About TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement
TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement is a gray masonry cement used to produce Type S mortar for brick, block, natural stone, concrete masonry, and other masonry applications.
Outdoor Warehouse Supply carries this product in 75 lb. bags.
Unlike a premixed mortar, TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement is not a complete mortar mix by itself.
To produce mortar, installers must add:
- Masonry sand
- Clean water
The masonry cement provides the cementitious binder and workability components needed to create the finished mortar.
| Product Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Product Name | TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement |
| Brand | TXI |
| Product Type | Masonry Cement |
| Mortar Classification | Used to produce Type S mortar |
| Color | Gray |
| Bag Size | 75 Lb. |
| Sand Included | No |
| Water Included | No |
| Primary Uses | Brick, block, natural stone, masonry walls and general masonry |
| Service Area | Dallas–Fort Worth and North Texas |
What Is Masonry Cement?
Masonry cement is a specially formulated cementitious binder designed primarily for making mortar.
It is different from straight Portland Cement because masonry cement is formulated to provide properties masons need, such as:
- Workability
- Plasticity
- Water retention
- Bonding performance
- Ease of spreading
- Ease of tooling
When combined with properly graded Mason Sand and water, it produces a workable mortar for masonry construction.
What Does Type S Mean?
Type S is a masonry mortar classification commonly used where higher strength and bond performance are needed.
Type S mortar is frequently used for:
- Exterior masonry
- Load-bearing masonry
- Below-grade masonry
- Foundations
- Retaining-wall masonry
- Brick
- Block
- Natural stone
The correct mortar type should always follow the project plans, structural requirements, or masonry specifications.
Is This a Complete Mortar Mix?
No.
This product is masonry cement, not premixed mortar.
You still need to add:
- Masonry sand
- Water
That distinction is important.
A premixed mortar already contains sand.
Masonry cement does not.
TXI Masonry Cement vs. Premixed Mortar
| TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement | Premixed Type S Mortar |
|---|---|
| Cementitious binder | Complete dry mortar |
| Requires Mason Sand | Sand already included |
| Requires water | Requires water |
| Allows jobsite sand selection | Factory sand blend |
| Better for larger/custom mortar production | Convenient for smaller jobs |
| More control over mix proportions | Less jobsite measuring |
What Kind of Sand Should Be Used?
A clean, properly graded Mason Sand should be used.
The quality of the sand can affect:
- Workability
- Joint texture
- Color
- Bond
- Water demand
- Finished appearance
For specification-controlled work, the sand should meet the required project standards.
How Much Sand Is Added?
Type S masonry cement is typically mixed with masonry sand according to the manufacturer’s recommended volumetric proportions.
The current bag instructions should always control.
As a practical rule, do not simply add sand until the mortar “looks right,” because excessive or insufficient sand can affect:
- Strength
- Bond
- Workability
- Shrinkage
- Joint appearance
Why Use Gray Masonry Cement?
Gray masonry cement is the standard choice when a traditional gray mortar appearance is acceptable or desired.
It works especially well with:
- Concrete block
- Gray stone
- Dark brick
- Utility masonry
- Retaining-wall masonry
- General commercial masonry
It is often more practical than white masonry cement where color matching is not a major architectural concern.
TXI Gray Masonry Cement for Brick
Type S Gray Masonry Cement can be used to produce mortar for brick masonry where Type S mortar is appropriate.
Gray mortar provides a traditional appearance that works well with:
- Red brick
- Brown brick
- Gray brick
- Dark brick
- Commercial masonry
TXI Gray Masonry Cement for Concrete Block
Gray masonry cement is a natural fit for concrete masonry units because the gray mortar blends well with standard CMU colors.
Common applications include:
- Block walls
- Foundations
- Commercial walls
- Utility structures
- Retaining-wall systems
TXI Gray Masonry Cement for Natural Stone
Gray Type S mortar can also be used with natural stone where the project calls for Type S mortar.
It works well with darker or more neutral stone such as:
- Oklahoma Brown
- Oklahoma Blue / Silvermist
- Charcoal stone
- Dark limestone
- Mixed natural stone
For very light limestone, white masonry cement may provide a cleaner finished appearance.
Can Type S Gray Mortar Be Used Above Grade?
Yes.
Type S mortar is commonly used in many above-grade masonry applications.
Examples include:
- Exterior walls
- Columns
- Block walls
- Brick masonry
- Stone walls
Can Type S Gray Mortar Be Used Below Grade?
Yes.
Type S mortar is commonly selected for at-grade and below-grade masonry because of its strength and bond characteristics.
Examples may include:
- Foundations
- Retaining walls
- Below-grade block
- Structural masonry
Proper drainage, waterproofing, reinforcement, and structural design are still separate requirements.
Is Type S Mortar Good for Retaining Walls?
It can be.
Type S mortar is commonly used in masonry retaining-wall construction when the system is designed for it.
