Mortar vs. Grout

Mortar and grout are used in both masonry work and tile work; however they serve different purposes.  Both products are Portland cement based product, which causes them to harden.  The variables are in the size of the aggregates (stone, sand, etc) and the quantity of water added to the mix.

Mortar

The role of mortar is to make one material stick to another.  For instance, a mason laying bricks or concrete masonry units (CMU) will place mortar in the joints between the bricks or blocks.  Similarly, a person installing tile will lay a mortar bed so the tiles stick to the floor or wall.

Photo of a mason setting brick in mortar bed
Mason setting brick in mortar bed

Grout

Grout is a filler product and is intended to flow.  Therefore, it usually has a higher water content.  A mason will fill the cores of a CMU with grout.  A person installing tile will use a grout to fill the spaces between the tile after the mortar has cured.

Photo showing tile grout installed at left, but no grout at right.
Tile grout installed at left. No grout at right.

Variations

Both mortar and grout come in many variations and it is important to select the correct product for the intended purpose.  Consult with a professional or manufacturer for recommendations on which product is best.

Article Updated: May 16, 2021

Help make Archtoolbox better for everyone. If you found an error or out of date information in this article (even if it is just a minor typo), please let us know.