Mortar Type S Cost & Calculator

Type S mortar is a high-strength masonry mortar designed for structural and below-grade applications. Its superior bond strength and resistance to soil pressure and wind loads make it the standard choice for retaining walls, foundations, and exterior masonry.

Unit Price

$12.00

per 80-lb bag

Labor Cost

$15.00

per 80-lb bag

Durability

50

years lifespan

Sustainability

2/5

Below Average

Category: Masonry
Range: $8.00 – $16.00/80-lb bag
Waste Factor: 10%
Avg Project: $600

Material estimate workflow

Estimate Mortar Type S Cost Before You Order or Compare Bids

Step 1

Price Mortar Type S by the right unit

Start with the measured quantity in 80-lb bags, then compare the current unit range of $8.00 to $16.00 per 80-lb bag.

Step 2

Add waste, labor, and install accessories

Apply the default 10% waste factor, then include labor, fasteners, trim, adhesives, delivery, rental tools, and other project-specific accessories.

Step 3

Use the result to check written bids

Compare the calculator result against supplier units and contractor line items, then verify code, permit, and site-condition assumptions before ordering.

Contractor Takeoff Notes

How to Budget Mortar Type S Without Missing Hidden Costs

Mortar Type S should be budgeted as a complete installed assembly, not only as a commodity unit price. Quantity, waste, labor, local supply, code requirements, and the accessories needed for installation drive the final project cost.

$2,997

sample total for 111 80-lb bags

Price drivers

  • +Unit price ranges from $8.00 to $16.00 per 80-lb bag, with $12.00 as the national midpoint used in this calculator.
  • +Labor is modeled at $15.00 per 80-lb bag, but local contractor rates and project access can move that number sharply.
  • +The default 10% waste factor covers typical cuts and field losses; complex layouts need a larger buffer.

Ordering checks

  • +Measure the installed quantity in 80-lb bags before adding waste or accessories.
  • +Confirm grade, thickness, profile, warranty, and code requirements before comparing quotes.
  • +Price delivery, fasteners, adhesives, trim, reinforcement, disposal, and rental equipment separately.

Quote risks

  • !A low material price can still produce an expensive job when labor, accessories, or rework are missing from the estimate.
  • !Regional supply shortages, minimum delivery charges, and permit requirements can change the final installed cost.

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Mortar Type S Cost Calculator

1 80-lb bag1,000 80-lb bags

Order quantity: 111 80-lb bags (100 + 10% waste)

Material Cost

$1,332

incl. $132 waste buffer

Labor Cost

$1,665

Total Estimated Cost

$2,997

Based on 111 80-lb bags at $12.00/80-lb bag + $15.00/80-lb bag labor. Actual costs vary by location and supplier.

Specifications

Compressive Strength1,800 psi minimum
Yield~12 standard bricks per bag
Set Time24–48 hours
Bond StrengthHigh lateral load resistance

Price Comparison with Alternatives

MaterialPriceDurabilitySustainabilityCost/Year
Mortar Type S (current)$12.00/80-lb bag50 yrs2/5$0.24
Mortar Mix (Type S)$6.00/80-lb bag50 yrs3/5$0.12
Thin-Set Mortar$18.00/50-lb bag50 yrs3/5$0.36
Tile Grout$15.00/25-lb bag20 yrs3/5$0.75

Cost/Year = unit price divided by expected lifespan. Lower cost/year indicates better long-term value. Note: units may differ between materials.

Best Uses

  • Exterior masonry
  • Below-grade walls
  • Retaining walls
  • Stone veneer

Material Details

Average Project Cost

$600

Typical project using this material

Sustainability Rating

Below Average — consider greener alternatives

Waste Factor

10%

Order 10% extra to account for cuts, breakage, and fitting

Mortar Type S: Complete Buying Guide 2026

Type S mortar is a high-strength masonry mortar designed for structural and below-grade applications. Its superior bond strength and resistance to soil pressure and wind loads make it the standard choice for retaining walls, foundations, and exterior masonry. In 2026, mortar type s prices average $12.00 per 80-lb bag, with a typical range of $8.00 to $16.00 depending on your region, supplier relationships, and order quantity.

