Masonry Buying Guide

Concrete Mix
Premixed combination of cement, sand and gravel.

Must be used in conjunction with rebar or wire remesh.

Good choice for walks, steps and pads.

Fast Setting Concrete
Premixed combination of cement, sand, gravel and fast setting additives.

Additives cause the concrete to set quickly, usually in less than an hour at 70 degrees F.

Good choice for setting posts and making small pads.

Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Premixed combination of cement, sand, gravel and synthetic fibers.

Fibers strengthen the concrete's bond, increase impact resistance, inhibit cracking and reduce the need for wire reinforcement.

Good choice for walls, walks, steps and pads.

5000-lb. Mix
Premixed combination of cement, sand, gravel and additives.

Additives cause the concrete to set and attain strength quickly. Mix achieves 5000 pounds per square inch (psi) strength within 28 days.

Good choice when high early strength is required, for cold weather pouring or as a base for heavy objects or equipment.

Portland Cement
Common ingredient in concrete and mortar.

Acts as the bonding agent for concrete and mortar. Must be mixed with sand and gravel to make concrete.

Good choice for large projects or custom mixing.

All-Purpose Sand
Common ingredient in concrete and mortar.

Must be mixed with cement and gravel to make concrete.

Can be used as an underlayment and filler for paving brick and stones.

All-Purpose Gravel
Common ingredient in concrete.

Must be mixed with cement and sand to make concrete.

Can be used in landscaping.

Mortar Mix
Premixed combination of fine sand and cement.

Good adhesive properties and workability.

Good choice for laying brick and block, grouting stone or brick pavers and repairing mortar joints.

Cement Type N Masonry
Common ingredient in mortar.

Acts as the bonding agent in mortar. Must be mixed with sand and water to make mortar.

Can be used for laying brick and stone veneer in non-load bearing applications.

Cement Type S Masonry
Common ingredient in mortar.

Acts as the bonding agent in mortar. Must be mixed with sand and water to make mortar.

Can be used for laying brick, block or stone in load bearing applications.

SurfaceBonding Cement
Premixed combination of fine sand, glass and Portland cement.

Good adhesive, weather and water resistant properties.

Waterproofs and strengthens porous masonry walls.

Heavy Duty Masonry Coating
Premixed combination of Portland cement and silica sand.

Formulated to withstand temperature extremes and constant moisture.

Weatherproofs and seals masonry at any grade level. Good choice for interior or exterior use.

Crack Sealer
Ready-to-use liquid latex.

Good adhesive, weather and water resistant properties.

Good choice for sealing cracks in walks, pads, driveways or steps.

Vinyl Concrete Patch
Premixed combination of exterior grade vinyl resin, fine sand and Portland cement.

Good adhesive and weather resistant properties.

Good choice for sealing cracks and holes in most concrete and mortar applications.

Hydraulic Cement
Premixed combination of fine sand, Portland cement, calcium, and quick setting additives.

Sets quickly, usually less than 10 minutes. Expands as it sets to fill holes. Stops water infiltration.

Good choice for patching any masonry structures where water leakage occurs.

Anchoring Cement
Premixed combination of cement and additives.

Sets quickly, usually less than 30 minutes. Expands as it sets to fill holes and create superior hold.

Used to secure bolts, posts and other anchors in existing masonry structures.

Form Tube
Reinforced corrugated cardboard.

Cylindrical form.

Forms post and columns below and above grade.

Expansion Joint
Impregnated wastewood board.

Compresses and expands with concrete.

Provides space for pads to expand and contract. Controls cracking.

Colorant
Ground mineral pigment.

Colors concrete or mortar through and through.

Good choice for coloring new masonry. Available in Red, Buff, Charcoal and Brown.

Walkmaker
High impact resin

Rectangular or square form.

Used to form and pattern concrete for walks and patios.