DIY Brick Fences

A low brick fence divides areas of your garden.

Brick fences can create visual boundaries between your yard and your neighbors or even simply create a border between two areas of your yard, like a patio and garden. A low brick wall left at the same height as a typical bench can do double duty and provide extra seating while entertaining. Low brick walls are easy for the homeowner to install. Anything over 4 feet should be tackled by a professional. A high brick wall will require extra reinforcement of the brick through piers and columns. Consult your city's building codes before installing any type of fencing in your yard.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Spray paint
• Shovel
• Concrete
• Wheel barrow
• Trowel
• Brick
• Mortar

Instructions

1. Draw a sketch of your wall on graph paper. Determine the length and width of the wall. Draw the outline of the wall on the ground with spray paint.

2. Dig a straight-sided trench for the foundation along the painted line. Dig 12 inches deep and 6 inches wide. This will allow one course of brick to sit below ground level on top of the foundation.

3. Mix the concrete for the foundation in a large wheelbarrow, based on package instructions. Pour 6 inches of concrete into the trench and smooth with a trowel. Let the concrete set overnight.

4. Spread a 1/2 inch layer of mortar along the foundation. Spread mortar on both sides of the brick. Press the brick into the foundation. Set the next brick in place. Tap the brick with a rubber mallet to push them together. Continue adding bricks until you have set the first row.

5. Start the second row with a half brick. Score the top of the brick with a masonry chisel. Hold the chisel against the scored line and tap the end of the chisel with a rubber mallet. The brick will split into two pieces. Set the second row of bricks with the vertical mortar underneath at the center of the block above.

6. Continue setting bricks until you have reached the full height of the fence.

Tips & Warnings

• You can leave the masonry between the bricks as is or use a jointer to smooth the seams and get a more polished finish.

References

• Masonry For Life: Block Walls