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Mortar and grout are both used in the field of construction which are cement based product. Despite both being cement based products, they have different properties, different uses and serve different purposes. The major difference found in the mortar and grout is its fluidity property.
In the below article we have shed light on the major differences between mortar and grout.Â
Mortar
Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand and water made into a thick paste that is used to bind two surfaces with each other. It is majorly used in the building projects as a binding material between stones, concrete and bricks.
Grout
Grout is a highly viscous material which is used as a filler to
fill spaces or the joints between ceramic or stone tiles. Grout is a binder, but it is certainly not an adhesive and the tiles stay in place because of the mortar below them and not because of the grout.
Difference Between Mortar and Grout
The differences between mortar and grout are mentioned below in detail :
| SN | Properties | Mortar | Grout |
| 1 | Material | Cement, sand, lime and water | Cement, water and sand, epoxy, acrylic and polymer |
| 2 | Water-Cement Ratio | Less | More |
| 3 | Primary Function | The primary function of the cement mortar is to act as a binder in brick or stone masonry | The primary function of the grout is to act as a filler material in tilling work and cracks. |
| 4 | Stiffness | Stiffer | Less stiff |
| 5 | Workability | It sticks well on a trowel and the workability is more. | As the water content is more, it is difficult to handle it with trowel or other tools. |
| 6 | Viscosity | Low | Highly viscous |
| 7 | Color | Usually takes the color of cement | Comes in various colors as per the requirement |
| 8 | Types | Cement Mortar Lime Mortar Surki Mortar Gauged Mortar Mud Mortar | Sanded grout Un-sanded or wall grout Epoxy grout Furan grout Acrylic grout |
| 9 | Porosity | Non-porous | Quite porous, holds waters in it even after hardening. |
| 10 | Curing | Mortar needs curing for hardening process | Grout does not need extra water for curing; the initial quantity provided is enough for hardening |
| 11 | Setting Time | Setting time is more when compared to grout | Setting time is less when compared to Mortar |
| 12 | Application | Used as a bonding material in stone, concrete and brick masonry. Used in plastering works to hide the joints and to improve appearance. | Used as a filler in tiles and cracks. Grouting is done to avoid cracks or bedding planes in weak area or ground. Grouting is used for strengthing of ground for dam foundation. |
Read More: Differences Between Coarse-Grained and Fine-Grained Soil
