How to Work With Brick & Mortar

Place the bricks in several stacks close to the site.

Hose the bricks down a few hours before using them. This keeps them from absorbing too much moisture from the mortar.

Wet the mortar board with the hose.

Place mortar in the middle of the board leaving the outer edges clean. Keep the mortar at the proper consistency throughout the process.

Place the mortar board where you can reach it with as little movement as possible.

Hold the trowel firmly, but not tightly in your dominant hand and rest the thumb on the top of the handle not around it.

Fill the trowel with mortar. Do not overfill or the mortar can spill, making the scaffold or the wall dirty.

Throw or place mortar for three or four bricks at a time, starting smaller, if necessary.

Spread the mortar evenly by keeping the angle of the trowel consistent throughout the swing of the arm.

Cut the mortar with the edge of the trowel so that it is even with the edge of the wall.

Place the bricks. Beginning with the second brick, apply mortar to the head joint before placing it. If you have to move a brick after you place it, tap it gently with the handle of the trowel.

Place the harder surface toward the weather.

Repeat as needed.

If building a wall that is two or more bricks thick, throw another mortar line along the first and place the second row of bricks. Stagger the rows by using a half brick to begin the second course.

Use the level to make sure the two courses of brick are even.