How to Make Mud Bricks

Mud bricks are an inexpensive and efficient building supply that are used the world over to make fireproof buildings and low-cost homes. Standard mud bricks are best for dry climates because the bricks can melt away if they become too wet. Reinforcing the bricks with straw, rebar or manure increases their strength.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soil
• Mesh screen
• Straw or manure
• Wooden mold
• Shovel

1. Collect enough soil to make the necessary number of bricks.

2. Sift the soil through a mesh screen to eliminate any rocks that might weaken the strength of the brick.

3. Mix the soil with water and a strengthening agent such as straw or manure. Mix it evenly and thoroughly with a shovel, by hand or with your feet. Thicker mud works better than a soupy consistency.

4. Put the mud mixture into a wooden mold. Pack it tightly into the mold to push out air bubbles and excess water. This ensures the bricks dry as sturdy as possible.

5. Take the bricks out of the mold and let them dry in the sun for at least two weeks. If the bricks don't dry all the way through, they'll crumble when you try to build with them.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider firing the bricks in a kiln if you want them to last a long time. After 30 years, sun-dried bricks are likely to start crumbling and decaying.

[xocandygirlxo]

on 12/10/2009 I am learning about mesopotamia in school, and for extra credit we can make a mud brick and i decided to do it so i hope this works. i used to make mud bricks with my friend but they werent bricks we would pour mud into a bucket and leave it outside for about 3 days and it would be dry so dont worry about it taking 2 weeks

[benjiman]

on 6/8/2009 Regular soil, depending on how much clay is in it, will result in a slightly week, more crumbly brick, and it will not be as water resistant. If your soil has a lot of clay in it, though, you should be okay. To test your soil, get a clear water bottle (or any clear container), put some dirt in it, and fill it with water. Shake it up. Then let it set over night, and in the morning the soil should have divided into layers. The bottom layer is pebbles, then up from there is large sand, then fine sand, and finally the top layer is clay. If the soil has about 1/3 or more parts clay, then it will make good bricks.

[pondplantgirl]

on 11/21/2008 Can this be made with regular soil or is clay needed?