Bricklayers employ a range of skills needed to build and repair brick walls and structures. Here are some of the jobs you can ask your bricklayer to help with and what you can expect from each:

Brick walls for homes

One of the most common jobs your bricklayer can help with is building or repairing the brick walls inside and outside of your home. They’ll help you select the right brick to match your home, before laying each brick individually using a guide to ensure a strong, attractive finish. Your bricklayer will use a trowel to spread mortar on the bottom and sides of each brick, and will knock on the brick to remove any air bubbles from the mortar. Then they’ll remove the excess mortar with the trowel. 

Paving

Paving is a popular option for driveways, patios, and footpaths because pavers are affordable and easy to maintain (if one breaks, you can easily replace it). Your brick paver will start by preparing the surface. They may need to excavate the area slightly and lay down a level base material like crushed rocks, followed by a mixture of sand and cement. Then they’ll lay your pavers down in the pattern you’ve chosen, before sweeping a mixture of sand and cement into the cracks, then setting them with a hose.

Block retaining walls and fences

Your bricklayer can create brick fences, retaining walls, and even garden edgings for raised garden beds. They’ll use a similar process to building standard brick walls, but they’ll need to choose bricks that can stand up to harsher, more exposed conditions. Once they’ve laid bricks to the correct height, your bricklayer may finish off with a different brick or technique to cap the structure and add interest.

Small bricklaying jobs

Your bricklayer or bricky can also help with other smaller jobs like building custom mailboxes using bricks that match your home. Your mailbox installation will involve laying the bricks using mortar between each layer. Your bricklayer will incorporate a “box” section to collect mail and add your house number. Other small bricklaying jobs include brick fireplace installations and repairs, and even rendering.