How to Lay a Mortar Bed

Mark the course of your concrete-block or brick wall on the concrete footing you should already have installed below ground. Place one row of concrete blocks or bricks along the top of your footing where you would like them to line up. Use your chalk line to snap the two ends along the front edge of the blocks or bricks. This line will be your guide when laying the mortar bed.

Prepare your ready-mix mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions. You will require a mixing surface and water to perform this task.

Use your trowel to apply a 1-inch-thick layer of mortar to the concrete footing. Keep the mortar about 1/2 inch inside the chalk line to avoid covering your guide. Create a smooth layer of mortar by using your trowel edge as a screed. Apply only enough mortar to set 3 to 4 blocks at a time. This will allow you to slowly form the wall while keeping all the blocks straight and the mortar even.

Slide the pointed front edge of your trowel through the wet mortar, and create grooves or trenches which run the full length of the mortar. These grooves help to spread the mortar evenly over the underside of the blocks or bricks and ensure a solid hold.

Place the first block onto your mortar bed, and continue until the mortar has been covered. Apply more mortar to the concrete footing and repeat the process until the project is completed.