Summary
When laying bricks you need to bring together careful 
planning and several skills. The steps below outline all 
the tasks you need to complete for competent brick laying:

	1	Checking the foundations
	2	Mixing mortar
	3	Laying the mortar
	4	Laying the first brick
	5	'Buttering' the edge of the brick
	6	Checking the level of the bricks
	7	Building the courses
	8	Checking the vertical
	9	Pointing

Tools
Trowel, spirit level

Materials
Mortar, bricks

Step 1 - Checking the foundations
When laying any brick ensure that the foundations are 
solid. Remember, a patio may only be laid on a bed of sand, 
which will not support the weight of a barbecue or other 
structure. If in doubt pull up a paving slab to inspect the 
foundations. Any movement of the substructure will cause the 
mortar to crack and the structure to become dangerous. 

Step 2 - Mixing mortar	
The technique for mixing mortar is similar to that for 
mixing concrete. Mortar consists of cement, sand and a 
plasticiser such as hydrated lime or a proprietary liquid. 
The mix depends on the exposure level of the wall. Mortar 
only remains workable for two hours and cannot be re-moistened 
with water as this makes it unusable.

Step 3 - Laying mortar
For small projects it is easier to purchase a ready mixed 
bricklaying mortar which may need a plasticiser. Use a 
builders trowel to lay some mortar in a sausage shape where 
you want to lay the brick, it should be approximately 19mm deep. 
Making grooves in the mortar will make it easier to tamp the 
brick down.

Step 4 - Laying the first brick
Always lay the first brick at a corner of the wall.
If the brick has an indentation on one side, called a frog, 
this should face upwards. Press the brick down until the 
mortar is 10mm thick.  

Step 5 - 'Buttering' the edge of the brick
When laying the second brick, mortar must also be added to 
the edge you are butting against the first. ‘Butter’ the 
mortar against the end of the brick ensuring there are no 
air pockets as these will later collect water and cause 
damage in a frost.

Step 6 - Checking the level of the bricks
After laying four or five bricks check they are level with a 
long spirit level. It is very important to make the foundations 
true as any errors here will be magnified later. If you are 
unhappy with the height of any brick use the trowel to tamp it 
down. If it is too low do not hesitate to remove it and apply 
some mortar. Only proceed when you are completely happy that 
the foundation level of bricks is true.	

Step 7 - Building the courses
Build up the various courses or levels of bricks in the same 
manner. Any cut bricks you use should be placed with the cut 
side facing the join. Ensure that the bond is true, that is 
that none of the joins are above one another and are always 
about halfway along the bricks above and below. 

Step 8 - Checking the vertical	
As you build up the courses, periodically check that they are
vertical and not leaning. Remove any excess mortar as you work.

Step 9 - Pointing
Once the mortar is dried it is necessary to shape the exterior 
mortar. Scrape out 13mm of mortar. Reapply fresh mortar with a 
pointing trowel creating a weatherstruck joint as shown. 
This should ensure a neat appearance and provide a more 
effective rebuff to the elements.