| There is something about building walls that gives | | | | Step 2: Bricks are meant to be constructed as a |
| people a sense of accomplishment. This is why it | | | | veneer wall, meaning it should be against another |
| is not a surprise that even though you can always | | | | wall like that of a house. Ensure that there is |
| hire a professional bricklayer, a part of you would | | | | sufficient foundation to hold the bricks. |
| rather do it yourself. Whether you intend to | | | | Step 3: Measure the length of the wall you intend |
| pursue it as a career or you just plan to engage | | | | to build. Since your bricks are about 8 ½ |
| in it as a hobby, building a brick wall entails | | | | inches long, mark the wall with 8 ¾ |
| extensive background on the rudiments of | | | | intervals to give a little space for the mortar that |
| bricklaying. | | | | will come between the bricks, which is called the |
| Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build a | | | | joint. |
| brick wall to help you on your first wall-building | | | | Step 4: After you have indicated the markings, |
| project: | | | | you can now continue laying down the first layer. |
| Step 1: Gather all the tools you will need such as | | | | To do this, you have to start from the left side |
| the brick trowel, mortar mix, bricks, jointer, | | | | going to the right. Use your left hand to grab a |
| hammer, level, line, water, tape measure, brush, | | | | brick from the stack and your right hand to get |
| nails, wall ties, wheelbarrow, safety gear and | | | | some mortar with the trowel. Spread a layer of |
| shovel. The brick trowel, a triangular shaped flat | | | | mortar and set the brick in it. Remove any |
| metal with a handle, is the primary hand tool you | | | | mortar residue that comes out of the pressed |
| will be using to construct the wall. It is what you | | | | brick. |
| will use to spread mortar as you lay the bricks. | | | | Step 5: Repeat the process and continue laying |
| The mortar is a mud-like substance wherein the | | | | down the bricks until it reaches your desired |
| bricks are set in. To make a mortar, mix 15 to 20 | | | | height. Just remember to consistently check with |
| shovels of sand to one 70-pound bag of mortar | | | | a level in the middle of the wall to ensure that the |
| mix. This will require about 5 gallons of water but | | | | wall is level. If a side appears too high, put the |
| it is advisable to mix the dry materials first before | | | | bricks closer at the other end. |
| including the water. Add one gallon of water at a | | | | You will find this step-by-step procedure helpful in |
| time until you reach the preferred consistency. | | | | your brick wall-building feat but for more detailed |
| There are different sizes of bricks but for your | | | | information and training, it is advisable to purchase |
| first project, try using the standard bricks which | | | | a bricklaying DVD or undergo intensive bricklaying |
| measure about 8 ½ inches long, 2 ½ | | | | courses. |
| inches tall and 4 ½ inches deep. | | | | |