How to Finish a Porch With Bricks

Measure the sides of the porch to determine the square footage of brick needed for the job. Multiply each side’s height by the width and combine the totals. Plan on purchasing 4.5 standard-sized bricks for every square foot of area.

Dig down below the ground level of the porch and drop a 2 to 3 inch layer of gravel for drainage under the brick-laying area.

Clean off the existing surface of the porch walls to remove any loose concrete or soil. Spray the surface with a mist from a garden hose to prepare the concrete for the mortar.

Mix up enough mortar for one side at a time. Use a wheelbarrow and a hoe to mix the concrete with just enough water to make a thick porridge or pudding.

Cover a few square feet of the wall with one half inch of mortar, using a half-inch notched trowel. Butter the back of a brick with mortar and set in place against the bottom of the wall. Twist slightly to make good adhesion between the brick and the surface. Repeat for the next brick, adding a dab of mortar to the ends of the brick. Continue to finish the row.

Use a level to align the bricks in a straight row, tapping them slightly with a masonry hammer where needed.

Fill a mortar bag with mortar for filling in the joints of the brick. Start at the top of the bricks and work down. Push the mortar into the joints with a small trowel, removing any extra.