However, mortar alone does not make a retaining wall structurally adequate.
A proper retaining wall may require:
- Footings
- Reinforcement
- Grouted cells
- Drainage
- Engineering
- Proper wall units
Is Type S Stronger Than Type N?
Generally yes.
Type S mortar typically has higher compressive-strength requirements than Type N.
That does not mean Type S is automatically better for every application.
Type N may be more appropriate for:
- Some veneers
- Some above-grade walls
- Certain older masonry
- Applications requiring greater flexibility
The project should dictate the mortar type.
Type S vs. Type N Mortar
| Type S | Type N |
|---|---|
| Higher strength | Moderate strength |
| Stronger bond | More general-purpose |
| Common below grade | Common above grade |
| Often used structurally | Often used for veneers |
| More rigid | More forgiving in some applications |
TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement vs. White Masonry Cement
| Gray Masonry Cement | White Masonry Cement |
|---|---|
| Traditional gray appearance | White or light-colored appearance |
| Good for general masonry | Good for architectural masonry |
| Less sensitive to sand color visually | Sand color strongly affects appearance |
| Better for utility work | Better for decorative work |
| Usually simpler for standard projects | Better for custom mortar colors |
The primary difference is appearance, not the assumption that one color is inherently stronger.
TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement vs. Portland Cement
| Masonry Cement | Portland Cement |
|---|---|
| Formulated for mortar | General hydraulic cement |
| Better workability | Requires full mortar formulation |
| Add sand + water | Usually requires sand and potentially lime/additives |
| Designed for masonry | Used in concrete, mortar, stucco and more |
| Easier to produce workable mortar | Greater flexibility for custom mix design |
Does Gray Masonry Cement Need Lime Added?
Normally no.
Masonry cement is already formulated to provide workability and plasticity.
Adding extra lime changes the mortar properties and should only be done if a specified mix design requires it.
Should Portland Cement Be Added?
Not unless the project or mortar specification calls for it.
Adding extra Portland Cement changes:
- Strength
- Workability
- Bond
- Shrinkage
- Mortar behavior
The factory formulation should be followed.
Can Pigment Be Added to Gray Masonry Cement?
Yes, compatible masonry pigments may be added in some applications.
However, gray cement will darken and influence the pigment.
It works best for:
- Dark gray
- Charcoal
- Brown
- Red
- Dark earth tones
For light or pastel colors, white masonry cement is usually a better starting point.
Does Sand Color Affect Gray Mortar?
Yes, although generally less dramatically than with white mortar.
Sand color can still influence the finished joint.
Possible sand tones include:
- Tan
- Gray
- Brown
- Gold
For architectural work, a mortar sample or mock-up is still useful.
Should a Mortar Mock-Up Be Made?
Yes, if appearance matters.
A mock-up allows contractors and customers to evaluate:
- Joint color
- Joint texture
- Sand appearance
- Tooling
- Overall masonry appearance
before the full project is installed.
How Is TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement Mixed?
A typical process is:
- Add part of the clean mixing water.
- Add the masonry cement.
- Add the measured Mason Sand.
- Add the remaining water gradually.
- Mix until a smooth, workable consistency is achieved.
Mechanical mixing generally provides better consistency on larger projects.
Why Is Water Control Important?
Too much water can make mortar easier to spread initially but can negatively affect:
- Strength
- Shrinkage
- Cracking
- Bond
- Finished texture
Mortar should be workable without becoming soupy.
Can Mortar Be Retempered?
Mortar that begins to stiffen may sometimes be adjusted within the allowable working period depending on project standards and manufacturer guidance.
However, mortar that has already begun setting should not simply be revived with large amounts of water.
Follow the current bag instructions.
How Long Does Type S Mortar Take to Cure?
Mortar begins setting relatively quickly but develops strength over time.
Cementitious mortar hardens through hydration, not simply drying.
Proper curing supports:
- Strength
- Bond
- Durability
Fresh masonry should be protected from:
- Freezing
- Excessive heat
- Rapid drying
- Heavy rain
Can Type S Mortar Be Used in North Texas Heat?
Yes.
However, hot Dallas–Fort Worth conditions can accelerate:
- Water evaporation
- Stiffening
- Surface drying
Hot-weather practices may include:
- Smaller batches
- Shaded materials
- Controlled water use
- Proper curing
- Avoiding the hottest part of the day when practical
Can Type S Mortar Be Used in Cold Weather?
Yes, with appropriate precautions.
Fresh mortar should be protected from freezing, and cold-weather masonry practices should be followed.
How Much Mortar Does a 75 Lb. Bag Make?
The exact yield depends on:
- Sand proportion
- Sand moisture
- Water
- Joint size
- Masonry-unit size
- Waste
Because the masonry cement requires field-added sand, there is no single universal coverage number that applies to every project.
Does Masonry Cement Go Bad?
It can lose performance if exposed to moisture.
