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Cost to Install a Mortar Base
Updated: January 2013
| Item | Quantity | Low | High |
| Mortar Base Cost Non-discounted retail cost for common, mid-grade mortar base. Quantity includes typical installation waste, fabrication overage, material for future repairs and delivery within 25 miles | 107 square feet | $750.45 | $1,011.99 |
| Mortar Base Labor Direct labor expenses to install mortar base. | 8.4 hours | $248.27 | $452.31 |
| Mortar Base Job Materials and Supplies Cost of supplies that may be required to install mortar base including: fabrication and polishing disposables, manufacturer recommended underlayment, fasteners, adhesives and surface sealants. | 100 square feet | $120.63 | $130.63 |
| Mortar Base Equipment Allowance Job related costs of specialty equipment used for job quality and efficiency, including: 5+ cuft heavy duty mortar box with mortar hoe. | $11.25 | $16.50 | |
| Totals - Cost to Install Mortar Base | 100 square feet | $1,130.60 | $1,611.43 |
| | Average cost per square foot | $11.31 | $16.11 |
Cost to Install a Mortar Base - 2013 Cost Calculator
The cost to Install a Mortar Base averages $11.31 - $16.11 per square foot in 2013. This Mortar Base Installation cost estimate is calculated from average material costs, unit labor producitivity rates and national average hourly labor wages. To refine the estimate for your Mortar Base Installation project:
1. Set Project Location Enter the location is where labor is hired and materials purchased.
2. Specify Project Size Enter the number of "square feet" required for the project.
3. Re-calculate Click the "Update" button.
Mortar Base Installation - Average Cost Per Square Foot
Expect to pay in the high end of the $11.31 - $16.11 per square foot range for a licensed, bonded and insured contractor and for complex or rush projects. Hire carefully, only after verifying prior work quality.
For the best value on Mortar Base Installation: combine related projects; get bids from several pros; and be flexible about project scheduling.
Cost to Install a Mortar Base - Notes and General Information
The cost estimate includes:
- Costs for local material / equipment delivery to and service provider transportation to and from the job site.
- Costs to prepare the worksite for Mortar Base Installation, including costs to protect existing structure(s), finishes, materials and components.
- Costs for job cleanup and debris removal at project completion.
- Labor setup time, mobilization time and minimum hourly charges that are commonly included for small Mortar Base Installation jobs.
The cost estimate does not include:
- General contractor fees for organizing and supervising the Mortar Base Installation. Add 12.1% to 19.3% to the total cost above if a general contractor will supervise this project.
- Sales tax on materials and supplies.
- Permit or inspection fees (or portion therof) required by your local building department for your overall project.
Cost to Install a Mortar Base - References
- Calculating Labor Costs The Journal of Light Construction, May 2006, Shawn McCadden
- The HUD PATH Rehab Guide Volume 2: Exterior Walls U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research, Mar 2011, Editorial Staff
- NKBA Kitchen Planner the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Jul 2012,
- Stone: Designing Kitchens, Baths and Interiors with Natural Stone Stewart, Tabori and Chang, Oct 2003, Heather Adams, ISBN 1584792906
