4:1, the more sand you have to cement will make a weaker mortar, the secret to a good mix is adding a mortar plasticiser to your mixing water, this will make it far more easier to work with, hope this helps.

Jonathan · Answer

I suggest using a 4:1 ratio. 4 part building sand and 1 cement. Make sure you use plasticiser in your mix. (if it's not available then use a dash of washing up liquid)

Klodjan · Answer

3 bucket of san 1 bucket of cement and 1 bucket of lime. 

3+1+1

Isaaq · Answer

I would say 3 parts sand to 1 part cement . Also I would get a pro for the bbq.

Stephen · Answer

You may be better buying some premix mortar from bq or wicks just add water lot less mesh and correct mix

What is the correct mortar mix for a brick BBQ?

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