How to lay bricks

When you lay bricks for the first time it's a good idea to practise first with a soft mixture of sand and water which can act as mortar, or alternatively you can build a wall dry. Also don't forget you'll need a foundation strip for your wall before you actually start to build it.

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

  • String line
  • Bricks
  • Bricklaying trowel
  • Hammer
  • Mortar
  • Spirit level

The steps to follow

  1. Stretch a string line between stacks of bricks to use as a guideline.
  2. Spread a mortar foundation along this line.
  3. Set the brick and level it down into the mortar bed with the handle of your trowel.
  4. Use the trowel to spread mortar on both ends of the next brick and lay it in line with the first.
  5. Push the two bricks together to leave a vertical joint of about 10 mm (3/8 in) thick between them.
  6. Trim away excess mortar.
  7. Use a spirit level to check that the course is flat.

Related articles

Don't want to DIY? Get recommended bricklayers for your home improvement job.

Please note that all our DIY guides and 'Expert answers' advice have been written strictly for reference only. Rated People do not accept any liability for any damage caused to an individual, property or anything else as a result of following our DIY guides and using our 'Expert answers' advice.