Bricks and mortar: What’s involved with DIY bricklaying

When it comes to the smaller projects – such as garden walls, barbecues and brick fence work - you might choose to undertake the job yourself. Regardless of the type of project you have in mind, having the right tools for the job and at least a basic knowledge of bricklaying methods (and safety) will go a long way towards a successful end result. Discover the ins and outs of DIY bricklaying right here.

Laying bricks: The preparation

If you intend to do brickwork yourself make sure you’re prepared for the job. Several TAFE and community colleges run one-day classes for DIY projects, which is great if you are attempting something for the first time. Look into one of these options for qualified, practical advice before you start.

In addition to academic tools, you need to ensure that you have all the physical tools required for laying bricks. These include:

• A shovel
• Cement mixer
• A trowel
• Spirit level
• A stringline and pointing tool

Mortar products vary, and using the correct material is critical to the overall success of your project. Mortar mix requirements will differ depending on your location and the strength needed for your construction.

It’s vitally important that you mix mortar exactly to the manufacturer’s specifications and equally important to mix only small amounts as you go. Mixing too large a quantity can cause wastage; if you’re doing the job alone, mortar can easily go off before you have chance to use it. It’s also best not to mix in any additional chemicals or other additives without first checking with the manufacturer’s guide.

DIY tips: Setting your brickwork

Almost all brickwork is built on a concrete slab or footing. Set up your stringline along the full length of your wall and peg and secure it on either side of your slab or footing. Be sure to get your stringline straight as this will determine how tidy your brickwork will be. Once you’ve secured your stringline you should lay out your brinks, without mortar, along the slab and in line with the string to establish how many you will need for your first course. No mortar is used at this stage and your bricks should be about 10mm apart.

Once you’ve established the details of your first course you can then begin laying your bricks. Spread a 10mm thick layer of mortar along your footing to about the length of five or six bricks. Place your first brick in position along the stringline and begin laying the rest of the bricks. As you build, you should build up both ends of your wall to about one metre in height and then fill in the middle section.

Use your spirit level regularly throughout the building process to make sure your wall is straight. Once your wall is complete you can use your finishing tools to give your wall a nice uniform appearance.

Whilst these tips are certainly useful, basic training at least should be sought before undertaking DIY bricklaying. Thorough preparation – while carrying out the work and before the job starts – should ensure that the end result is the one required.