The QUIKRETE^® Companies – Building with Strength and Versatility

The QUIKRETE^® Companies, founded in 1940, is North America’s leading manufacturer of packaged concrete and cement mixes. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, QUIKRETE operates over 500 facilities across the U.S. and Canada, supplying products to the commercial building, residential construction, and home improvement industries. Known for quality, consistency, and performance, QUIKRETE has become a household name for both professional contractors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.

While QUIKRETE’s product line includes a wide array of concrete mixes, stuccos, and repair products, its line of mortars stands out as a critical component in masonry construction. From bricklaying to veneer stone installation, QUIKRETE mortars are engineered to deliver strength, durability, and ease of use for every type of project.

A Mortar for Every Job

QUIKRETE offers several mortar options tailored to different construction needs, primarily categorized by ASTM C270 standards into Types N, S, and M—each with specific strengths and best-use cases.

QUIKRETE Mortar Mix (Type N) is a versatile, general-purpose mortar composed of blended cement, hydrated lime, and sand. With a compressive strength of approximately 750 psi, Type N is ideal for above-grade applications. This includes interior and exterior brick walls, chimneys, and veneers where moderate strength and good workability are essential.

“Type N mortar is widely used in residential construction because of its balance between strength and flexibility,” says a QUIKRETE technical expert. “It’s forgiving to work with and holds up well in normal weather conditions.”

QUIKRETE Mason Mix (Type S) offers higher strength – about 1,800 psi – and is designed for structural applications. Type S is best suited for below-grade work, retaining walls, foundations, and other load-bearing masonry. Its increased bond and tensile strength make it a go-to for builders dealing with harsh conditions or greater structural demands.

QUIKRETE Masonry Cement and Sand Mixes (Types N, S, and M) allow for customized mortar preparation by blending QUIKRETE masonry cement with masonry sand. Among these, Type M offers the highest strength, often exceeding 2,500 psi, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications like stone foundations, retaining walls, and driveways. Although it’s less workable, its sheer strength makes it the choice for structural stone or load-bearing block construction.

Specialty Mortars for Veneer Applications

Recognizing the growing popularity of stone veneers, QUIKRETE developed Veneer Stone Mortar and Polymer Modified Veneer Stone Mortar. These mortars are specially formulated for bonding thin stone or manufactured stone veneer to vertical surfaces. The polymer-enhanced version provides increased adhesion and flexibility, crucial for projects subject to thermal expansion or movement.

“These products are game-changers for designers and masons working on interior accent walls, fireplaces, or outdoor façades,” says the QUIKRETE team. “They combine workability with the performance needed to support vertical applications securely.”

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

QUIKRETE continues to lead the industry through rigorous quality control, strategic partnerships, and ongoing product development. The company supports contractors and homeowners alike with detailed technical data, instructional videos, and customer service teams to help make every project a success.

Whether it’s building a backyard patio, restoring a historical structure, or laying the foundation for a skyscraper, QUIKRETE mortars offer the reliability and performance professionals have trusted for over 80 years.

For more information, visit www.quikrete.com.