How to Lay a Decorative Brick Fence

Make a simple diagram of your yard and sketch where you intend to add the brick fence. Lay two ropes where the intended fence will go, spaced 10 inches apart, and trace them with landscape spray paint.

Excavate the ground between the painted lines with a shovel to dig a foundation 6 inches deep. Tamp down the loose dirt on the bottom of the trench with a tamper until it is firm and compact.

Pour 3 inches of gravel into the trench and tamp it down until it is even. The gravel provides a solid base for the brick fence and allows underground water to pass beneath.

Combine premade mortar mix and the recommended amount of water until it has a thick consistency like peanut butter. Spread mortar over one end of the trench with a trowel, about enough to lay four bricks.

Lay two bricks side-by-side on one end of the trench. To ensure stability, the fence should be two bricks thick. Hit the bricks with a mallet to embed them half-way into the mortar. Spread mortar on the ends and sides of the next two bricks and set them adjacent to the first bricks with about ¼-inch of mortar between them. Continue to set the first row or course of bricks until the trench is filled.

Spread a ½-inch layer of mortar over the top of the first row and set the second course of bricks, beginning with two half bricks on the end to stagger the joint lines to strengthen the fence.

Build up the wall until it reaches your intended height. Typical decorative fences are about 2 feet tall. Note that some localities require a building permit for walls or fences over 3 feet.