How to Build an Adobe Wall

Adobe bricks are made out of soil and water. Although they take a fair amount of work to make, they're cheap and can be very durable in dry climates. Using adobe bricks is similar to building a regular brick wall but adobe is much more forgiving and flexible.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adobe mortar
• A small shovel or trowel to apply the mortar
• Adobe bricks
• A foundation of some sort

Get Ready to Build an Adobe Wall

1. Figure out how many bricks you need. Determine the number by the size of adobe bricks you use and the size of the wall.

2. Make some bricks now that you have a rough idea of how many you need. Keep in mind that it will take about two to three weeks for your adobe bricks to be ready for use.

3. Make a foundation for your wall. It can be gravel, stone or a cement footing. Gravel is the easiest but least durable. Make the foundation as long and wide as the future wall. Make sure it's straight and level.

4. Mix some mortar for your wall. This is the same adobe mixture used to make bricks but slightly wetter.

Build an Adobe Wall

5. Put a layer of mortar two inches thick on top of the foundation.

6. Place your first brick on the mortar on top of the foundation. Put it down gently and wiggle it into place.

7. Apply an inch or two of mortar to the end of the brick and place the next brick adjacent to it. Repeat this until the first layer of bricks is done.

8. Put an inch or two of mortar on top of the bricks and add a new layer of bricks. Repeat this until the wall is complete. Use a level while building the wall to make sure it's straight and level. Put the bricks in a running bond pattern you typically see in brick walls, where the joints between the bricks are offset.

9. Allow the wall to dry for a few days after it's built.

10. Use an adobe mixture, a little dryer than the mortar, as a plaster to cover the wall. Apply about an inch or so and smooth it out.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean up excess mortar that squeezes out from the bricks as you go along.
• If bricks become uneven, you can press the bricks harder into the mortar or add more mortar to level them out.
• Sometimes you'll need to break or cut bricks. This can be done with almost anything: a shovel, a hammer and chisel or an ax.