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.

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.

Difference Between Mortar and Grout

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

SN	Properties	Mortar	Grout
1	Material	Cement, sand, lime and water	Cement, water and sand, epoxy, acrylic and polymer
2	Water-Cement Ratio	Less	More
3	Primary Function	The primary function of the cement mortar is to act as a binder in brick or stone masonry	The primary function of the grout is to act as a filler material in tilling work and cracks.
4	Stiffness	Stiffer	Less stiff
5	Workability	It sticks well on a trowel and the workability is more.	As the water content is more, it is difficult to handle it with trowel or other tools.
6	Viscosity	Low	Highly viscous
7	Color	Usually takes the color of cement	Comes in various colors as per the requirement
8	Types	Cement Mortar Lime Mortar Surki Mortar Gauged Mortar Mud Mortar	Sanded grout Un-sanded or wall grout Epoxy grout Furan grout Acrylic grout
9	Porosity	Non-porous	Quite porous, holds waters in it even after hardening.
10	Curing	Mortar needs curing for hardening process	Grout does not need extra water for curing; the initial quantity provided is enough for hardening
11	Setting Time	Setting time is more when compared to grout	Setting time is less when compared to Mortar
12	Application	Used as a bonding material in stone, concrete and brick masonry. Used in plastering works to hide the joints and to improve appearance.	Used as a filler in tiles and cracks. Grouting is done to avoid cracks or bedding planes in weak area or ground. Grouting is used for strengthing of ground for dam foundation.

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