On 05/21/2013 10:48 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On Tue, 21 May 2013 20:04:18 -0500, wrote:

How many bags of mortar do I need per number of 8x8x16 concrete blocks?

I want to build a small basement, know the number of blocks I will need
(around 800), but dont know how to determine the amount of mortar. I
intend to buy raw mortar and add my own sand. I'll just buy a truckload
of sand, which I assume should be more than enough, but how do I
determine the number of bags of mortar? This is a rural area and I have
to drive 55 miles to get it at a reasonable price, so I want to be sure
I have enough. I refuse to buy it locally and pay their outrageous
ripoff prices (for example, the blocks at the building center 55 miles
away are $.89 each, locally, they are $2.40 each).

Thanks


There are blocks and there are blocks. Be sure you are comparing the
same block when comparing prices.
Hauling those blocks 55 miles can be costly too.

You should get about 28 to 40 block per bag.

Instead of block, why not pour a concrete foundation with the
insulation? Set up the ICF's yourself, get some reddi-mix and you are
done. Save a bundle on energy.

In fact, why not build the entire house that way and it is pretty
tornado and hurricane resistant too.

www.integraspec.com
www.standardicf.net
and many others.


I'm guessing that a lot of people are still more comfortable with block
than with forms... and I imagine you could get a lot of the same
benefits by applying foam insulation to the block afterwards.

However for a truly strong wall if using block you would probably want
to fill all the voids with rebar and concrete rather than just relying
on mortar and gravity to hold everything together... yeah I'm that guy
that overbuilds everything.

nate

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