Bricklaying is the process of stacking bricks, sand-lime bricks or concrete blocks with mortar in between to build a wall or structure. It’s one of the oldest construction techniques and is still used daily in new builds, renovations and DIY projects.
What do you need?
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mortar | Bonds the bricks together (cement + sand + water) |
| Bricklaying trowel | Scoops and spreads mortar |
| Pointing trowel | Finishes joints neatly |
| Spirit level | Checks the wall is level |
| Plumb bob | Checks the wall is plumb (vertical) |
| Mason’s line | Keeps each course straight |
Step by step bricklaying
1. Check the foundation — Must be flat and level
2. Dry lay the first course — Place bricks without mortar to determine the bond pattern
3. Mix mortar — 1 part cement to 3-4 parts sand, add water until smooth consistency
4. Lay the first course — Thick mortar bed (15-20 mm), press bricks level
5. Maintain the bond pattern — Perpend joints must never align vertically between courses
6. Check each course — Level, plumb and on line
7. Point the joints — Within 1-2 hours of laying, before the mortar sets too hard
Bond patterns
| Bond | Pattern | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Stretcher bond | Each course offset by half a brick | Most common, non-load-bearing |
| English bond | Alternating stretcher and header courses | Load-bearing masonry |
| Random bond | Random, no fixed pattern | Garden walls, decorative |
| Stack bond | Joints aligned vertically | Never for load-bearing walls |
Common mistakes
- Mortar too wet — Bricks slide, mortar doesn’t cure properly
- Bricks too dry — They absorb moisture from the mortar, poor adhesion. Wet bricks beforehand
- No bond pattern — Perpend joints stacked vertically = weak wall
- Bricklaying in frost — Mortar freezes and doesn’t bond. Don’t lay bricks below 5°C
Related terms
- Mortar
- English bond
- Bond pattern
- Perpend joint
- Foundation
- Facade