Quikwall is increasingly becoming popular amongst builders due to its unique properties. First of all, it’s very easy to use, it creates a strong bond between concrete blocks and the finish is quite attractive.
One of the main features of Quikwall that attracts most people to it is that it can be used without mortar. That translates into a quicker construction process.
However, besides its many features, Quikwall is pretty expensive or it may not be available in nearby stores. As a result, you may be interested in exploring other alternatives.
I have scoured the market and below are several Quikwall alternatives that you may consider.
1. Sakrete
Sakrete is also a surface-bonding cement. And its Quikwall’s main competitor. Sakrete shares a lot of similar features with Quikwall.
For instance, both are fiberglass-reinforced and can be used on dry-stack and damp-proofing masonry walls.
Some notable differences include the fact that Sakrete is only available in gray or white, whereas, with Quikwall, you can add a wide variety of colors.
It’s important to mention that Sakrete surface bonding cement can withstand a pressure of 5,000 PSI. So, it’s a pretty durable solution.
2. ASH GROVE
Not many people know about ASH GROVE. But the few who do can tell you that it’s one of the best surface bonding cements on the market.
Apart from being a Quikwall alternative, it’s also the perfect substitute for regular stucco. ASH GROVE surface bonding cement is also fiber-reinforced.
And the best part is that it can be used over concrete blocks, stone, and even tiles. If you want to erect walls with superior structural strength, I would heavily recommend ASH GROVE.
Please note that ASH GROVE shares several similarities with Quikwall. It also doesn’t need the use of mortar. Both surface bonding cements are water resistant and they are ideal for building dry stack block walls.
3. Fiberwall Surface Bonding Cement
Here is another impressive Quikwall alternative that can be used on both new and existing masonry. Fiberwall is an alkali-resistant surface bonding cement just like Quikwall.
However, it comes with more unique features and properties. Fiberwall is known to beautify, strengthen and even restore masonry walls.
You can use it with concrete blocks, tile, and even traditional stucco. A feature I find most interesting about Fiberwall is that you can use it on both interiors and exteriors.
That’s not all. This Quikwall alternative is safe for use on potable water cisterns and it’s extremely resistant to cracking. I also would like to mention that Fiberwall surface bonding cement is a product of Damtite.
This is a company that has been around since 1953 and their products are known to be of the best quality.
4. Tenon
If you walk into a hardware store and find out that they don’t have Quikwall, don’t hesitate to inquire if they have Tenon surface bonding cement.
Just like ASH GROVE, Tenon is a hidden gem when it comes to surface bonding cement. But be as it may, it’s an excellent Quikwall alternative.
Whether you need to build concrete block walls, repair damaged stucco, or patch large holes, Tenon does a great job.
Once installed, Tenon is super durable and thanks to the presence of special fibers, it’s highly resistant to sagging.
One area where Quikwall outperforms Tenon is that the latter is only available in gray. That can be a drawback for builders who are interested in a colored finish.
5. Akona
Should you completely run out of Quikwall alternatives, Akona crack-resistant surface bonding cement is an option worth considering.
The reason I added it to this list is that it’s widely available. You can get it at Menards or any nearby big box store.
Akona, just like Quikwall is well known for its versatility. You can use it to bond concrete blocks and repair damaged stucco or walls. It’s very easy to use. All you need to do is add some water and mix it up.
Similar to most surface bonding cement on this list, Akona comprises special fibers that prevent shrinking after application. That means it will serve you for a long without many complications.
Additional Quikwall Alternatives You Can Consider
A pro tip I would like to share with you is that when looking into Quikwall alternatives, you don’t have to confine yourself only to surface bonding mortars from other manufacturers.
Other materials can help you accomplish the same goal which is to build mortarless concrete block walls. So, in your quest to find the best Quikwall alternatives, you can check out the following options;
• Concrete adhesives – Instead of using a surface bonding cement, you can instead use a concrete adhesive. Quikrete even has one. This is a type of glue that helps concrete blocks and stucco to bond together.
Other types of adhesives are polyurethane-based. These create a much stronger bond.
• Specialized concrete block interlocking systems – Did you know that some types of concrete blocks come with connectors? These usually don’t need mortar or adhesive.
The biggest drawback of these interlocking systems is that they are very expensive. And may not be ideal for building bigger walls.
• Dry-stack concrete blocks – This is just an advanced version of the above. These concrete blocks don’t need mortar to connect. They have unique shapes that allow you to fit one block after another.
Reasons Why You May Be Interested in Quikwall Alternatives
Now that you’re aware of the top 5 Quikwall alternatives, it’s only fair that I explain some of the reasons why you may be interested in such options, in the first place.
• Scarcity – It’s not all the time that you’ll find Quikwall at a nearby hardware store or your favorite online shop. In such instances, you have no option but to explore Quikwall alternatives.
• Search for better performance – From the list I have shared above, several surface bonding cements are way better than Quikwall. So, if you’re looking for better performance or durability, feel free to explore other options.
• Price – Quikwall surface bonding cement has lots of impressive features. But it’s not cheap! If you’re building concrete blocks on a budget, you may have no other option but to check out other alternatives.
• Familiarity – Even in construction, we all have our personal preferences. Some of you may prefer to use Quikwall because that’s what you’re used to. On the other hand, other people may lean more toward the alternatives.
Key Factors to Consider When Exploring Quikwall Alternatives
The other important bit that I would like to discuss before wrapping up this article is the key factors you must consider when exploring these Quikwall alternatives.
You shouldn’t just pick the first alternative that you come across. Here are some issues you need to heavily consider;
• The alternative must be mortarless – The main factor you should prioritize is that the surface bonding cement is mortarless. If it requires you to use mortar then it’s useless.
• Adhesive strength – The surface bonding cement must offer unrivaled adhesive strength and durability. That’s the only way you can be assured of the longevity of your building.
• Versatility – I would prefer a surface bonding cement that is compatible with not just concrete blocks but stucco and other types of masonry units. Versatility comes with convenience.
• Ease of use – Some Quikwall alternatives are very complicated in matters related to installation. It’s better to inquire how easy they are to use before you buy them. This mostly applies to DIY folk.