How to Set Cement Blocks
Concrete blocks are a better choice than brick for building garages, foundations and sheds because they cost less per square foot and you can put them up faster. Building with concrete block is not the same as building with brick, however. Because concrete blocks are so much heavier than brick, if you just drop them onto the mortar when setting them they will probably sink too low and you will be forced to tear apart the wall and rebuild it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Pick up half a trowel of mortar and swipe it on the leading end, or head joint, of a block. Pinch the mortar onto the block with the trowel blade so it doesn't fall off when you lift the block.
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2
Pick up the block at both ends so you have good balance while lifting and moving. Try to keep your fingers in the center holes so you don't get them in the mortar.
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Lay the block gently on the mortar bed while pressing the back end against the adjacent block, so that the mortar between the two blocks starts to squeeze out. You do not want the block to sink below the level of the previous block. Tap the leading end of the block with the trowel blade to align the face of the block as necessary. Your opposite hand should be on the previous block so you can ensure that the blocks stay level with each other.
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Lay the blocks from the ends of the wall to the center. Before laying the final center block that will complete the row, apply mortar to both ends of the block rather than just the leading end. This prevents the joints from leaking.
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Cut off any protruding mortar from the block face with the trowel. Hold the trowel blade angled slightly away from the block so you don't smear the face.
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Apply mortar only to the outside edges of your finished row, in preparation for setting the next row of blocks. Mortar is not usually spread across the center of a block, as it is when laying brick. Use enough force when applying the mortar so it sticks to the edge.
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Set your next row of blocks by following the steps above.
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Tips & Warnings
Concrete blocks have a definite top and bottom. If you look closely, you'll notice that the top has slightly wider edges. Setting the blocks right side up makes it easier to apply mortar and to properly set the blocks above. But if you happen to set some upside-down, it won't affect the strength of your wall.
