Building the block stand - the first course - to mortar or not to mortar?

[Danno7]

Hello, I built my foundation and took a lot of time making sure it was level and then smoothing it as the concrete cured. I almost have a polished surface as a result. I began stacking the blocks and found that the structure was plumb and level. Question: Is it totally necessary to mortar the first course if it appears that the blocks are stacking in a very orderly fashion? I ask because it would be nice to avoid spending this extra time (mortaring under the first course), so I can move to the next segment of the construction that much quicker. I plan on filling every other hole with rebar and concrete, regardless. Thanks to all!

[UtahBeehiver]

Not necessary to mortar first course. Are you drilling in the rebar to the slab?