How To Build A Wall

Embarking on the journey of building a brick wall is a substantial undertaking that demands precision, dedication, and know-how. It’s not just about stacking bricks; it’s about constructing a robust and functional structure that can serve various purposes. 

Whether you’re planning to build a retaining wall to prevent erosion, a garden wall for added privacy, or an interior wall for structural support, this comprehensive guide will be your trusted companion throughout the process. 

From selecting the right bricks to mastering mortar techniques and ensuring structural integrity, we’re here to demystify the art of bricklaying. 

Types of Walls Explained

• Garden Wall: A garden wall is typically a low wall designed to define garden boundaries, create garden beds, or provide seating. It serves primarily aesthetic and zoning purposes within your outdoor space.
• Retaining Wall: Retaining walls are built to hold back soil or other materials, preventing erosion or controlling slope. They are essential for landscape engineering, offering both functional and decorative features.
• Interior Wall: Interior walls divide the interior space of a building into rooms or sections, providing privacy, structural support, and insulation. They play a crucial role in defining the layout and design of indoor spaces.

Choosing Suitable Bricks

Selecting the right bricks is crucial, and your choice depends on the type of wall you intend to build. 

Bricks can be broadly categorised into two main types:

Engineering Bricks: These bricks are well-known for their exceptional resistance to water and frost damage, making them a popular choice for retaining walls. They can withstand soil pressure, ensuring the wall’s stability. To create a reliable defence against rising damp without compromising the wall’s structure, use a minimum of two courses of Engineering bricks or creasing tiles set in M12 category mortar at the wall’s base.

Facing Bricks: Facing bricks are an excellent choice for creating visually appealing garden walls due to their wide range of colours and textures. At Materials Market, we offer a variety of facing bricks, including:

• Ibstock Bricks
• Weinerberger Bricks
• Forterra Bricks

For more brick options, navigate our designated bricks and blocks homepage.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials 

• Bricks: The primary building blocks.
• Brick Jointer: Used to shape and finish mortar joints.
• Club Hammer: Helps break bricks and concrete.
• Wooden Stakes: Used for marking and alignment.
• Spirit Level: Ensures level and plumb bricks.
• Chalk Line: Creates straight reference lines.
• String Line: Provides alignment guides.
• Tape Measure: Measures dimensions accurately.
• Plumb Bob: Ensures vertical alignment.
• Bolster Chisel: Cuts bricks cleanly.
• Mortar Mix: Binds bricks together.

Step 2: Create a Solid Foundation

Building a sturdy wall starts with a strong foundation. To create one:

• Dig a trench for the footing. A footing is a trench dug into the ground to support the wall. The depth of the trench depends on the wall’s intended purpose and local building codes. Generally, it should extend below the frost line to prevent heaving.
• Pour concrete into the trench. Mix concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring it’s adequately mixed. The amount of concrete required depends on the size and depth of the footing.
• Place wooden stakes at each end of the trench, ensuring they are level and aligned. Use a spirit level and a string line to achieve this. These stakes serve as guides for a straight wall.

Step 3: Lay the First Course of Bricks

Begin laying the bricks along the trench, starting with the first brick. Use a spirit level to ensure the brick is level, both vertically and horizontally.

Add mortar mix between each brick and remove excess mortar to create a neat and smooth finish. 

The mortar mix should be prepared following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Typically, you’ll apply a layer of mortar on the foundation and between each brick. The amount of mortar between bricks should be sufficient to ensure proper adhesion and support.

Step 4: Build the Second Course and Beyond

For the second course and subsequent rows, stagger the bricks using a stretcher bond pattern. 

A stretcher bond pattern is a bricklaying technique where bricks are laid end to end, with each brick overlapping halfway with the one next to it. This pattern provides structural stability and a clean appearance.

Place the second brick beside the first, ensuring it overlaps halfway with the previous brick.

Repeat this pattern of offsetting the second course of bricks by half a brick for the entire wall, checking alignment with the string line and using a plumb bob to ensure verticality. 

For reference, string lines are used to establish straight and level guides for brick placement. Plumb bobs ensure that the wall remains vertical as you build it. Attach a string line to stakes at each end of the wall and use the plumb bob to check for vertical alignment.

Step 5: Cut Bricks as Needed 

When you encounter the need for smaller bricks, such as half bricks, soldier courses, or end bricks, use a bolster chisel and club hammer to make smooth cuts. Measure and mark the bricks accurately for precise cuts. 

A soldier course is a row of bricks set vertically with their narrow ends facing outwards. It’s often used for decorative or structural purposes, creating a striking visual effect.

Step 6: Secure the Wall with Wall Ties

To enhance the stability of the wall, insert wall ties between courses. These ties securely anchor the bricks together, preventing any movement. 

Wall ties are metal connectors that secure bricks together, preventing them from moving or shifting. They should be inserted horizontally between courses at regular intervals to enhance wall stability.

Step 7: Check for Plumb and Level

Throughout the construction, frequently use the spirit level and plumb bob to ensure the wall remains straight and level.

