How to Lay a Course of Block

If you are laying a course of concrete blocks, there are a few things you can do to make the job easier. However, you want your job to be neat when you finish. These tips can help you build a neat block wall.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose the correct block for the job. For the most part, you can use regular-sized cement blocks for the bulk of the block wall. To complete the course of blocks, you may need specialty blocks such as window jamb blocks. You can also cut blocks to fit the course as necessary.

2. Lay the proper footing. To build a solid wall, pour concrete footings below the freeze line for your part of the country. At the minimum, the footing should be twice as wide as the blocks and twice as deep.

3. Purchase your blocks. The standard size block is 8 inches by 16 inches. Remember to purchase any specialty blocks you may need. Also, purchase your mortar.

4. Build a guideline for your wall. Drive stakes of wood at each corner and tie string to them. Place the stakes in line where you want the course of block to run.

5. Set blocks in place for the first row of the course. Use a piece of scrap 3/8-inch plywood as a marker between each block. This is the same thickness as the mortar between the joints should be.

6. Adjust the concrete blocks to get the right sizes to complete the first row of blocks. Mix up some mortar. Apply the mortar about 1 inch thick and about 8 inches wide on the footing. Set the blocks on it in a straight line.

7. Complete the first row. Continue adding blocks until you complete the wall.