When budgeting for a project using mortar type s, factor in approximately 10% additional material for waste, plus labor costs averaging $15.00 per 80-lb bag for professional installation. A typical project using this material runs approximately $600 including both materials and labor.

With an expected lifespan of 50 years, mortar type s represents a cost of approximately $0.24 per 80-lb bag per year of service life. This exceptional longevity makes it one of the most cost-effective materials when measured over its full lifespan.

For searchers comparing bids, the key number is not only the shelf price. The installed cost for mortar type s depends on accessory materials, waste, job access, minimum order size, delivery, regional labor rates, and whether the project needs permit or code-driven upgrades. This page combines the HammerIO material database with 2026 cost modeling, contractor takeoff assumptions, and public construction cost references.

More Masonry Materials

Mortar Mix (Type S)

$6.00/80-lb bag

50 yrs lifespan • Sustainability: 3/5

Concrete Pavers

$4.00/sq ft

50 yrs lifespan • Sustainability: 3/5

Stucco (Traditional)

$8.00/sq ft

50 yrs lifespan • Sustainability: 3/5

Methodology & Data Sources — Mortar Type S Cost Data

How we calculate Mortar Type S costs: Our pricing model combines the HammerIO material database, RSMeans-style construction assemblies, EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing guidance for sustainability ratings, DOE Building Technologies Office benchmarks for energy-related materials, and contractor takeoff assumptions. Unit prices are reviewed quarterly and cross-checked against common supplier ranges where available.

  1. Unit price ($12.00/80-lb bag): National midpoint estimate for mid-market grade materials sourced through standard supply channels.
  2. Average project cost ($600): Derived from material quantity, labor allowance, waste, and typical residential/light commercial installation assumptions.
  3. Waste factor (10%): Per NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) construction waste estimation guidelines, accounting for cuts, breakage, and field adjustments.
  4. Durability (50 years): Lifespan estimates sourced from HUD Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guide and manufacturer warranty data aggregated by DOE ORNL.
  5. Sustainability rating (2/5): Composite score from EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing criteria, including embodied carbon, recyclability, and VOC emissions per LEED v4.1 thresholds.

Disclaimer: Construction material prices vary significantly by region, supplier, project volume, and market conditions. The figures shown represent national averages and should be used for budgeting and comparison purposes only. Always obtain local contractor quotes before committing to a project budget.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 31, 2026 · Pricing sourced from the HammerIO 2026 material database, RSMeans-style assemblies, public agency guidance, and contractor takeoff assumptions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does mortar type s cost in 2026?
Mortar Type S costs an average of $12.00 per 80-lb bag in 2026. Prices range from $8.00 to $16.00 per 80-lb bag depending on your location, supplier, and quantity purchased. A typical project using mortar type s costs approximately $600.
How long does mortar type s last?
Mortar Type S has an expected lifespan of approximately 50 years when properly installed and maintained. Actual durability depends on climate exposure, installation quality, and maintenance practices. This is considered a very long-lasting material that often outlasts the building itself.
What is mortar type s used for?
Mortar Type S is commonly used for Exterior masonry, Below-grade walls, Retaining walls, Stone veneer. It falls in the Masonry category of construction materials. Type S mortar is a high-strength masonry mortar designed for structural and below-grade applications. Its superior bond strength and resistance to soil pressure and wind loads make it the standard choice for retaining walls, foundations, and exterior masonry.
How much waste should I plan for with mortar type s?
Plan for approximately 10% waste when ordering mortar type s. For a project requiring 100 80-lb bags of material, you should order 111 80-lb bags to account for cuts, breakage, and fitting. Waste factors vary by project complexity and installer experience.
What are alternatives to mortar type s?
Common alternatives to Mortar Type S include Mortar Mix (Type S), Thin-Set Mortar, Tile Grout. Each alternative offers different trade-offs in terms of cost, durability, and performance. Mortar Mix (Type S) costs $6.00 per 80-lb bag and lasts approximately 50 years.
Is mortar type s sustainable?
Mortar Type S has a sustainability rating of 2 out of 5 (Below Average). This material has a higher environmental impact. Consider eco-friendly alternatives if sustainability is a priority for your project.

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