Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 30 Section 2 Introduction to Masonry the bag can be filled with grout to fill hollow cells of masonry units during the construction process. Mortar Stand and Mortar Boards A mortar stand is used to support a mortar board and mortar placed on top of the board when laying brick or concrete block. Figure 3‑11 shows a mortar stand made from tubular steel. It stands 30″ tall and eas- ily folds at the end of the day or when the job is done. Masons can also use two concrete blocks as a support device for a mortar board and mortar. The purpose of a mortar board is to hold mortar during the time a mason is laying brick or concrete block. A mortar board can be made of plywood, plas- tic, metal, or a composite of materials. Figure 3‑12A shows a mortar board made from impact and UV re- sistant polymer. The board has a slightly concaved sur- face to aid in keeping mortar and moisture centered on the board. This board is very rigid and water resistant. Figure 3‑12B shows a mortar board made of UV sta- bilized polyethylene. It is durable, and easy to clean. The board is very lightweight and dry mortar will not stick to it. 3.1.6 Measuring and Marking Tools Masons usually have two kinds of measuring tools—a folding rule and a retractable steel tape, Figure 3‑13. Folding Rules The 6′ folding rule is a standard tool used by masons. On the front side is the standard US customary mea- surement. On the reverse side is a scale for laying brick or block. The back side has special markings representing course heights for various unit sizes and joint thicknesses. A 6′ folding rule sometimes comes with a 6″ sliding scale on the first section for inside measurements. Timothy L. Andera Figure 3‑11. This mortar stand has larger pads formed into the tubular steel uprights to aid in balancing the board. The stand can be laid on its side to reduce the height when needed. It also has a chain between the legs to ensure that the stand does not open past its limits. A Timothy L. Andera Figure 3‑12. A—This polymer mortar board has a handle hole to aid in moving and storage. The size of the board is 24″ × 24″ and will hold up to 150 lb of material. B— This polyethylene board has a lip around the perimeter to aid in keeping mortar and liquid from running over the edge. B