How to Lay Masonry Brick
Who doesn't recall the "I Love Lucy" episode in which Lucy and Ethel dismantled and then had to rebuild the outdoor brick fireplace Ricky and Fred had labored over tirelessly? The boys made it look so easy; they brought some know-how to the project, worked slowly and deliberately and did the job right. The girls, on the other hand, slapped it back together in a hurry and did a terrible job. If you are up to the challenge and are willing to take the proper steps with the proper tools, a novice can lay masonry brick. Patience is the key. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Brick trowel
- Brick hammer
- Jointer (or striking iron)
- Chalk line
- Soft brush
- Line blocks and line
- Level
- Brick spacing ruler
- Hoe
- Type N mortar
- Sand
- Brick
Instructions
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Layout
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1
Start on a solid, flat, dry surface such as a concrete footing or blockwork. Snap a chalk line exactly where you want the front of your brick to be, and establish your corners.
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2
Starting at one corner, lay bricks out, dry, end-to-end, along the chalk line, leaving approximately 3/8 inch between each for a mortar joint. By doing this, you are establishing the bond. When you get to the opposite corner, the last brick will either face you or need to be turned sideways as part of the intersecting wall. After you have placed it, adjust the other bricks so that the joints are uniform. If the wall stops there, the end brick may need to be a half.
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3
For vertical layout, use the brick spacing ruler. Most standard bricks lay up six courses in 16 inches. Use that measure as a gauge to determine the height of your project when complete.
Corners
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4
Mix mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove four bricks. With your trowel, place a bead of mortar along the center of where they will lay and furrow the bead. Lay the corner brick.
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5
With the trowel, put mortar on the end of the second brick. Place it along the chalk line against the first brick. Repeat until all four bricks are back where they were initially, making sure the joints between them are even.
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6
Place the level on top of the bricks. If they are out of level, tap the bricks gently until they are level. Plumb the corner and each end. Rack the bricks for straightness along the chalk line. Repeat this process on the intersecting wall.
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Start the second course in the opposite direction so that the end of one brick is over the center of the one below it. Continue to level, plumb and rack like you did with the first course. Try to keep a uniform 3/8 inch bed joint. As you build the corners, you will step back one half brick with each course. By the time you get to the eighth course, you will have one brick on the top.
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8
Follow the same directions with each corner.
Wall
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9
Attach the line block to the top of the first course on each corner. Remove three or four bricks, put a mortar bead under them, furrow the bead, mortar the end joint and place each to the line established by the line block.
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10
Raise the line block up to the next course and repeat the process until you are finished.
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11
When complete, tool the joints, filling the holes as you go. Brush them with a soft brush to seal the wall and tool the joints one last time.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Tool the joints as you go so they are neat. This will make you happier at the end of the project.
