So you’ve decided that you’d like to save some money this year and build that new interior, or even exterior wall yourself. Good Move! However, undertaking a job like this can be troublesome, and there are many factors you need to consider. Professionals do this type of thing all day long, and although this is your first attempt, achieving the result you desire is more than possible if you do your homework and take your time.
This short guide will tell you all you need to know to master the art of building brick walls.
What Tools Will I Need?
- A shovel
- Some string
- A bucket
- Some plastic sheeting
- Plywood
- A brick trowel
- A spirit level
- A club hammer
- Ready mixed mortar and concrete
- A mortar gun
- And last, but by no means least: some bricks
Where do I Start?
As with any type of building work, it is essential to start with a solid concrete foundation. Depending on the depth of your wall, you’ll probably need to dig down to at least 30 cm, and then pour in some concrete mix to create that stable starting point, taking special care not to allow any air pockets to form.
Then it’s time to leave the concrete to dry. It is advisable to cover the trench with a plastic sheet for a day or two, allowing the newly laid material to set. Now comes the hard work.
How do I lay the First Brick?
Ideally, you want to spread a 1 cm thick layer of mortar along the middle of the footings, always ensuring the hollow side faces upwards. Then simply stretch some string across the area in which you are working and use this as a guide to ensure the wall stays relatively straight. Once your first row is down, make sure you check it with a spirit level, so you’re certain it will be as flat as possible.
Then What?
Now it’s time to arrange your second layer. The most common design is called a stretcher bond, and basically involves staggering each row of bricks slightly and using cut offs to fill in the smaller gaps at the end. This design allows for optimum strength, durability, and weather resistance.
Repeat this whole process with each row you lay, making sure you make constant checks with your spirit level. If one section isn’t quite as straight as you’d like, simply tap the brick with your trowel to move it into place.
Is That it?
Pretty much. Some builders like to turn the top layer of bricks around to produce even more strength, but this isn’t essential. So long as you frequently review your work, you should now be fine. When the last layer goes on, perform one final check with the spirit level and if you’re satisfied, leave it to set. Usually, a brick wall will achieve optimum resistance within a couple of days, so cordon off the area incase someone thinks it’s a good idea to lean against your new construction in that time.
Good Luck!
