Master the art of bricklaying like a seasoned professional. Read our straightforward advice and learn to lay bricks while avoiding common DIY mistakes.
Laying bricks is a handy skill that can help you with an array of DIY projects.
Whether you’re building a garden wall, an entire house, or a simple decorative structure, you will need to understand the basics of this important technique. Ready to get started?
While you can always hire professional builders to get the job done, it is possible to learn how to do it yourself. Read our full guide first and find out the simple steps you need to take.
Gather the right materials
First things first, you need to get the right materials. Let’s go over the basic tools and materials you’ll need:
Bricks
Cement or mortar mix
Cement mixer
Trowel
Spirit level
Tape measure
Line and pins
Bricklaying hammer
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Bucket
You can also use a jointing tool when you’re finishing the project, but this is optional. Be sure to protect yourself using proper safety gear – that means gloves, goggles, and suitable clothing.
If you don’t want to buy some of the more expensive equipment, don’t worry. Remember, you can rent cement mixers and other tools, if needed, from local services.
Ready to create a steadfast brick structure? Whether you’re building a simple brick wall or considering a paved driveway, this guide can help.
Remember: you can always hire a bricklayer if this feels too difficult or like too much work. Just take a moment to learn how much bricklayers charge before hiring anyone.
For larger projects, consider using a construction cost calculator to estimate what you'll spend more precisely.
Read on below to learn how to lay bricks like a professional.
Plan your wall
Every DIY project needs a plan.
Before you get started, decide on the size, shape, and location of the wall you want to build. Also factor in things like drainage, stability, and foundations, which all affect what you can build.
Remember, you shouldn’t lay bricks directly onto soft soil as this is unstable. Most of the time, you need a concrete foundation.
Make sure there’s a solid foundation that is wider than the wall you’re building. If you’re not confident laying a foundation, consider hiring concrete contractors for solid results.
Next, you should choose the right type of brick. Common brick types include engineering bricks (high strength) for load-bearing structures, and facing bricks for aesthetic walls.
Prepare the mortar
Mortar is the binding material that will hold your bricks together. Either buy pre-mixed mortar or make your own by combining cement, sand, and water.
If you’re mixing your own mortar, here’s the ratio you should use:
One part cement
Four parts sand
Water (added gradually to create the right consistency)
You can either mix the mortar using a wheelbarrow and shovel, or you can use a cement mixer for this job. Ideally, your mortar should be thick and spreadable when you use it.
There are different types of cement available, each with their own properties and qualities, which might be better or worse suited to your project.
You can look at how long cement takes to dry, their material properties, and their costs, before deciding which is the best choice.
Make sure you're picking the best option for your situation. Experts at your builders' merchant can offer advice and support, if you need it.
Set up a string line
You need to make sure that your wall is straight. For this, you will need a string line. This acts as a guide, helping you to lay your bricks in the right place.
Start by placing two stakes at the end of each side of where the wall will be. Next, tie a string between the stakes at the height of your first layer of bricks.
You need the string to be tight and level. This step stops you from building a crooked wall.
Lay the first row of bricks
You have your foundation and string ready. Now, lay your first row (or “course”) of bricks.
Use your trowel to spread a layer of mortar on the foundation where the first brick will go. The layer should be about 1 to 1.5 cm thick
Push the brick down gently onto the mortar. You can twist it slightly to get it to bond well
Apply mortar to one end of the next brick before placing it adjacent to the first one. Keep the mortar between bricks around 1 cm thick (this is called “buttering”)
When you’ve laid two or three bricks, use a spirit level to check they are level and that your course follows the string line
Keep going until you’ve completed the first row of bricks. Keep an eye on both the level of the bricks and the thickness of the mortar joints. Consistency is key.
Lay the next row(s) of bricks
When your first row is complete, it’s time to move on to the second row (or “course”). When laying additional courses, you should “stagger” the bricks for stability.
Once again, add a layer of mortar on top of the first row of bricks
“Stagger the bricks” by placing the first brick over the joint between the two below. This is the most common pattern you will use when laying bricks
Spread mortar on each brick before placing it to secure each of the bricks
After each row, check with the string line and spirit level again
Repeat the above process as many times as you need. You will need to move the string line up as you go.
There will be times when your wall design doesn’t fit whole bricks. In that case, you will need to cut the bricks to the right size. Doing this can be tricky, but it is possible.
