Differences between Sand Topping Mix and Cement Mortar

Similarly, mortar, or thinset mortar, is formulated using a combination of Portland cement and sand. With thinset mortar finer sand is used. 

Watch these videos on installing a shower mortar pan and tiling a shower stall.

Sand Topping Mix is made from a combination of Portland cement and a mixture of sand. Normally the specific concrete topping mix ratio for sand topping mix is three parts sand to one part Portland cement.

It is typically mixed with water to produce a stiff mud consistency. It is commonly used in the construction of floors for ceramic tiles, as well as used for filling material in masonry block cores and chimney construction.

It is easier to spread and creates a stronger strength shower floor base for laying ceramic tile. Thinset Mortar Mix Ratio Thinset mortar is used for actually applying ceramic tiles to a shower bed or walls. Thinset mortar is again a combination of Portland cement and a fine sand mixture, however, the mix ratio of sand to cement is different.

With thinset mortar the ratio of cement and sand is one to one. 

Thus it is a stickier mixture that produces better adhesion. It is either mixed with water or a special latex liquid additive to produce a thick slurry.