About TXI Type S White Mortar Mix
TXI Type S White Mortar Mix is a pre-blended, contractor-grade masonry mortar designed for brick, block, stone, glass block, tuckpointing, and other masonry applications where a white mortar joint is desired.
Unlike Portland Cement or masonry cement, this product already contains the properly proportioned dry ingredients needed to make mortar.
Simply add the appropriate amount of water and mix.
Current TXI product instructions describe the product as a blend of:
- White cement
- Lime
- Sand
- Special additives
and state that it meets ASTM C270 requirements for Type S mortar when used as directed.
| Product Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Product Name | TXI Type S White Mortar Mix |
| Brand | TXI |
| Product Type | Pre-Blended Masonry Mortar |
| Mortar Type | Type S |
| Color | White |
| Bag Size | 50 Lb. |
| Mixing Requirement | Add water only |
| Contains Sand | Yes |
| Primary Uses | Brick, block, stone, glass block, tuckpointing |
| Applications | Above and below grade |
| Service Area | Dallas–Fort Worth and North Texas |
What Is TXI Type S White Mortar Mix?
TXI Type S White Mortar Mix is a complete dry mortar mixture.
It is different from products such as:
- White Portland Cement
- White Masonry Cement
- Gray Masonry Cement
because the masonry sand is already included.
That means installers do not need to separately proportion cement, lime, and sand on the jobsite.
The basic process is:
- Open the bag.
- Add the recommended amount of clean water.
- Mix until a workable mortar consistency is achieved.
- Install.
Just Add Water
One of the biggest advantages of TXI Type S White Mortar Mix is convenience.
The dry ingredients have already been blended at the factory.
According to TXI’s product instructions, approximately 3.5 quarts of water per 50 lb. bag is used as a starting point, with small adjustments made as needed to achieve a workable consistency.
Avoid making the mortar excessively wet.
Too much water can negatively affect:
- Strength
- Durability
- Shrinkage
- Cracking
- Finished color
- Workability after placement
What Does Type S Mortar Mean?
Type S is a relatively high-strength masonry mortar classification.
It is commonly used where greater strength and bond performance are desired than with lighter-duty mortar classifications.
TXI’s current instructions state that this product meets ASTM C270 requirements for Type S mortar when used as directed and lists a 28-day compressive strength of approximately 1,800 psi in its technical data.
The actual masonry assembly still depends on:
- Masonry units
- Joint thickness
- Installation quality
- Substrate
- Weather
- Curing
- Structural design
What Is in TXI Type S White Mortar Mix?
TXI documentation identifies the product as a mixture of:
- White cement
- Lime
- Sand
- Special additives
Because the product is factory blended, these ingredients are already proportioned for the intended mortar type.
Why Use Pre-Blended Mortar?
Pre-blended mortar provides several jobsite advantages.
More Consistent Proportions
The dry ingredients are blended before packaging, reducing variation between batches.
Faster Mixing
There is no need to separately measure:
- Cement
- Lime
- Sand
Cleaner Jobsite
Fewer separate materials need to be stored and handled.
Easier Color Consistency
For exposed white mortar joints, consistent dry ingredients can help reduce variation between batches.
Water quantity and mixing technique should still remain consistent.
Why Choose White Mortar?
White mortar is often selected when the mortar joint is intended to complement or contrast with the masonry.
It works especially well with:
- White limestone
- Cream limestone
- Light brick
- Buff brick
- Natural stone
- Marble
- Architectural masonry
The lighter joint color can create a cleaner and brighter finished appearance than traditional gray mortar.
TXI White Type S Mortar for Natural Stone
TXI White Type S Mortar can be used for laying natural stone where a white mortar joint is desired. TXI specifically identifies stone among the product’s intended masonry applications.
It can pair well with:
- Austin White Limestone
- Lueders stone
- Light-colored chop stone
- Natural building stone
- Flagstone masonry
- Architectural stone veneer
The exact installation should still match the stone type and project design.
TXI White Mortar for Brick
The product is suitable for laying brick.
A white mortar joint can dramatically affect the finished appearance of brick masonry.
With darker brick, white mortar can create strong contrast.
With lighter brick, it can create a softer, more uniform appearance.
TXI White Mortar for Concrete Block
TXI also identifies concrete block as a suitable application.
Depending on the project, white mortar may be chosen for:
- Architectural block
- Decorative CMU
- Exposed masonry
- Specialty installations
TXI White Mortar for Glass Block
Glass block is specifically included in TXI’s product instructions.
