How to Lay Block
Before laying block make sure to choose the right block for your project. With a a variety of different block designs you are sure to find the right one for you. Check out the inventory in your local builder supply store. Ask a clerk to help you decide. Within no time you will be on your way to becoming your own personal mason. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Lay Block
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Spread mortar on the footing about 1 in. deep and 8 in. wide. Cover about three or four blocks with mortar at a time. Using a trowel, make a crease in the center of the mortar. This will cause the mortar to flow out to the sides when the block is laid.
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Start with the corner block. This block will actually look different than the others. Make sure the corner block is aligned perfectly. The other blocks will line up with the corner block. If the corner block is out of alignment, all your other blocks will be out of alignment.
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Do the same for all the corners; placing mortar on the footings a few blocks at a time. To check alignment, use a mason's level or another type of straightedge. Check the tops of the blocks as well as the edges.
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Build up the corners first. Use the corners as guidelines for the rest of the block. If a corner gets bumped be sure to set it straight immediately.
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Continue laying block in this manner using your trowel to scrape off additional mortar. Throw the mortar back onto the mortar board, turning the mortar occasionally so that it does not harden. The back of a wheelbarrow or a piece of plywood makes a great mortar board.
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Tips & Warnings
Before laying any block wall, you must have some type of secure concrete footing to lay the block on. The footing should be twice as deep as the wall thickness and twice as wide.
Before starting your project estimate the amount of blocks and mortar you will need so you are well prepared at the start of the job.
A good way to estimate how many blocks you will need for the first course is to line them up in a row first without using mortar. Then you can remove them in order to lay them permanently.
Make sure to tap all blocks into alignment while the mortar is still wet. Never try to move the blocks after the mortar is dry.
