Brick Wall Installation

Adding a brick wall to your home or out in the landscape can add extra security, privacy or even just aesthetic appeal to your home. Building a brick wall properly is important. A strong foundation for the brick wall will prevent it from falling over prematurely. Also, a good foundation will prevent cracking in the mortar that may cause premature failure of the wall. Always use good quality brick and mortar for your installation for the best results.

Shovel
Measuring tape
Gravel
Tamper
Concrete
2-by-4
Plastic
Mortar
Chalk line
Brick
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a trench that is 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
- 2
  Mix together the concrete according to the instructions on the package until is has a frosting-like consistency.
- 3
  Pour a 1-inch layer of gravel into the trench. Press it down with a tamper to make the gravel even.
- 4
  Pour the concrete into the trench. Scree the concrete with a flat 2-by-4 to make it level.
- 5
  Place a piece of plastic over the concrete for three to four days or until the concrete is dry.
- 6
  Lay a piece of plywood on the ground near the trench area for mixing the mortar. Place the mortar powder on the board and make a valley in the middle to pour water. Fold the mortar into the water until it is a thick consistency.
- 7
  Snap a chalk line along the trench for a straight line to lay your brick on.
- 8
  Spread water onto the bottom and one side of the first brick and set it down. Apply mortar to the next brick on the bottom and one side using a trowel and set it down. Continue until the first course is down.
- 9
  Start your second course with a half brick buttered with mortar on the bottom and one side. This staggers the course. Lay the second course in the same way as the first.
- 10
  Continue laying courses until the brick wall is built up, staggering each course.
- 11
  Brush the front of the brick wall with a stiff brush once the mortar has set for 20 to 30 minutes.

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Walls