About Mortar Desk

Mortar Desk is a reference desk for building materials. Nominal versus actual sizes, sheet-metal gauges, span ratings, mortar types, fastener classes, coverage rates — the numbers you need before ordering, in one place.

We are not a contractor and we do not provide engineering advice. Work involving gas, structural elements or the main electrical supply belongs to a licensed trade, working to local code.

Specifications change and codes are local. We cite the standard behind a number so you can check it against the edition your inspector uses.