Brick Veneer Mortar Vs. Sanded Grout

Brick veneer is often used for both interiors and exteriors of homes to produce the solid, traditional look of brick without the expense. Brick surfaces are durable, impervious to rotting and insect damage and maintenance free. The look of brick is an attractive appearance for any structure. Installing brick veneer requires some skill in working with the materials, so knowing the advantages of mortar versus sanded grout will make the task easier for do-it-yourselfers.

About Brick Veneer

Brick veneer creates an attractive surface both inside and outside.

Brick veneer consists of thin pieces of brick material that are installed on interior walls and as siding on houses. Brick veneer is installed much like brick, with spaces in between the bricks in an alternating pattern on rows. Correct installation of brick veneer can be difficult. Tiny adjustments in the amount of mortar between bricks helps to position brick materials properly around doors and windows, according to home improvement expert Tim Carter of the AskTheBuilder website.

Mortar or Sanded Grout

Mortar and grout are essentially the same compounds. They both consist of Portland cement. The only difference is the amount of water in the materials, according to the MasonryConstructionOnline website. Sanded grout is generally a looser consistency than mortar, which means it can be easily filled into the spaces around tiles or stonework. Mortar is generally thicker for easy application on brickwork.

Using Mortar for Brick Veneer

Mortar is generally used for outdoor applications, such as brick veneer siding. Mortar provides the adhesive material that holds the brick in place while layers are being applied. The thick consistency of the mortar holds the thin brick to the back surface and provides the materials for filler between the bricks. Mortar is a long-lasting substance that can be repaired or repointed if it becomes damaged or deteriorates.

Using Sanded Grout for Brick Veneer

Grout comes in both sanded and unsanded types. Unsanded grout is used for tile and other materials that are less than 1/8-inch thick. Sanded grout is used to fill in areas between materials that are more than 1/8-inch thick. Sanded grout has a heavier consistency than unsanded group. Sanded grout is used for installing brick veneer indoors. Sanded grout comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose a color to match or contrast with brick colors, as well as other colors used in your home décor.

Combination Mortar and Sanded Grout for Brick Veneer

Brick veneer for interior use may use mortar to stick the veneer to the walls and sanded grout for filling in areas between bricks, according to the BrickSalvage website. After the grout has dried, it is then sealed to prevent soil and stains from discoloring the material.