Portland cement and masonry cement are similar, but they are not the same thing. There are many different blends of cement powder and which one you buy depends on the type of work being done with that cement. Some cements are have a lot of admixtures added for a host of reasons from easier placement to enhanced strength. Some cement, like portland cement, is a basic mix that is strong.

Both have similar base ingredients, one being limestone, but the masonry cement has additives in the mix that help with water-permeability and bonding also making it more flexible than portland cement. These qualities of masonry cement make it ideal for stucco work and for the mortar joints in brick laying. Portland cement is too strong and not flexible enough to be used for these applications.

Portland cement is better used for building things and making concrete when strength is needed. It can be used as a cement mortar mix and in a concrete mix. Portland cement has a finished strength up to 5000 psi whereas masonry cement finished strength is only about 1000 psi. Concrete slabs, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and patios are a few examples of things that require strength over flexibility and would all be constructed using concrete made with portland cement.

Referral links to products featured in Creating Concrete videos - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

https://amzn.to/3VIEmDX – universal mold release

https://amzn.to/3TQ9e30 – silicone mold release

https://amzn.to/3J7Q2II – sonite sealing wax

https://amzn.to/43H3cpO – powdered concrete pigments

https://amzn.to/4cDYz3T – Quikcrete red pigment

https://amzn.to/4cIlDOK – Quikcrete brown pigment

https://amzn.to/43EuVHL – Quikcrete charcoal pigment

https://amzn.to/4cyIKeG – bulk acrylic paint set

https://amzn.to/4aB9oBU – airbrush and compressor kit

https://amzn.to/3J0MLee – Quikcrete bonding adhesive (PVA)

https://amzn.to/3xlzwlW – Quikcrete bonding adhesive 4L (PVA)

https://amzn.to/4aiGGGg – Sika acrylic fortifier 4L

https://amzn.to/3U29Y6c – high range water reducer

https://amzn.to/3vqjdUw – Drylok hydraulic cement

https://amzn.to/3J3aDhv – Bosch mortar mixing drill

https://amzn.to/4aiwQUS – 4.5" diamond cup wheel

https://amzn.to/4aisWvb – mortar mixing paddle whip

https://amzn.to/49nsDOq – Budget mortar mixer and paddle

https://amzn.to/4cFsYPi – 5 gallon mixing bucket

https://amzn.to/4ayjR1z – Sea sponge set for texturing

https://amzn.to/3xvpE96 – Masonry / grout sponges

https://amzn.to/3TGrZ8H – Marshalltown margin trowel (rubber grip)

https://amzn.to/3VEhntP – Marshalltown margin trowel (wood grip)

https://amzn.to/3xujXbx – Marshalltown point trowel (rubber grip)

https://amzn.to/3TCp9Se – Marshalltown point trowel (wood grip)

https://amzn.to/4ale5A4 – Marshalltown 12" square trowel

https://amzn.to/4aEsUNI – 16" pool trowel set

https://amzn.to/4avz2Is – fine sponge float

https://amzn.to/3TGModV – fiberglass reinforcement 3/4" strands

https://amzn.to/4cEd87w – alkalai resistant chopped glass fibers 3/4"

https://amzn.to/3J0YzNR – perlite 4 cubic foot bag (coarse)

https://amzn.to/3xiCYxI – vermiculite 4 cubic foot bag (coarse)

https://amzn.to/43H2xV8 – Aircrete FM-160 liquid foam maker

https://amzn.to/4aHPFk9 – RTV 100% silicone (10 pack)

https://amzn.to/3VKbWcS – Smooth-On Vytaflex 30 urethane rubber

https://amzn.to/3xiEhg6 – Smooth-On skin safe liquid silicone rubber

https://amzn.to/3vtmang – interlock stone mold

https://amzn.to/3VE04cj – slate texture skin

https://amzn.to/3J0QEAb – bluestone texture skin

https://amzn.to/3xmZfdR – basalt texture skin

https://amzn.to/4aFjSQE – Variable speed wet grinder step sanding kit

https://amzn.to/43I090s – 4.5 cubic foot cement barrel mixer 0.5hp

#creatingconcrete #cement #concrete