How to Lay Brick Posts
Brick fence post are structures of brick at the end of each fence section. They add a bit of architectural elegance to any traditional fence design. Combining the fence sections with brick posts will not complicate the process of installation, it will only lengthen the time of installation. Each post will need to be placed 6 to 8 feet apart, depending on the size of fence sections purchased. Installation of the fence sections to a brick post are simplified when attaching the hardware directly to the post during installation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Face mask
- Tape measure
- Wooden stakes
- Shovel
- Pea gravel
- Garden hose
- Fast dry concrete
- Cinder blocks
- Level
- Trowel
- Mortar
- Bricks
- Metal strap anchors
- Concrete cap
- Grass seeds
Instructions
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1
Measure and mark the location of each fence post. An average brick post is 2 feet squared. This measurement allows enough room for the brick and the cinder block supports inside. Drive a wooden stake in the ground at the location of each corner on every post.
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2
Dig 8 inches below ground level inside the marked off area. Remove all dirt and debris from inside the hole.
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3
Fill the area with 2 inches of pea gravel. Compact the gravel into the ground by spraying it with water and stomping on the gravel to push it further into the ground. Ensure that the gravel is level.
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4
Mix fast drying concrete to manufacturers directions. Fill the hole to 2 inches below ground level. Smooth the concrete with a trowel. Ensure that it rests level. Allow the concrete to dry for 24 hours.
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5
Place two cinder blocks next to each other in the center of the concrete pad. The two blocks next to each other should consume a square area of 16 inches. The blocks will be sitting below ground level. When the posts are finished, dirt will be replaced to cover the buried blocks and bricks that will follow. Trace around the blocks to mark the location. Remove the blocks.
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6
Mix the mortar according to manufacturer's directions. The mixture should be the consistency of icing when finished. When placed on the end of an upside down trowel the mortar should stay in place.
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7
Apply a ½-inch thick layer of mortar inside the traced area on the concrete. Press the cinder blocks into the mortar. Check the blocks to ensure that they sit level.
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8
Apply a second layer of mortar to the top of the blocks. Place the second row on top of the mortar. Ensure that they are perpendicular, plumb, square and level with the blocks in the first row.
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9
Apply a ½-inch layer of mortar on the concrete pad and against the cinder blocks.
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10
Apply a ½-inch layer of mortar to the back of the first brick.
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11
Place the first brick against the cinder blocks and into the mortar. Wiggle the brick into the mortar to bond the two layers together. Position the brick flush against the cinder blocks, checking to ensure that it sits level. Continue to place bricks in rows until the bricks are the same height as the cinder blocks. Ensure that mortar is applied on each brick, the surface where it is to be placed and between each brick. Space each brick approximately ½ inch apart.
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12
Place metal strap anchors centered over the bricks and cinder blocks. Place one strap in each corner and one half way on each side. A total of eight straps should be placed.
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13
Install another row of cinder blocks over the straps in the same manner as before. Ensure that they are placed over a bed of mortar, level, plumb and square. Continue placing bricks and cinder blocks, repeating the process outlined in Steps 8 through 12 until the desired height has been reached. Place latches, hinges and other fence hardware over a brick. Apply mortar over the top of the hardware to hold it in place. Do not touch the hardware after placing it until the mortar is completely dry.
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14
Apply mortar over the top of the cinder blocks and bricks. Place a desired cap over the top of the post. The cap should measure approximately 26 to 28 inches. Center the cap over the top to ensure even overhang.
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15
Fill the area around the post with dirt, smoothing it in place. Apply grass seed over the fresh dirt.
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Tips & Warnings
Other items can be added to the post like mail boxes, address plaques and light fixtures by placing them over a bed of mortar and placing bricks around the item.
Always wear eye and hand protection and a face mask when working with mortar.
