What is moulded concrete and mortar?

Concrete and mortar are two important materials used in the masonry trade - either at home or on-site. But what is the difference between the two materials? It can be difficult to distinguish if you're new to the construction world.

Ready-mixed concrete is a type of concrete that is designed to harden in a mould. It is a mixture of cement, water and various types of sand and gravel. It is a robust and versatile material that can withstand extreme weather conditions and heavy loads.

Mortar, on the other hand, is a mixture of lime or cement, sand and water used as a bonding agent between stones, bricks or concrete blocks. Mortar is less strong than cast concrete.

Although both cast concrete and mortar contain cement, sand and water, the two materials are suitable for different purposes. Therefore, remember to choose the right material for your project to ensure you get a good result.

What you can use cast concrete for

Cast concrete is a versatile material that can be used for many different construction projects - both indoors and outdoors. It's a robust and durable material that can withstand both extreme weather conditions and heavy loads.

Outdoors and moulded concrete are ideal for all smaller casting jobs. For example, you can use the material to cast the foundation for a carport or conservatory. It's also great for creating a solid terrace, a garden path or a robust driveway.

Indoors, the material is ideal for casting floors, where it provides a solid and durable surface that can withstand daily wear and tear. In addition, cast concrete can be used to create foundations for walls or load-bearing structures in the home.

How to work with cast concrete

Working with cast concrete requires a certain amount of preparation and precision. First and foremost, you need to have the necessary equipment ready. You'll need:

• Concrete mixer (either a forced action mixer, agitator or mixing saw)
• Masonry bucket
• Shovel

Once you're ready, you need to mix the moulded concrete. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as either too much or too little water can affect the strength and durability of the concrete. In general, you should mix the moulding concrete until it has the consistency of thick porridge.

When the mixture is ready, pour it into the prepared mould. Make sure to fill in all corners and edges and use a wooden board to level the surface. It's important to work quickly as moulded concrete starts to harden as soon as it comes into contact with air.

Cast concrete needs to harden over time, and it is important to keep it moist during the hardening process to prevent cracking. Therefore, you should regularly re-water it for at least a few days.

Use mortar for repairs

If you're casting a foundation or terrace, cast concrete is best suited. But if you need minor repairs at home, mortar is ideal.

Here, you can use cement-based mortar, which is easy to work with indoors and outdoors. This type of mortar is ideal for larger repairs requiring a strong and durable material.

If you need to make smaller repairs, repair mortar may be the best choice. This type of mortar is specifically designed for smaller jobs and can also be used to bond materials like slate, granite and tiles together.

Get your cast concrete at Biltema

At Biltema, you'll find a wide range of both moulded concrete and mortar products to suit both small and large masonry projects. Whether you need to cast a foundation for your new shed, repair a damaged wall, or simply freshen up your facade, we have what you need. Our range has been carefully selected to ensure you get a product that is robust, durable and easy to work with.

You can easily order cast concrete online, and we guarantee that you can pick up your order at your nearest Biltema store within just 2 hours. If unsure which product is best for your project, our staff are always ready to help and guide you. Remember always to read the description on the product page of your desired product or the packaging if you're in the store making a decision.

Find everything you need for bricklaying at Biltema

At Biltema, you can find everything you need for your masonry work. We have a wide range of tools and materials that make it easy to take your project from idea to reality. In addition to moulded concrete, we also have:

• Reinforcement
• Cement mixers
• Masonry buckets
• Masonry accessories
• Masonry tools

So whether you're a professional bricklayer or a DIYer, you'll find everything you need for your masonry work at Biltema.

FAQ

What is cast concrete?

Cast concrete is a robust mixture of cement, water, sand, and gravel designed to harden in a mould. It is a versatile material that can withstand extreme weather conditions and heavy loads. It is often used for larger construction projects, such as the foundation for a garage or a patio.

What can mortar be used for?

Mortar is a mixture of lime or cement, sand, and water used as a binding agent between stones, bricks, or concrete blocks. Although it is not as strong as cast concrete, it is more flexible and ideal for smaller repairs and for bonding different building materials together.

How do you work with cast concrete?

When working with cast concrete, you should first prepare the necessary equipment and mix the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the mixture is ready, pour it into the prepared mould and level it out. Cast concrete should be kept moist during the curing process to prevent cracks.