Mortar how-to
Mix the mortar when it’s dry, before the water is added, because it is much easier to blend dry ingredients thoroughly at the start. Using a standard measure, such as a round-mouth shovel, make consistent measures of mortar, sand and water so you can repeat your recipe. The mix for this application is approximately three parts brick sand to one part Portland cement and one part clay. Add water slowly to the mix, in small amounts. The mix is the right consistency when a small, fist-size ball will hold its shape.
Capping the wall
Size up the cap stones. To produce a wall of consistent height, it’s important that the cap stones are of about the same thickness, especially for long sections of wall.
Saw-cut end caps should be rock-faced with a hammer and chisel.
Caps are laid in a generous bed of mortar to help secure the stones in place.
Use a trowel to level the mortar bed.
Gently lay the cap stone on top of the wall.
Once in place, level the cap along its length by tapping the top with the heel of a hammer. Using the hammer head can mar the top of the stone.
Each cap stone should be levelled and set flush to the stone adjacent to it.
At the front edge, where the cap meets the wall, use a narrow, pointed trowel to squeeze in more mortar and build a smooth, finished joint.
Clean up any mortar on the stone faces and smooth the joint with a wet sponge.
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