How To Lay Bricks, Step By Step Bricklaying

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1 To set out a simple project such as a barbecue or garden wall, stretch a length of twine taut between stacks of bricks and then use it as a guide line
1 To set out a simple project such as a barbecue or garden wall, stretch a length of twine taut between stacks of bricks and then use it as a guide line
2 If you have a lot of bricks to cut, a wooden template speeds up the job. For beginners, it is best to mark right round the brick
2 If you have a lot of bricks to cut, a wooden template speeds up the job. For beginners, it is best to mark right round the brick
3 To cut a brick neatly, first tap the bolster on the top, bottom and both sides. A final tap on the cutting line will sever it
3 To cut a brick neatly, first tap the bolster on the top, bottom and both sides. A final tap on the cutting line will sever it
4 To trowel a pear of mortar, start by separating a trowel size section from the heap on the spot board. Form it roughly into shape
4 To trowel a pear of mortar, start by separating a trowel size section from the heap on the spot board. Form it roughly into shape
5 Roll the pear down the spot board in a series of chopping movements. Practise until you can do this smoothly and quickly
5 Roll the pear down the spot board in a series of chopping movements. Practise until you can do this smoothly and quickly
6 Pick up the rounded pear by sliding the trowel sideways, slipping it under the mortar and up again in one movement
6 Pick up the rounded pear by sliding the trowel sideways, slipping it under the mortar and up again in one movement
7 To start the first course, line up the bricks which will form the base of the main wall in a dry run. Make sure that they fit your plan
7 To start the first course, line up the bricks which will form the base of the main wall in a dry run. Make sure that they fit your plan
8 Taking the brick at one end of the run as your first marker, flick a pear of mortar into the exact position you intend to lay it
8 Taking the brick at one end of the run as your first marker, flick a pear of mortar into the exact position you intend to lay it
9 Before you lay the marker brick on top, flatten out the pear slightly and make a small depression so that the mortar will spread
9 Before you lay the marker brick on top, flatten out the pear slightly and make a small depression so that the mortar will spread
10 With the brick in place, use your spirit level to check it tor true. Make small adjustments with gentle taps of the trowel handle
10 With the brick in place, use your spirit level to check it tor true. Make small adjustments with gentle taps of the trowel handle
11 Lay your second marker brick at the other end of the spirit level. Once it is level, match it up to the level of the first brick as shown
11 Lay your second marker brick at the other end of the spirit level. Once it is level, match it up to the level of the first brick as shown
12 When you have laid all the markers, weigh down your line to touch them. Use the line to align the rest of the bricks in the wall
12 When you have laid all the markers, weigh down your line to touch them. Use the line to align the rest of the bricks in the wall
13 Scrape hard as you 'butter' the end of an adjoining brick, otherwise the mortar will crumble and fall off as you place the brick
13 Scrape hard as you 'butter' the end of an adjoining brick, otherwise the mortar will crumble and fall off as you place the brick
14 There is no need to check the rest of the bricks for level, just tap them into line so that they are level with the marker brick
14 There is no need to check the rest of the bricks for level, just tap them into line so that they are level with the marker brick
15 Judge small corners by holding the spirit level against the end brick as a straight edge
15 Judge small corners by holding the spirit level against the end brick as a straight edge
16 As you are laying your mortar for the second course, make sure that it completely fills in, and covers, each cross joint on the first
16 As you are laying your mortar for the second course, make sure that it completely fills in, and covers, each cross joint on the first
17 With a brick laid on top, the bed mortar for the second course should be about 10mm deep. This shows the stretcher bond
17 With a brick laid on top, the bed mortar for the second course should be about 10mm deep. This shows the stretcher bond
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