Cementitious materials begin reacting when moisture reaches them.
Bags should be kept:
- Dry
- Off wet ground
- Under cover
- Protected from humidity
Can Hardened Cement Be Used?
Significant hard lumps may indicate moisture exposure and partial hydration.
Compromised material should not be relied upon for structural or quality-sensitive masonry.
Safety When Handling TXI Masonry Cement
Masonry cement is alkaline.
Dry dust can irritate:
- Eyes
- Skin
- Respiratory passages
Wet mortar can cause skin irritation or chemical burns with prolonged contact.
Use appropriate:
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Long sleeves
- Work boots
- Dust protection where needed
Always follow the current product Safety Data Sheet.
Pros & Cons of TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Produces strong Type S mortar | Mason Sand must be added |
| Traditional gray appearance | More mixing required than premixed mortar |
| Good for brick, block and stone | Sand and water proportions must remain consistent |
| Useful above and below grade where specified | Not appropriate for every masonry project |
| Good for commercial masonry | Requires dry storage |
| Allows contractors to choose their sand | Batch variation is possible |
| 75 lb. contractor-friendly bag | Cement dust requires safe handling |
| Good value for larger jobs | Not ideal for light-colored architectural mortar |
TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement in Dallas–Fort Worth
TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement is a practical choice for Dallas–Fort Worth masons and contractors who need a traditional gray Type S mortar for brick, block, natural stone, and general masonry construction.
It is especially useful for:
- Concrete block
- Brick
- Stone walls
- Foundations
- Retaining-wall masonry
- Commercial masonry
- General exterior construction
Outdoor Warehouse Supply carries TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement in 75 lb. bags through our Plano and Lewisville locations.
Industry Contractor & Wholesale Pricing
Outdoor Warehouse Supply offers industry contractor and wholesale pricing for qualifying masons, masonry contractors, landscape contractors, builders, hardscape installers, commercial contractors, and other industry buyers.
Contractors can source TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement alongside Mason Sand, White Masonry Cement, Portland Cement, chop stone, flagstone, building stone, and other masonry materials throughout Dallas–Fort Worth and North Texas.
Contact our Plano or Lewisville sales staff for current inventory and pallet quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement?
It is a gray masonry cement designed to be mixed with masonry sand and water to produce Type S mortar.
What size bag does OWS carry?
Outdoor Warehouse Supply carries it in a 75 lb. bag.
Is this a premixed mortar?
No.
This is masonry cement, so sand still has to be added.
Do I need to add sand?
Yes.
Use clean, properly graded Mason Sand.
Do I only add water?
No.
You need both Mason Sand and water.
What is Type S mortar used for?
Common applications include exterior masonry, foundations, below-grade masonry, retaining-wall masonry, brick, block, and natural stone.
Can Type S Gray Masonry Cement be used for brick?
Yes.
Can it be used for concrete block?
Yes.
Can it be used for natural stone?
Yes, where Type S mortar is appropriate.
Can it be used above grade?
Yes.
Can it be used below grade?
Yes, where the project calls for Type S mortar.
Is Type S mortar good for retaining walls?
It can be, as part of a properly designed masonry retaining-wall system.
Is Type S stronger than Type N?
Generally yes, but Type S is not automatically the best choice for every masonry project.
Is Gray Masonry Cement stronger than White Masonry Cement?
Not simply because of the color.
Performance depends on the cement classification and finished mortar mix.
What is the difference between gray and white masonry cement?
The biggest difference is finished mortar color.
Gray produces a traditional gray joint, while white is better for light or architectural mortar colors.
Is masonry cement the same as Portland Cement?
No.
Masonry cement is formulated specifically for mortar workability, while Portland Cement is a general hydraulic binder.
Is masonry cement the same as mortar mix?
No.
Mortar mix already contains sand. Masonry cement does not.
Do I need to add lime?
Normally no unless a specified mortar design specifically calls for it.
Should I add extra Portland Cement?
Not unless the mortar specification calls for it.
Can Gray Masonry Cement be pigmented?
Yes.
It works particularly well as a base for darker mortar colors.
Does sand color affect gray mortar?
Yes.
The effect is generally less dramatic than with white mortar, but it can still change the finished appearance.
Should I make a mortar sample first?
Yes, especially for appearance-sensitive masonry.
How much mortar does one 75 lb. bag make?
Yield varies based on sand proportion, joint dimensions, unit size, and waste.
Does Type S mortar need to cure?
Yes.
Mortar develops strength through cement hydration.
Can it be used in hot North Texas weather?
Yes, with appropriate hot-weather masonry practices.
How should TXI Gray Masonry Cement be stored?
Keep it completely dry, protected from rain and humidity, and stored off wet ground.
Is TXI Type S Gray Masonry Cement available in Dallas–Fort Worth?
Yes.
Outdoor Warehouse Supply carries it through our Plano and Lewisville locations.
