Bricklayer - How To Lay Bricks

Laying Bricks for The Layperson

This article is about how to lay bricks, written especially with the layperson in mind (no pun intended). Consider the situation fully: as simple as the manual labour side of it would appear to be, it is more than believable that many who have not laid a brick in their lives, do not know the vocabulary that exists only in the world of bricklaying, for example. But if, for whatever reason, you mean to express an interest in laying bricks and want a starting point on how to do it, let this article serve you in that respect. Don't expect step-by-step instructions and illustrations, but I hope that by the time you have finished reading it you will be satisfied that you have a confident basic knowledge of all the key consideration points.  

Building Foundations

You must appropriate proper consideration to the foundation before commencing any building project proper. By that I mean the nature of the ground that is going to be built on – however big or small your building project, flat ground is always the best option; but the impact of ground conditions should never be underestimated. The type of soil, the proximity of trees and drains, backfilled land, and even wind speed all factor here. In the case of strip foundations – just a strip of concrete placed in a trench – the absolute minimum thickness of the strip is 150mm.

Cavity Wall Construction

Cavity wall construction is a key thing to bear in mind when engaged in a bricklaying operation. The actual construction of a cavity wall is not without variation. However, in all cases (by the standards of Building Regulations Approved Document A), the leaves of a cavity must be no less than 90mm thick, with a minimum of 50mm cavity in between. A cavity wall has two skins, held together by wall ties that are built into the mortar bed of the bricks and blocks. If the cavity is between 50mm and 75mm wide the ties should be placed at a maximum of spacing of 900mm horizontally and 450mm vertically; whereas a cavity between 76mm and 100mm in width should recognise ties positioned at maximum intervals of 750mm horizontally and 450mm vertically. The ties should always slope towards the outer skin very slightly – this is to prevent moisture in the cavity being able to travel towards the inner wall.

Also, true bricklayers know of the many different kinds of brick.  

Bricklaying is a job which should be researched before you undertake the project.  Make sure you set everything out with a builders line before you start the job and for health and safety reasons make sure that you have all the bricks stacked up near to where you will be laying the bricks to prevent problems with strain and off course to cut down on the amount of un-necessary exertion.  Bricklaying is a strenuous enough task in any event without adding to your labour by having to travel backwards and forwards to gather bricks with every course you lay. 

Remember that primarily there are just a few essentials to bear in mind when laying bricks.  Ensure that your foundation of concrete is sufficient if there is not concrete or brick already in situ to lay your new bricks onto.  Ensure that the ground is of a sufficient standard to lay brick onto.  Ensure that your mortar mix is of the correct consistency to do the trick.  Check all instructions for mixing on your cement and sand mixture materials packaging.  Don’t lay brick in wet weather if you can avoid it and if you do have to lay brick in bad weather ensure that you cover over your work before you leave with a waterproof sheeting such as plastic covering with bricks on top to hold the plastic sheeting in place. 

More Bricklaying Tips

Ensure that your builders line is straight and that you follow it and constantly check it with a spirit level or plumb line.  Use half bricks at the end of lines or turn a corner with a half brick. 

Bricklaying - A Word of Warning

Bricklaying and laying bricks is certainly not beyond the realms of possibility for a homeowner to accomplish but a layperson should avoid undertaking large bricklaying projects without a fair bit of practice on the smaller bricklaying jobs.  Experienced bricklayers have often spent several years learning their trade either ‘on the tools’ or in an educational establishment.  Bricklaying is therefore not a trade which should be undertaken on a major scale without some considerable practice.  Start off building small things which make good practice such as ‘barbecue bases’ and the like before you move on to building houses.