A very soft, high-lime mortar (about 75 psi) reserved for conservation of fragile historic masonry. Not in the standard C270 property table for new work.
Mix ratio
1 : 3 : 10
Portland cement : Hydrated lime : Sand
Proportions & strength
Type K mortar: proportions by volume, typical compressive strength and use.
Designation
Type K
Ratio (by volume)
1 : 3 : 10
Portland cement
1 part
Hydrated lime
3 parts
Sand
10 parts
Typical compressive strength
75 psi · 0.5 MPa
Typical use
Historic restoration of very soft masonry.
Planning reference. Strengths are typical values for a well-made mix at 28 days, not a guaranteed design strength. Structural work must follow your local building code and a qualified engineer's mix design.
Where Type K is used
A very soft, high-lime mortar (about 75 psi) reserved for conservation of fragile historic masonry. Not in the standard C270 property table for new work.
Mortar type matters more than most people expect: a mortar much stronger than the units it beds will transfer movement into the masonry and spall the faces. Pick the weakest mortar that meets the structural and exposure demand.
Need quantities? The volume calculators give the cubic yards, cubic metres and bag counts for the pour this mix goes into.