Mortar vs. Grout: What's the Difference?
- Zach Hannah
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
When homeowners hear the words mortar and grout, they often assume they're the same thing. While they may look similar when mixed, they serve two very different purposes in hardscape and masonry construction.
At Hannah Outdoor Designs, understanding the difference helps us build patios, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, fireplaces, and stone features that last for decades—not just a few years.
Let's break it down.
What Is Mortar?
Mortar is an adhesive material used to bond building materials together.
It is commonly made from:
Portland cement
Sand
Lime (in some mixes)
Water
Mortar is designed to hold materials together, such as:
Natural stone
Brick
CMU block
Veneer stone
Concrete pavers (wet-set installations)
Think of mortar as the "glue" that locks masonry units together.
Common Uses for Mortar
At Hannah Outdoor Designs, we use mortar for projects like:
Outdoor kitchens
Brick walls
Stone fireplaces
Stone veneer
Masonry seat walls
Wet-set porcelain patios
Stone steps
Without properly mixed mortar, these structures can become unstable and begin separating over time.
What Is Grout?
Grout is completely different.
Instead of holding materials together, grout is designed to fill the spaces (joints) between materials after they've already been installed.
Grout helps:
Lock materials together
Prevent water intrusion
Improve appearance
Reduce movement
Keep dirt and debris from collecting
Grout is generally made from:
Cement
Fine aggregate
Water
Color pigments (optional)
Common Uses for Grout
You'll commonly find grout in:
Tile installations
Stone veneer joints
Natural stone patios
Shower walls
Pool coping
Brick joints
Masonry walls
The Biggest Difference
Mortar | Grout |
Bonds materials together | Fills joints between materials |
Acts like adhesive | Acts like filler |
Supports structural loads | Does not provide structural support |
Applied before installation | Applied after installation |
Can Mortar Be Used as Grout?
Sometimes—but it's generally not recommended.
Mortar is much stickier and thicker than grout.
Trying to force mortar into small joints usually results in:
Poor joint consistency
Air pockets
Weak joints
Difficult cleanup
Uneven color
Professionals use the right product for the job.
Can Grout Replace Mortar?
No.
Grout is not designed to hold stone or brick together.
Using grout instead of mortar can lead to:
Loose stones
Failed walls
Cracked veneer
Structural movement
This is one of the biggest mistakes DIY homeowners make.
What About Polymeric Sand?
Many homeowners confuse polymeric sand with grout.
They are completely different products.
Polymeric Sand
Used between concrete pavers
Flexible
Helps resist weeds
Helps resist ants
Allows slight movement
Designed for dry-laid patios
Grout
Hardens solid
Used with tile and stone
Not flexible
Used in mortar-set applications
Choosing the wrong material can significantly shorten the life of your patio.
Why Material Selection Matters
At Hannah Outdoor Designs, we select installation materials based on the specific application—not just what's easiest or cheapest.
For example:
A porcelain patio installed over a concrete slab requires mortar and grout.
A paver patio on a crushed stone base requires bedding sand and polymeric sand.
A natural stone fireplace uses mortar to bond the stone and grout (or mortar joints, depending on the design) to finish the appearance.
Using the correct products helps ensure long-term durability, proper drainage, and a professional finish.
Trust the Professionals
Every outdoor living project is only as good as the materials hidden beneath the surface. Whether it's choosing the right mortar for a stone veneer, the proper grout for porcelain tile, or the best joint material for a paver patio, every detail matters.
At Hannah Outdoor Designs, we believe beautiful outdoor spaces start with proper construction techniques. Our team combines quality craftsmanship with premium materials to build patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and walkways that are designed to stand the test of time.
Ready to Build Your Dream Outdoor Space?
If you're planning a new patio, outdoor kitchen, retaining wall, or masonry project in the Metro Atlanta area, let Hannah Outdoor Designs help you build it the right way from the ground up.
Contact Hannah Outdoor Designs today to schedule your consultation and discover the difference that expert craftsmanship makes.
Comments