How To Lay Bricks Correctly

Bricklaying is both an art and a science. It requires attention to detail, careful planning, and skill in handling materials.

Correct brick laying ensures durability and reliability of the structure.

Basics of bricklaying

Selecting the material for masonry

Before starting work, it is important to choose the right brick. There are several types:

• facing,
• building,
• silicate,
• clinker.

Facing brick is used for external finishing of buildings. It has a beautiful appearance and a variety of colors and textures. This brick is resistant to atmospheric influences and does not require additional finishing of the walls.

Construction bricks are used to build load-bearing walls and other structures where the appearance of the brick is not important, as it is usually covered with plaster or other finishing material. Construction bricks provide strength and reliability of the structure.

Sand-lime brick is made from sand and lime, has good sound and heat insulation. This type is suitable for internal and external walls, but it is not recommended for use in high humidity conditions or for foundations, as it is less resistant to moisture compared to ceramic brick.

Clinker brick is one of the most durable types of brick. It is baked at high temperatures, which ensures high strength and frost resistance. Clinker brick is often used for paving sidewalks, facing facades, in places with high traffic and mechanical loads.

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Preparing the tools

The tools needed include: mortar trowel, level, hammer, plumb line, marking line, mortar bucket.

What to lay bricks on

The mortar is a key element of high-quality masonry. The mortar must be homogeneous. It consists of cement, sand and water. The proportions may vary, but the standard ratio is 1 part cement to 3 parts sand. Water is added until a homogeneous mass is obtained.

How to lay bricks correctly

Marking and foundation

Marking is the first and one of the most important stages in bricklaying. It is the process of applying marks on the ground or foundation that indicate the location of future walls, corners, door and window openings. Marking helps in accurately following construction plans and ensures the correct geometry of the entire structure.

Markup is needed for:

• Ensuring accuracy. Marking ensures that the walls will be erected exactly as planned.
• Alignment. Helps maintain the evenness of walls and corners.
• Planning the location of elements. Designates locations for doors, windows and other structural elements.

How to do the marking:

• Preparing the tools . You will need a measuring tape, a cord for marking, stakes or metal rods, a hammer, a building level, and a plumb line.
• Determining the main points . First, the main points of the building are determined at the corners. Stakes are driven into these points.
• Tensioning the cord . A cord is stretched between the pegs. It should go strictly along the perimeter of the future structure. It is important to check the horizontality of the cord using a building level and the verticality using a plumb line.
• Checking right angles . To check if the angles are correct, you can use the 3-4-5 method (Pythagoras triangle), where the ratio of the sides should match these numbers (e.g. 3m, 4m, 5m). This ensures that the angles are right angles.
• Marking the level of the first row of bricks . It is important to mark the level at which the first row of bricks will lie, especially if the masonry does not start from the foundation, but from another base.

First row of bricks

The first row of bricks is critical because it sets the direction of the entire wall. Each brick is leveled and plumb.

• Apply the solution to the foundation in a layer about 1 cm thick.
• Use a trowel to distribute the solution evenly over the entire surface.
• Place the brick on the mortar, pressing it lightly. Make sure it fits tightly against the adjacent bricks.
• Using a level, check the horizontal and vertical alignment of the laid bricks.
• Remove any excess mortar that extends beyond the edges.

Subsequent rows

• For each new row, a bandaging technique is used to ensure the strength of the structure. Each subsequent row should be offset relative to the previous one.
• The vertical joints of the next row should not coincide with the joints of the previous one. Usually, the bricks of the next row are shifted so that the joint falls in the middle of the brick of the lower row.
• Control the thickness of the seams; it should be uniform along the entire length of the wall.

Corners and dressing

• The corners require special attention. They must be strictly vertical and horizontal.
• First, the corners are set, then a cord is pulled between them, which serves as a guide for laying the remaining bricks.
• When connecting to other walls or structures, ensure that the seams are firmly engaged.
• Lintels are installed for window and door openings to distribute the load and prevent the masonry from collapsing.
• If it is necessary to create ventilation ducts or technological openings, they are formed at the installation stage.

Technological features of masonry

Types of masonry

There are different types of masonry: half-brick, one brick, with facing, etc. The choice depends on the task and architectural requirements.

In half a brick (in one layer):

• This is the simplest and most economical type of masonry.
• Used for internal partitions or as decorative cladding.
• The bricks are laid with the end facing outwards, forming a wall approximately 120 mm thick (the width of one brick).

In one brick (in two layers):

• Provides greater strength and thermal insulation compared to half-brick masonry.
• The thickness of the wall is about 250 mm (the length of one brick).
• Often used for external walls.

In one and a half bricks:

• Provides even greater strength and better thermal insulation.
• The wall thickness reaches approximately 380 mm.
• Ideal for load-bearing external walls in cold climates.

In two bricks:

• This is the most durable and thermally efficient option.
• The wall thickness is about 510 mm.
• Used in multi-storey construction or for buildings requiring special strength and insulation.

Columnar masonry:

• Used to create columns and pillars.
• Bricks are laid around a supporting element (such as a metal or concrete beam).

Decorative masonry:

• Various styling methods to achieve a specific visual effect.
• Includes such types as “fillet”, “checkerboard”, “bow” and others.

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Styling technique

The technique of laying bricks includes the correct application of mortar, alignment of each brick and control over the geometry of the wall.

Conclusion

Bricklaying is a complex process that requires attention and skill. Compliance with technology and careful work will ensure the durability and reliability of your structure.