When laying cement blocks, what is the maximum thickness of bottom mortar joint to level wall?

Answer 1

3/8" is the standard joint thickness. You may want to level out your footing if it is off by a lot, or you could compensate by gradually bringing each course closer to level as you go up. Sort of depends how much you are off.

Answer 2

Buy a chalk string (you can get them in your local hardware store) and a level. (Surely you already have the latter) Move your level around in various places to make sure that the surface is level. Then take your chalk string and IN A STRAIGHT LINE stretch it across the boundaries (where the edges of the patio will be) and SNAP! a perfectly straight chalk line. Then, figure out how wide the blocks are. SNAP! a line everytime you will need to place a block, so you know that you'll lay it straight. Then do it again cross-wise so you have the perfect shape of a block in chalk-line on the ground. Lay your blocks EXACTLY around the edges in their "boxes". If you are filling the inside with concrete (not putting blocks on the inside), then I suggest that you mortar the blocks together. (You buy the mortar, mix it up [try mixing it in a wheel barrel, and use a mortar smoother [they look like a giant pie serving utensil] to put it on the top of each block that has been laid. Then place another block on top of it, repeat until you won't need to place anymore on top.) If you are planning to fill in the inside "shell" of blocks with other blocks, MORTAR FROM THE INSIDE OUT!! It'll save a lot of hassle. It's good to finish off the surface of the concrete with a cool-looking finish. Just let it dry for about an hour and a half then take a broom or a tool that you'll find by the mortar tools to finish it off. These usually have grooves in them so the bottom looks like this: _-_-_-_-_-_- etc etc, but ask someone at the hardware store their opinion as to what looks best. In fact, ask a few and then compare with what you like. And the guy who pours the cement (if you're using a company) can give you pointers. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Mortar Joint Thickness

Answer 4

I don't know if there is a "maximum" thickness. Usually one starts with about a 3/8th inch of mortar buttered onto the bottom of the first score. However, the exact thickness depends on how level the floor below is. When you lay your first score of block perpendicular to the wall, you will use a level to ensure your line of block is level. If the floor slopes downward, away from the wall, one will need to add more mortar to maintain a straight line.
In other words, the run on the floor (upwards or downwards or even slope) to maintain a level bottom score will dictate how much mortar to use down to the end of the cement block run.

Answer 5

3/8 of an inch