Differences Between Mortar and Grout

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Mortar and grout are both used in the field of construction which are cement
based product. Despite both being cement based products, they have different
properties, different uses and serve different purposes. The major difference
found in the mortar and grout is its fluidity property.

In the below article we have shed light on the major differences between mortar
and grout.

Mortar
Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand and water made into a thick paste that is
used to bind two surfaces with each other. It is majorly used in the building
projects as a binding material between stones, concrete and bricks.

Fig 1: Mortar being used as

binding material in brick masonry.

Grout
Grout is a highly viscous material which is used as a filler to
fill spaces or the joints between ceramic or stone tiles. Grout is a binder, but it is
certainly not an adhesive and the tiles stay in place because of the mortar below
them and not because of the grout.

Fig 2: Grout being used as

filler material in tilling.

Difference Between Mortar and Grout

The differences between mortar and grout are mentioned below in detail :

SN Properties Mortar Grout

Cement, water and sand, epoxy, acrylic

1 Material Cement, sand, lime and water
and polymer

Water-Cement
2 Less More
Ratio

The primary function of the cement The primary function of the grout is to
Primary
3 mortar is to act as a binder in brick or act as a filler material in tilling work
Function
stone masonry and cracks.

4 Stiffness Stiffer Less stiff

As the water content is more, it is

It sticks well on a trowel and the
5 Workability difficult to handle it with trowel or other
workability is more.
tools.
 6 Viscosity Low Highly viscous

Comes in various colors as per the

7 Color Usually takes the color of cement
requirement

Cement Mortar Sanded grout

Lime Mortar Un-sanded or wall grout
8 Types Surki Mortar Epoxy grout
Gauged Mortar Furan grout
Mud Mortar Acrylic grout

Quite porous, holds waters in it even

9 Porosity Non-porous
after hardening.

Grout does not need extra water for

Mortar needs curing for hardening
10 Curing curing; the initial quantity provided is
process
enough for hardening

Setting time is more when compared Setting time is less when compared to
11 Setting Time
to grout Mortar

Used as a filler in tiles and cracks.

Used as a bonding material in stone,
Grouting is done to avoid cracks or
concrete and brick masonry.
12 Application bedding planes in weak area or ground.
Used in plastering works to hide the
Grouting is used for strengthing of
joints and to improve appearance.
ground for dam foundation.

Read More: Differences Between Coarse-Grained and Fine-Grained Soil