White mortar is often visually preferred with glass block because the bright joint complements the transparent or translucent masonry units.
TXI White Mortar for Tuckpointing
TXI Type S White Mortar may also be used for tuckpointing and mortar-joint repair where Type S mortar is appropriate.
TXI’s instructions specifically identify tuckpointing as an application.
For historic or older masonry, however, contractors should verify that Type S is appropriate before repointing.
A mortar that is excessively hard relative to older masonry units can create problems.
Can It Be Used Above Grade?
Yes.
TXI identifies the product for masonry applications above grade.
Examples may include:
- Walls
- Columns
- Veneers
- Landscape masonry
- Architectural stonework
Can It Be Used Below Grade?
Yes.
Current TXI/OWS product information also identifies it for below-grade masonry applications.
Actual below-grade installations should still follow project specifications and appropriate waterproofing or drainage requirements.
TXI Type S White Mortar vs. White Portland Cement
| TXI Type S White Mortar Mix | White Portland Cement |
|---|---|
| Complete pre-blended mortar | Cement ingredient |
| Sand already included | Sand must be added |
| Add water only | Requires mix design |
| Type S mortar formulation | Type I Portland Cement |
| Designed specifically for masonry | Used in many cementitious applications |
| Faster jobsite preparation | More flexibility for custom mixes |
This is one of the most important distinctions for customers.
If someone wants a ready-to-mix mortar, TXI Type S White Mortar Mix is typically much easier than starting with White Portland Cement.
TXI Type S White Mortar vs. White Masonry Cement
| TXI Type S White Mortar Mix | White Masonry Cement |
|---|---|
| Complete mortar mix | Cementitious binder |
| Sand included | Sand must be added |
| Add water only | Requires masonry sand |
| Factory-proportioned | Jobsite proportioning required |
| Convenient for smaller jobs | Useful for larger/custom mortar production |
Masonry cement should not be confused with mortar mix.
TXI Type S White Mortar vs. Gray Mortar
| White Type S Mortar | Gray Type S Mortar |
|---|---|
| White finished joint | Traditional gray joint |
| Excellent with light masonry | Common general-purpose appearance |
| Good base for architectural work | Less color-sensitive |
| Highlights joint pattern | More neutral industrial appearance |
The primary difference is appearance rather than simply assuming one color is stronger.
Does the Mortar Already Contain Sand?
Yes.
TXI’s instructions identify sand as one of the ingredients, and your current OWS product page describes it as containing properly graded masonry sand.
Customers do not need to add masonry sand to the normal mix.
Does the Mortar Already Contain Lime?
Yes.
TXI’s documented formulation includes lime.
That means customers should not normally need to separately add lime when following the product instructions.
How Much Water Should Be Added?
TXI’s historical product instructions recommend starting with approximately:
3.5 quarts of water per 50 lb. bag.
Water should be added gradually until the mortar reaches the appropriate workable consistency.
Always follow the current bag instructions because formulations or recommendations can change.
Why Shouldn’t You Add Too Much Water?
Excess water may make mortar easier to spread initially, but it can negatively affect the finished product.
Too much water can contribute to:
- Reduced strength
- Shrinkage
- Cracking
- Color variation
- Excessive porosity
A workable mortar should not become soupy.
Can TXI White Mortar Be Colored?
Pigments may be used in some mortar systems, but a jobsite pigment should only be added when compatible with the mortar and project specifications.
Because the starting mortar is white, it can provide a useful base for certain lighter mortar colors.
When color consistency is important:
- Measure pigment accurately
- Measure water accurately
- Use consistent mixing times
- Make test batches
Does Water Amount Affect Mortar Color?
Yes.
Water content can influence:
- Surface texture
- Drying
- Curing
- Finished color
For visible architectural mortar, consistent water quantities between batches are important.
Does Sand Color Affect This Mortar?
Much less than with a jobsite-blended mortar because the sand is already included in the TXI mixture.
This is another advantage of the premixed product.
The factory blend helps reduce color changes caused by switching between different local sand sources.
How Is TXI Type S White Mortar Mixed?
A typical process is:
- Place the dry mix in a mortar box, wheelbarrow, or mechanical mixer.
- Add most of the required clean water.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Add small amounts of additional water only if needed.
- Continue mixing until an even workable consistency is achieved.
