Re: [DIY] RE: concrete and mortar respect

I've always used the words concrete and cement interchangeably - but last night learned the correct term is concrete.  Cement is an ingredient in concrete.  Never too late for old dogs........   Think I'll look up the terminology and components of mortar & grout, I know what they're used for just never thought about what the mix is.  And Carmen is right, the amount of "cement" is a vital element in any of these mixtures - depending on what you're doing.  I still like plaster for a lot of things but it's hard to store in this climate.  Years ago water troughs for livestock were carved from Tufa rock.  At some point someone worked out a formula -- and as peat moss was readily available -- it is "the" ingredient for Hypertufa.  Although the mix is the same, shredded paper is "the" ingredient for Papercrete - and makes a lighter product.  There is a forum just for Papercreters and what they do is amazing.  You can see the "green" homes they are building using this material.  I'm not familiar with using hypertufa for this but entirely possible.  The versatility is endless, from planters, sculptures, retaining walls & homes!  Google Papercrete Homes and you'll be surprised by what is being done.  

The bear is papercrete, the roses are concrete, and my favorite, the toes, are hypertufa.

e.