Step 8: Finish the Wall

As you build upwards, continue to lay bricks, row by row, until you reach the desired height. For a professional touch, create a soldier course or a decorative finish on the top course of the wall. 

A decorative finish can involve creating patterns or textures on the top course of the wall using specially shaped bricks or additional design elements. The exact finish depends on your creativity and preferences. 

You can achieve decorative finishes by using bricks with unique shapes or by adding decorative capstones or coping stones.

Step 9: Allow the Wall to Drip Dry

After completing the wall, allow it to drip dry naturally, ensuring the mortar sets correctly.

Building A Double Brick Wall

Building a double brick wall requires careful planning and precise execution to create a strong and durable structure. In this overview, we will provide an outline of the key steps involved in constructing a double brick wall.

Step 1: Preparing the Foundation

Before beginning construction, ensure you have a solid and level foundation. Excavate the area and lay a concrete footing to provide a stable base for the wall.

Step 2: Laying the First Course

Start by laying the first course of bricks on the concrete footing. Apply mortar to the footing and place the bricks, ensuring they are level and aligned properly.

Step 3: Adding Wall Ties

To enhance the strength and stability of the double brick wall, insert wall ties between the first and second courses of bricks. These ties securely anchor the two layers of bricks together, preventing separation and ensuring the wall acts as a single, cohesive structure. Proper use of wall ties helps distribute loads evenly and increases the wall’s resistance to environmental stresses.

How to Install Wall Ties: 

Step 4: Building the Second Course

Once the wall ties are in place, proceed to build the second course of bricks on top of the first. Stagger the bricks to create a strong bond and ensure stability.

Step 5: Continuing the Construction

Repeat the process of adding wall ties and building additional courses of bricks until the double brick wall reaches the desired height. Remember to check for plumb and level regularly to maintain accuracy.

Step 6: Creating Openings

If your double brick wall requires openings for doors or windows, carefully plan and build lintels (horizontal supports) or arches to support the structure above.

First, cut the bricks to form the opening. Next, place the lintel or build the arch, and ensure it is securely embedded in mortar. Once the support is in place and the mortar has set, subsequently finish the edges and finally install the door or window frame.

Step 7: Finishing the Wall

Once the desired height is reached, add a capping or coping to the top of the double brick wall for a finished look and added protection. 

Step 8: Pointing and Finishing Touches

Complete the construction by first pointing the joints between the bricks with mortar to seal and protect the wall. Then, check for any loose bricks or excess mortar and make necessary adjustments.

Building Against An Existing Wall

Step 1: Assess the Existing Wall

Before starting, thoroughly examine the existing wall to ensure it is structurally sound and capable of supporting the new wall. Look for any signs of damage, cracks, or weakness that may need to be addressed before proceeding.

If you find minor cracks, fill them with appropriate masonry filler or repair mortar, allowing it to cure fully before continuing. However, for major cracks or structural damage, consult a structural engineer or professional mason. They may recommend reinforcement or repairs, such as adding steel braces or underpinning. Additionally, if you encounter any weakness or instability, reinforce the existing wall with additional supports or bracing as advised by a professional. Ensure all repairs are completed and the wall is stable before starting construction.

Step 2: Obtain Necessary Permits

Depending on your location and the size of the project, you may need to obtain building permits or approvals from local authorities.

Firstly, check with your local building department to ensure compliance with regulations.

Step 3: Mark the Layout

Using a chalk line or string line, first mark the layout of the new wall on the floor. This will then serve as a guide for the construction process.

Step 4: Prepare the Foundation

Begin by creating a solid and level foundation for the new wall. This may involve digging a trench and pouring concrete for the footing, ensuring it is level and properly aligned with the existing wall.

Step 5: Lay the First Course

Begin by laying the first course of bricks or blocks for the new wall. First, apply mortar to the foundation. Then, carefully place each brick, ensuring it is level and aligned with the chalk line or string line.

Step 6: Connect to the Existing Wall

As you build the new wall, ensure it is securely connected to the existing wall. Therefore, use wall ties or masonry anchors to fasten the two walls together at regular intervals.

Step 7: Continue Building

Continue building the new wall, course by course, ensuring each layer is level and plumb. Additionally, use a spirit level and plumb line to maintain accuracy throughout the process.

Step 8: Create Openings

If your new wall requires openings for doors or windows, plan and build lintels or arches as needed to support the structure above.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Once the new wall reaches the desired height, finish the top with capping or coping to provide a clean and polished look.

Step 10: Pointing and Final Checks

After completing the construction, first point the joints between the bricks or blocks with mortar to seal and protect the wall. Then, check for any loose bricks, and subsequently make any necessary adjustments to ensure the new wall is secure and well-built.

Conclusion

To conclude, constructing a brick wall may seem like a complex undertaking, but by following this step-by-step guide, you can achieve excellent results. Throughout the process, it is essential to maintain accuracy in measurements, keep the wall level and plumb, and use sturdy materials for a long-lasting structure.

Additionally, just remember that the key is in the foundation, and a strong base will keep your wall standing for years. We stock a range of brickwork accessories and bricks and blocks to assist you in the process.