The Correct Way to Build a Brick Wall

Dig a foundation for your wall. If you're building a small wall up to 20 inches high, dig a trench about 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Dig a little deeper if you're working with soft soil.

Pour your premixed concrete into a wheelbarrow and add water as per the manufacturer's instructions. Use a stick to mix your concrete. The process will be a lot quicker if you have access to a concrete mixer.

Tip your mixed concrete into your trench. Push the concrete down firmly to eliminate any air pockets and smooth the surface off with a trowel. Place a long bubble level on top of your wet foundation to make sure the foundation is level.

Cover your foundation with a plastic sheet and allow it to dry for four days.

Mix mortar with water in your wheelbarrow. Use a trowel to mix your mortar to a smooth consistency.

Spread a 1/2 inch layer of mortar along your foundation. Then apply a 1/2 inch of mortar to the long face of a brick and lay it on your foundation with the hollow facing up. Apply a 1/2 inch of mortar to the long face and the short edge of the next brick and lay it on your foundation with the hollow facing up, butted next to the end of the first brick. Lay the rest of the first course of your wall adding a 1/2 inch of mortar between bricks. Use your bubble level to check that your wall is even.

Cut one brick in half to start your second course. The vertical joints of your wall need to be staggered. Place a brick in the cutter with the point you want to cut against the machine's teeth. Press down on the handle to cut your brick in half.

Lay your second course, starting with the half brick, adding a 1/2 inch of mortar to the top of your first course and between your bricks. Tap the bricks you lay with the handle of your trowel to secure them into place. Again, keep using the bubble level to ensure you keep everything even.

Build your wall to the desired height. The third course will start with a full brick, the fourth course will start with a half brick. You will alternate this pattern to the top of the wall. Lay the final course with the bricks with their hollow facing down to give the top of your wall a clean finish.

Clean over your mortar joints with a coarse brush to clear away excess mortar, and then cover your wall to allow the mortar to set.