1. Start your brick wall at the corners
Firstly, layout the bricks at both ends of the base. This should be done after any necessary foundations have been prepared. Using a string line, make a straight guideline at a brick height between the two outside bricks.
2. Mix the mortar
Following this, a heap is made with sand and cement. Turn shovel to mix to a consistent color. Form a central hollow, pour in water, and mix for a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Lay the first course of bedding mortar
Next lay a 1-2 cm mortar bed along the string line. Starting from one end, place the first brick and lightly tap to ‘Bed In’. One end of the next brick should be ‘butter up’ with mortar. The string line will be used as a guide.
4. Cutting bricks
To make a cut, place the brick on its side, find the bolster at the split point and hit the head firmly with a club hammer. It should split clean.
5. Keep one course ahead
During construction, the string line is moved upwards and laid into the mortar. For a stretcher bond, the end of each brick should be in the middle of the one below
6. Sticking to 10mm mortar joints
The horizontal and vertical mortar joints shall be 10 mm thick. It should be 75 mm below the top of each brick using standard bricks. If the moisture in the bricks soaks up quickly, it will ‘joint up’ before it goes.
7. Add a coping stone
A coping stone can be added to the finish when it reaches the top or, alternatively, the bricks can be laid on their sides to create a beautiful effect at a low cost.
8. Decorative brick soldier course
Adding a ‘military course’ is an attractive option above the main part. Rotate the bricks vertically and lengthwise, laying the entire length. A second high string line will be used to maintain a uniform finish.
9. How to finish the mortar bed
To finish the beds, use the rounded edge of a brick joint to scrape the mortar over the joints. Starting from the horizontal lines and following vertically – it is easy to remove excess mortar
10. Clean up
Finally, a soft brush is applied to the finished work and any mortar that has fallen to the floor is cleaned before it dries. Water can be used to wash the cement off the floor, but be sure to keep it away from the newly built!