Picked Type N mortar over Type S for a retaining wall, here's how it went

Had a retaining wall job last week that was only about 3 feet high. I was torn between Type N and Type S mortar. Went with Type N since the wall wasn't load bearing and I wanted something easier to work with. The stuff mixed up smooth and I didn't have to fight it like I do with S. It's been a week now and no cracks or issues. Anybody else stick with N for short walls or do you always go S just to be safe?

2 comments

2 Comments

hart.taylor14d ago

Oh man, totally agree with you there. I've put Type N on a bunch of 2 to 4 foot retaining walls around here and never had a lick of trouble. The workability is night and day compared to S, which always feels like it dries out too fast and makes me rush. For something that short and not holding back a ton of dirt, I think N is plenty strong and way more forgiving for a clean finish.

jamiekim13d ago

N holds up fine on those low walls and saves your back from fighting stiff mortar all day.