TXI’s instructions specifically allow mixing in a mortar box, wheelbarrow, or mechanical mixer.
Can Mortar Be Retempered?
TXI’s instructions caution that retempering impairs performance.
Contractors should avoid repeatedly adding water to mortar that has already begun to set.
Mix quantities that can be used within the appropriate working time.
When Should Mortar Joints Be Tooled?
TXI recommends tooling the mortar joint when the surface becomes thumbprint hard.
Tooling at the correct time can improve:
- Joint appearance
- Joint density
- Weather resistance
- Consistency
Does Type S Mortar Need to Cure?
Yes.
Mortar develops its properties through cement hydration.
Proper curing helps the mortar gain:
- Strength
- Bond
- Durability
Fresh masonry should be protected from excessively rapid drying, freezing, and severe weather.
Can TXI Type S White Mortar Be Used in Hot Weather?
Yes, but hot-weather masonry requires additional care.
TXI notes that cool water can help slow setting in hot conditions and recommends maintaining adequate moisture during curing when necessary.
North Texas heat can increase:
- Water evaporation
- Mortar stiffening
- Surface drying
Mix smaller batches when conditions require it.
Can TXI Type S White Mortar Be Used in Cold Weather?
Yes, with proper precautions.
TXI recommends protecting newly installed material from freezing for at least the initial curing period and notes that warmer mixing water may accelerate setting in cold conditions.
Cold-weather masonry should follow applicable construction practices.
What Is the Approximate Coverage?
TXI’s product instructions estimate that one 50 lb. bag can lay approximately:
| Masonry Unit | Approximate Coverage per 50 Lb. Bag |
|---|---|
| 6″ Block | ~35 blocks |
| 8″ Block | ~31 blocks |
| 12″ Block | ~17 blocks |
These estimates assume approximately a 3/8″ mortar joint.
Actual coverage varies due to:
- Joint size
- Stone shape
- Masonry-unit size
- Joint depth
- Installation technique
- Waste
- Spillage
Natural stone coverage can vary substantially more than uniform block.
Is Type S Mortar Good for Stone Veneer?
TXI identifies brick and stone veneer among the applications for its Type S White Mortar Mix.
However, manufactured veneer systems should follow the veneer manufacturer’s installation requirements because some systems specify particular mortars or polymer-modified setting materials.
Is Type S Mortar Good for Retaining Walls?
It can be used in appropriately designed masonry walls, but the mortar itself does not make a retaining wall structurally adequate.
Retaining walls may require:
- Footings
- Reinforcement
- Drainage
- Engineering
- Proper masonry units
Structural design requirements must still be followed.
How Should TXI Mortar Mix Be Stored?
Keep unopened bags:
- Dry
- Off the ground
- Protected from rain
- Protected from humidity
- In intact packaging
TXI’s instructions call for storing the material in a dry place and protecting it from moisture.
Can a Wet or Hardened Bag Be Used?
If moisture enters the bag and the mortar begins chemically hardening, its performance may be compromised.
Hard, moisture-formed lumps are a sign that the cementitious ingredients may have begun reacting.
Compromised material should not be relied upon for structural or appearance-critical masonry.
Safety When Using TXI Mortar Mix
Cementitious mortar is alkaline.
Dry powder can irritate:
- Eyes
- Skin
- Respiratory passages
Wet mortar can cause skin irritation or chemical burns with prolonged exposure.
Use appropriate:
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Long sleeves
- Work boots
- Dust protection when appropriate
Always follow the current product label and Safety Data Sheet.
Pros & Cons of TXI Type S White Mortar Mix
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete pre-blended mortar | Costs more than blending raw ingredients on some large jobs |
| Just add water | Water must still be measured carefully |
| White finished appearance | White joints can show dirt more readily |
| Sand already included | Less flexibility than custom jobsite mortar blends |
| Lime already included | Type S is not appropriate for every historic masonry application |
| Consistent factory blend | Requires dry storage |
| Type S strength classification | Excess water can reduce performance |
| Good for brick, block and stone | Cementitious dust requires safe handling |
| Helps improve batch-to-batch color consistency | Natural stone coverage is difficult to predict exactly |
TXI Type S White Mortar Mix in Dallas–Fort Worth Masonry
TXI Type S White Mortar Mix is an excellent option for Dallas–Fort Worth masons, contractors, builders, and homeowners who want a ready-to-mix white masonry mortar without having to separately purchase and proportion cement, lime, and sand.
