How To Lay Bricks Over Existing Cement

Scrub the cement with a stiff bristle brush and a concrete cleanser. Mix the cleanser in a bucket with water according to the package instructions. Dip the brush in the mixture and work it over the cement in a circular pattern to remove dirt and other foreign materials. Rinse the surface with a garden hose and leave the cement to dry completely before continuing.

Stir dry mortar mix with water in a 5-gallon bucket. Mix it according to the manufacturer's directions and stir it with a scrap of wood so that there is no dry material left at the bottom or sides.

Spread a 1/2-inch layer of mortar over the top of the cement with a masonry trowel. Press the first brick into the mortar so it is square to the corner of the cement. Lay a 12-inch level over the top of the brick and adjust placement until it is properly balanced in the mortar.

Place a 1/2-inch spacer against the edge of the brick and lay a second brick tightly up against the spacer and settle it into the mortar. Lay more mortar, and repeat this step for each brick of the first row.

Continue spreading mortar, placing spacers, and placing bricks over the cement until the entire surface is covered. Check the bricks for level before they fully set into the mortar and make any adjustments needed.

Scoop mortar into a grout bag and tie off the end. Remove all the spacers. Position the grout bag nozzle between the first two bricks and squeeze the bag to fill the gap with mortar. Continue until all the gaps are filled.

Scrape the excess mortar to level the surface of the bricks from any raised or rounded grout areas. Leave the grout to dry and harden for 48 hours.