Mortarsprayer
New member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2007
- Messages
- 6
Hello James,
Good point. I should have said that stronger. Laying blocks the traditional way by 'buttering' each block and trying to make it all perfect is hard and requires skill. The blocks that I have done this way are not something I point out to people.

Surface bonded blocks are a whole different approach. Since the blocks are dry stacked, it is easier in many ways including being able to adjust the blocks as needed until the wall is as you want it. Then you make it solid by plastering the walls with a special fibered mix. The USDA proved the bond was as good as buttering each block. One of the main challenges is getting used to the block spacing without the mortar joints.
There was a very detailed story on the web a few years ago that a gentleman shared as he built a home for his family. Perhaps one of the list members here will know where it is. I remember that his name is Walter, he raised pigs. He had a wonderful wife and great home schooled kids that helped through the whole process. Walter built a dry-stack block home with insulation on the outside.
This my be getting to far off topic but I will start looking for it in case it will help.
Best regards,
Nolan
Good point. I should have said that stronger. Laying blocks the traditional way by 'buttering' each block and trying to make it all perfect is hard and requires skill. The blocks that I have done this way are not something I point out to people.
Surface bonded blocks are a whole different approach. Since the blocks are dry stacked, it is easier in many ways including being able to adjust the blocks as needed until the wall is as you want it. Then you make it solid by plastering the walls with a special fibered mix. The USDA proved the bond was as good as buttering each block. One of the main challenges is getting used to the block spacing without the mortar joints.
There was a very detailed story on the web a few years ago that a gentleman shared as he built a home for his family. Perhaps one of the list members here will know where it is. I remember that his name is Walter, he raised pigs. He had a wonderful wife and great home schooled kids that helped through the whole process. Walter built a dry-stack block home with insulation on the outside.
This my be getting to far off topic but I will start looking for it in case it will help.
Best regards,
Nolan