9781422276877

How to Build a Small Garden Wall

Here are the basic steps a bricklayer would take to build a small garden wall. The process is more complicated than can be explained in a book, but reviewing these steps will you give a general idea of what a bricklayer does to complete a simple home project. 1. Measure and mark off the work area where the wall is to be built. 2. Remove dirt from the work area to a depth of about six inches (15.24 centimeters). 3. Use wood to build a frame that will hold the concrete for the foundation. Set up the wood frame. 4. Mix and pour the concrete into the foundation. Let the concrete dry. 5. Measure and mark the center of the wall with a measuring tape and chalk line. 6. Apply mortar to the area where the first row of bricks will be placed. 7. Mix mortar and place it on the trowel (this is called “buttering”). 8. Use the trowel to apply the mortar to the brick, and then place the brick carefully in the row. 9. Remove excess mortar from the brick and work area, and repeat the process, using a level or mason’s line to ensure that the bricks are aligned correctly. Finish the row. 10. Use the trowel to apply mortar to the top of the first row. Start the next row with a half-size brick so that the second-row layout is staggered; this will make the wall stronger. Use a brick chisel and hammer to cut the brick. Use the trowel to apply mortar to the short edge of the brick that will connect to the adjoining brick. Continue to use the level and mason’s line as the wall is built to ensure that it is straight, and the bricks are aligned correctly. 11. Fill any holes in the seams with mortar. 12. Allow the mortar to dry and the bricks to set. 13. Strike/point the dried mortar between the bricks to give the brickwork a professional finish. 14. Brush the brickwork with a soft hand brush to remove any excess mortar from the brickwork face.

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