Vermiculite or Perlite?

[martin_80x]

Hi, I'm about to start building the heart and I would like to know if is any difference between the two.
Thanks.

[david s]

Re: Vermiculite or Perlite?

Perlite is a better insulator although once you add cement the difference is marginal. I prefer vermiculite to mix because it mixes up better than perlite and doesn't contain that fine irritating dust that perlite does. I find a 50/50 mix of vermiculite and perlite makes up a more workable mix than either of them alone.

[martin_80x]

Re: Vermiculite or Perlite?

Perlite is a better insulator although once you add cement the difference is marginal. I prefer vermiculite to mix because it mixes up better than perlite and doesn't contain that fine irritating dust that perlite does. I find a 50/50 mix of vermiculite and perlite makes up a more workable mix than either of them alone.

Thanks!
I found both in a plant nursery, and I think I will go for a 50/50mix.

[martin_80x]

Re: Vermiculite or Perlite?

although once you add cement the difference is marginal.

To do the heart, I thought I was supposed to mix the perlite with concrete, now I'm confused

[david s]

Re: Vermiculite or Perlite?

To do the heart, I thought I was supposed to mix the perlite with concrete, now I'm confused

Cement is the grey powdery stuff. Concrete is a mix of cement, sand and aggregate

[texman]

Re: Vermiculite or Perlite?

you want portland cement for your mix-Type 1. you can get it at home depot/lowes.

Mix it in large pans or wheelbarrow at about 6:1 (vemi/per to portland) I will have to look at the water required, but enough to make it sticky like oatmeal is how i did it. HTH

Texman

[Calisdad]

Re: Vermiculite or Perlite?

I found perlite to be half the cost of vermiculite. YMMV