The secret of preparing a clay mortar for laying a stove that will not crack

Traditionally, clay mortar is used for laying stoves. It costs nothing, is resistant to heat, and reliably holds the masonry together, but only if properly prepared. Many people try to mix it using strict proportions of 1:3 or 1:4, as a result the frozen solution begins to crack or spill out, so novice craftsmen become disappointed in it and buy special expensive masonry mixtures. The fact is that clay and sand are different everywhere, so their proportions for the solution must be selected individually. Knowing one secret, it will not be difficult.

Materials:

clay;
sand;
water.

The process of mixing the correct clay solution

The clay for the solution must first be soaked in water. It is best to do this a day in advance. This is enough for all the lumps to dissolve.

To begin with, mixed clay and sand are mixed in a container in a ratio of 1:2.

After stirring everything to a homogeneous consistency, you need to scoop up the solution with a trowel and turn it over. If the lump does not fall off, then the amount of sand should be increased.It is added until the solution falls and streaks of it remain on the trowel. When this happens, it means that an optimal masonry mixture has been obtained that will not crumble or crack.

As you mix, you need to remember the amount of sand and clay used. Next time you can immediately use these proportions. As for the amount of water, this also requires individual calculation, since everything depends on the dryness of the material. As you knead, you can top it up at any time if necessary.