The 50 lb. pre-blended bags are especially useful for:
- Limestone masonry
- Chop-stone walls
- Brick
- Concrete block
- Stone veneer
- Glass block
- Tuckpointing
- Architectural masonry
Outdoor Warehouse Supply carries TXI Type S White Mortar Mix in 50 lb. bags through our Plano and Lewisville locations.
Industry Contractor & Wholesale Pricing
Outdoor Warehouse Supply offers industry contractor and wholesale pricing for qualifying masons, landscape contractors, builders, hardscape installers, masonry contractors, commercial contractors, property managers, and other industry buyers.
Contractors can source TXI Type S White Mortar Mix alongside White Portland Cement, Mason Sand, masonry stone, chop stone, flagstone, tools, and other masonry supplies throughout Dallas–Fort Worth and North Texas.
Contact our Plano or Lewisville sales staff for current quantities and pallet availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TXI Type S White Mortar Mix?
It is a pre-blended white Type S masonry mortar containing cementitious materials and sand. Customers normally only need to add water.
What size bag does OWS carry?
Outdoor Warehouse Supply currently lists it in a 50 lb. bag.
Do I need to add sand?
No.
The product already contains properly graded sand.
Do I need to add lime?
No under normal use.
TXI’s documented formulation already includes lime.
What do I add to TXI Type S White Mortar Mix?
Normally, just clean water.
How much water should I add?
TXI instructions list approximately 3.5 quarts per 50 lb. bag as a starting amount. Follow the current bag instructions and adjust carefully for workable consistency.
What does Type S mean?
Type S is a higher-strength masonry mortar classification commonly used for above- and below-grade masonry where that mortar type is appropriate.
Does TXI Type S White Mortar meet ASTM requirements?
TXI documentation states that the product meets ASTM C270 requirements for Type S mortar when used as directed.
What is the compressive strength?
TXI’s published technical data lists approximately 1,800 psi at 28 days for the documented 50 lb. product.
Can TXI White Mortar be used for natural stone?
Yes.
TXI specifically identifies stone among its intended applications.
Is it good for limestone?
Yes.
Its white appearance can pair particularly well with white, cream, buff, and light-colored limestone.
Can it be used for brick?
Yes.
Can it be used for concrete block?
Yes.
Can it be used for glass block?
Yes.
Glass block is specifically listed in TXI’s instructions.
Can TXI Type S White Mortar be used for tuckpointing?
Yes, where Type S mortar is appropriate for the existing masonry.
Can it be used above grade?
Yes.
Can it be used below grade?
Yes, in appropriate masonry applications.
Is TXI Type S White Mortar the same as White Portland Cement?
No.
White Portland Cement is a binder that requires additional ingredients. TXI Mortar Mix already contains the dry ingredients needed for mortar.
Is TXI Mortar Mix the same as White Masonry Cement?
No.
White Masonry Cement still requires sand. TXI Mortar Mix already contains sand.
Can I add extra sand to TXI Mortar Mix?
Normally no.
Doing so changes the factory-designed proportions and can affect performance and color.
Can I add extra cement?
Normally no.
The product is already proportioned as a complete mortar mix.
Can I add pigment?
Compatible pigments may be possible for custom mortar colors, but follow pigment and project specifications carefully and create a test batch first.
Does water amount affect the finished color?
Yes.
Consistent water and mixing procedures help produce more consistent exposed mortar joints.
How much does one 50 lb. bag cover?
TXI lists approximately 35 six-inch blocks, 31 eight-inch blocks, or 17 twelve-inch blocks with approximately 3/8″ joints. Actual coverage varies.
Does the mortar need to cure?
Yes.
Cementitious mortar develops strength through hydration and requires proper curing conditions.
Can it be used in hot North Texas weather?
Yes, but additional hot-weather precautions may be necessary to control evaporation and setting.
Can it be used in cold weather?
Yes, provided fresh masonry is properly protected from freezing and applicable cold-weather practices are followed.
Can I add water again after the mortar starts setting?
TXI cautions against retempering because it can impair performance.
How should TXI Mortar Mix be stored?
Keep bags dry, protected from moisture, and off wet ground.
Is TXI Type S White Mortar Mix available in Dallas–Fort Worth?
Yes. Outdoor Warehouse Supply carries it through our Plano and Lewisville locations.
