On Mon, 5 Dec 2011 15:24:24 -0800, "Steve B" wrote:

I'm getting ready to lay some blocks. Probably a lot of them, and quite a
few mixers full of cement. Some low decorative walls, walkways, pavers,
bricks, etc.

For block laying, should I buy a quantity of sand, lime, Portland, etc.? Or
should I just go with the premixed bags at the borg? There may be a slight
storage problem of unused materials from batch to batch.

I've had good luck with both methods. I prefer buying 'mason's
mix'. The lime is already there. You add the sand. The
advantage of buying the mason's mix is you can go with an extra rich
mix for your stucco, later. [BTW-- don't try to mix it in your
cement mixer. Use a tub, or a mortar mixer on a 1/2" drill.]


Other questions:

Is premixed concrete with aggregate best for first coursing? How about cell
filling for grouting final wall?

Fine for filling cells. not sure what you mean by 'first
coursing'. Don't forget to shove some re-rod in those cells, too.


What should I use for a stucco covering on it? Is that the same mortar mix,
or a special stucco mix?

I make a stucco mix that has 1/2 the sand of my regular mortar mix in
the mason's 'portland.


What outdoor temps should block be laid at? And will it matter if the night
time temperature is below freezing? Down to about 20 deg. F.

I wouldn't want my mortar to go below freezing for 48 hours. A week
would make me happier.

Jim