First up, mark the brick where you need to cut it. Score the mark with a bolster chisel. Hold the chisel in place and tap it with the bricklaying hammer along the score line until it breaks neatly.
Are you setting your sights high? If you’re building a tall wall, you need to make sure it’s structurally sound. Let’s dive into a few tips that can help you do that.
Use adjoining walls or structures
You can tie bricks into adjoining walls. If your wall connects with another structure, use tie bricks (AKA half bricks) to knit the two walls together for extra strength.
Combining these structures lends further stability and durability to each wall.
Secure the wall with ties
You can also use metal wall ties to secure the structure. Simply embed these between layers of bricks to strengthen the wall you are building.
Placing these consistently throughout your wall’s structure can drastically improve its balance and solidity.
Create a cavity wall
If you’re building a load-bearing or external wall, build a cavity wall. This consists of two layers of bricks with a gap in between to provide extra overall strength.
Cavity walls are more structurally stable, and offer opportunities for greater sound and thermal insulation, too.
Pro tip: you can improve energy efficiency and cut your heating bills by filling your cavity wall with insulation. Find out more with our guide on how much cavity wall insulation costs.
You’ve made it through the majority of your bricklaying project, the final thing you need to do is finish it. If you want a clean look, here are two simple tips you can use:
Smooth the mortar between the bricks using a jointing tool. This looks better and will also help you protect the mortar from bad weather
Allow the mortar to set. Avoid putting any pressure on the wall for at least 24-48 hours
After a few weeks, the mortar will have fully cured, and your wall will be ready for use.
Keep in mind that the time needed for your mortar to dry and cure will depend on the mortar’s aggregate composition and cement content.
You may choose to render your brickwork, if you want to give it some extra protection or style. Check out our guide on how to render a wall if you need simple instructions.
Pro tip: want to hire a pro to render your brickwork instead? Explore house rendering costs to see how much you'd need to pay.
Brick structures need to be strong and stable. It’s crucial that things don’t go wrong, so keep these mistakes in mind before you start laying bricks:
Skipping the foundation: this may mean your wall breaks and cracks over time
Failing to a string line: you could end up with a crooked wall
Watery mortar: this weakens the bond between bricks
Rushing the process: bricklaying takes time, especially for beginners
These mistakes are easy to make, especially for first-time bricklayers. If you think you may have committed some of these errors, it’s worth consulting a local builder.
Want to know more before you start laying bricks? Find answers to commonly asked questions below.
Can I lay a foundation for a brick wall myself?
Yes, some DIYers are capable of laying concrete and creating a sturdy foundation without professional help, but it's not for everyone.
You'll need to know how to make concrete properly, as well as have a good understanding of concrete costs per m3.
Then you'll have to follow the actual process for laying a foundation, which is not something everyone can manage.
It's almost always a better choice to hire a professional. You can learn what you'll need to pay with our guide on how much groundworks cost.
Can I lay bricks in cold or wet weather?
We never recommend laying bricks in the rain and ideally not in really cold weather, either.
Mortar doesn’t cure properly in freezing temperatures, and excessive moisture can weaken the bond. Aim to lay bricks in dry, mild conditions for the best results.
How can I ensure consistent mortar joints between bricks?
Use brick spacers or mark guidelines on your trowel to help maintain uniform joint widths.
Regularly check your progress with a spirit level and adjust as you go. If the joints aren't consistent, the end result could be disappointing.
Can I reuse old bricks from a demolished wall?
If you're looking to cut your house renovation costs, reusing old materials is sometimes an option. But what about old bricks from demolished walls?
Yes, they're usable, but just make sure to clean off old mortar thoroughly and inspect them for cracks or damage.
Reclaimed bricks add character but may vary in size, requiring more adjustments during laying.
Should I protect my brick wall after building it?
Yes, if rain is expected, cover your new wall with a tarp or plastic sheet for 24 to 48 hours to protect the curing mortar.
This helps prevent washout and weak joints that could cause instability in the future.
While you can learn how to lay bricks yourself, this is a time-consuming task. DIY projects don’t always go to plan and sometimes it’s simpler to trust the professionals to get the job done.
Luckily, getting the help you need couldn’t be easier. On Yell, you can search for a builder near you who can take the project from start to finish.
Alternatively, you can post a free enquiry, provide a few quick details, and let the experts contact you by phone or email.
For more DIY advice, cost guides, and money-saving tips, check out the Yell blog now.
