Hot take: old timer told me mortar mix is overrated

Was working a small retaining wall job in Portland last week. This 70 year old guy walks up and says "just use dirt and lime like we did in the 80s." Laughed it off but he was dead serious. Explained how it sets slower but cracks way less. Now I gotta try it on a test patch. Anyone actually done this old school method?

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1 Comment

theabarnes1mo ago

Honestly, are we really gatekeeping mortar mix now? Like, cool story grandpa but there's a reason we don't use dirt and lime anymore. I get that old school methods have their charm but calling mortar mix overrated is wild. It's literally the standard for a reason. You do you on that test patch but I bet it crumbles or takes forever to set right. Just saying.