FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

finding whitesand mortar

connie363 | Posted in General Discussion on February 23, 2006 03:58am

We are building an interior fireplace with synthetic stone and looking for whitesand mortar to use. Copying a fireplace seen in a magazine where they used “white sand mortar by AHI, Lakes of Eldredge”, a yellowish white color. But I cannot find anything in stores or on internet under these names. Anybody have any input?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    MarkH | Feb 23, 2006 05:40am | #1

    Probably the mortar uses "white sand" instead of the typical colored sand.  Silica sand is white.  Then there is also white portland cement, as opposed to grey portland cement.

  2. blue_eyed_devil | Feb 23, 2006 06:47am | #2

    Ive seen that stuff in Michigan. We have a lot of white brick and white mortar.

    Shipping costs would be major!

    blue

     

  3. User avater
    MarkH | Feb 23, 2006 02:24pm | #3

    I don't know where you could get white sand in Oregon.  But if they can get it from somewhere else for 3x the cost of regular sand, I dont think that's too much.  How much sand would you need?  Sand is the cheapest part of the equation. 

  4. Mooney | Feb 23, 2006 03:19pm | #4
    View Image White Sand 1.5 Qt

    Price: $4.29

    Thats pretty high and I didnt stick around for shipping.

    Tim

     

  5. PeteVa | Feb 23, 2006 03:46pm | #5

    Check out your local swimming pool builders

  6. User avater
    PaulBinCT | Feb 23, 2006 04:44pm | #6

    Hard to believe a good local mason supply shop doesn't have it? Here I get sacks (40 lb I think) for about 8 dollars IIRC.

  7. gb93433 | Feb 23, 2006 04:49pm | #7

    Not sure exactly what you are looking for but have you tried a place which supplies masons and plasterers?

  8. Notchman | Feb 23, 2006 05:16pm | #8

    If it's not used in the firebox, but just the stone veneer, glass block mortar is white and available at masonry supplies and not terribly expensive....right here in Oregon.



    Edited 2/23/2006 9:18 am by Notchman

  9. Billy | Feb 23, 2006 05:55pm | #9

    Try glass block mortar...

    Billy

  10. User avater
    Mongo | Feb 23, 2006 07:34pm | #10

    Connie,

    You should be able to get white portland cement and white silica sand locally. At least start out by asking at a masonry supply house, they should be able to order it for you or point you in the right direction.

    If you want "white-white", then white portland and silica will do it for you. For something less white, white portland and regular mason's sand will give a slight tan or yellow hue to the mortar.

    Going with regular gray portland will muddle it into the gray family.

    White portland cost me a few dollars per bag more than gray.

    Here's the mother ship:

    http://www.ahi-supply.com/

  11. ponytl | Feb 23, 2006 08:08pm | #11

    i cast alot of concrete and about always use white portland and white sand... i get what they call "golfcourse sand" it's fine white and clean... yeas it costs 3x as much buti usually get 10tons at a time (all i care to put on my dumptruck) and it runs about $100 a load...  cost 2x as much delivered... but still not $$$    for white mortar we use white sand, white portland and lime from the farmers co-op... about 20lbs lime per 94lb sack of portland...  from there you can add any color you want  the liquid colors work real well... a little goes a long way

    p

  12. User avater
    fengelman | Feb 23, 2006 10:12pm | #12

    kids sand box sand...

    1. connie363 | Feb 24, 2006 01:39am | #13

      Was this a serious response? I think sand box sand should be able to be come by easily even in Oregon!

      1. User avater
        Matt | Feb 24, 2006 01:56am | #14

        Yes - he was serious...

        Anyway - You say "white sand mortar" - If I read you correctly, your first problem is trying to get pre-mixed mortar.  Look for white mortar and then use playsand, or other white sand usually available at home centers in bags ($$$) or by the ton at a sand and gravel supplier - a few buckets should do ya.  Or, as ponytail said, just make your own mortar by mixing cement, lime and sand:  Something like:

        1 part white Portland cement 

        1 part Type S hydrated lime 

        6 parts white sand

        This will make quite a strong mix - you could even go up to 10 parts sand.  It's best to use a motorized mixer, but for that small amount you could probably mix by hand - it might work best to mix materials dry and then add water.  Go where mason's go - don't waste time at home centers, they probably won't have what you need, and you will get looks like you are from outer space :-)

        1. dedubya | Feb 24, 2006 03:39am | #15

          while you are hunting for the white materials dont forget

          if you are going to tool the joints you need pexiglass or acyrilic

          joint tools also available at mason supply stores if not

           the carbon steel masons jointers will leave a dark smear

          on the joints.   D.W.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Mortar for Old Masonry

Old masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details
  • A New Approach to Foundations
  • A Closer Look at Smart Water-Leak Detection Systems
  • Guest Suite With a Garden House

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data