refmix vs. fireclay mortar Newbie Forum Discuss refmix vs. fireclay mortar in the Good Background Information forums; I'm about to start building my tuscan and am so excited. But I want to do it right the first ...

[firewex]

I'm about to start building my tuscan and am so excited. But I want to do it right the first time. I have fireclay and cement but no lime for fireclay mortar. How important is the lime in the mix and will this mix be sufficient for heating up and sustaining the heat for my backyard oven.

[staestc]

I am no expert, but it is my understanding that the addition of lime to mortar in general increases the flexibility of the mortar. The expansion and contraction of the bricks when heated and cooled causes movement, and mortars with lime in them are able to flex with this movement without cracking. Mortar with lime is usually more workable as well, from what I have read.

There may be other reasons, that I am not aware of.

Travis