The Basics of Do-It-Yourself Bricklaying
Bricklaying is one of the jobs that many people prefer to do themselves. The reasons are various. Some do it to develop a new hobby, some intend to pursue it as a career, and some just want to save money. This is why, it is no surprise that a vast array of resources and information about it have proliferated in the Internet. Just type in bricklaying on the search engine and voila, you will be bombarded with millions of results in just a matter of seconds.
However, it should be kept in mind that bricklaying is not that simple. It is entirely different from the toy blocks you used to build when you were a kid. The real thing entails efficient skills, utmost caution and the right tools.
Fortunately, bricklaying courses have become widely available for all those who want to try DIY projects in this field. These courses seek to educate and equip bricklayer aspirants with the proper training and knowledge about the rudiments of bricklaying. But if you do not have time to undergo a formal course just yet but you are aching to know about DIY bricklaying, here is some information that you will find helpful. The first step in DIY bricklaying is planning. Whether you are an experienced or a novice bricklayer, careful planning is important to get an overview of the things to be done. This includes size and scale, location, selection of material, drainage system and overall appearance of the structure you intend to build. It is imperative that you sketch detailed drawings of the project to make estimating costs easier as well as give you an idea of the appearance of the structure. The next thing to do is to gather your tools. You can go to a local hardware store, home improvement center or brickyard to get the materials and tools that you will need for the project. The tools you will need depend on the type of project you plan to do. Are you going to build a wall, brick patio, archway, or something else? It is necessary that you estimate the dimensions accurately. This way you will be able to save yourself from going back to the supply store to get extra materials or from wasting materials that are not going to be used. If you intend to pursue this activity as a long-term hobby or career, it is suggested that you invest on high quality tools that are meant specifically for bricklaying. Otherwise, if it just a one-time engagement, you can just rent or borrow these equipment to save you from spending on things that you will be rarely using. Some of the things you need are motor hawk (for holding mortar), wide pointing tool (to use for placing mortar on bricks), jointer (used for finishing joints), brick tongs (to make carrying multiple bricks easier), narrow tuck pointer, mason’s trowel (to use for applying mortar), and chisels (for splitting bricks). You will also need mason’s hammer, maul, joint chisel (to use to remove dry mortar), stiff bristle brush, rubber mallet, pipe clamp, circular saw, hammer drill with masonry bit, wheelbarrow (where you’ll mix the mortar), shovel, cement, and protective gear and clothing such as mask, gloves and goggles. To begin with the process of hands on bricklaying, you have to know that there are many kinds of mortar designed to be used for different kinds of structures. Finding the right mortar is crucial to give you the best results. The first kind of mortar is the type N mortar, which is one of the most commonly used because of its strong and durable properties. It is the typical material used to make projects that will bear no weight such as chimneys and freestanding walls. Type S mortar, another kind of mortar, is a high strength mixture used outdoors in foundations, driveways, walkways, patios. Lastly, type M mortar, the highest strength among the three kinds is the type used for load-bearing exterior stonewalls. There are actually many other types of mixes but these three are the most commonly used. To mix the mortar, pour contents of bags of mix into a wheelbarrow. Pour in water gradually until desired texture and consistency are achieved. Be careful when adding water. It is vital that you are able to mix in just the right amount. Remember, a too thick mixture will not provide you with a smooth line while a mixture with too much water is weak and will not be able to hold bricks efficiently. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer thoroughly when mixing mortar. It would also help to undergo a bricklaying course to acquire efficient skills for this process. If you are unsure or if you have never tried mixing mortar before, it is suggested that you mix it in small batches first and take note of the ratios you used. More importantly, you have to mix only the amount that you intend to use for that day because leftover mortar will just dry up and be a waste of money. Mixing in small batches is always recommended so that in case of inevitable circumstances (bad weather or an urgent situation that will need you to leave what you are doing) that will delay your job, there will not be too much of a waste. Now the next thing in the list is mortar throwing. To begin, put mortar on your trowel. Position it a few inches above the starting point and then with a sweeping motion, spread the mortar on the surface. This should be a smooth and quick process. An ideal line of mortar should be about 2 ½ inch wide and 2 foot long. This skill is something that takes a lot of practice to master so you should not easily lose confidence if at first you are not able to do it right. If you want to see how it is done, enlist the help of a professional bricklayer or better yet, watch it done in a bricklaying DVD. Some other tips to help you with your bricklaying project:
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Be patient. This tip cannot be emphasized more. Laying bricks entails utmost patience and perseverance especially if it is your first time.
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Accuracy is vital. This tip encompasses all the processes involved in bricklaying–mixing mortar, laying bricks, throwing mortar and many others. Never make this as a guessing game. Everything should be precise.
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Always check if the structure you built is level.
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Do not rush things. It’s amazing to see professional bricklayers do the job in a swift motion. But that will come in time. For now, be contended in doing the job slowly but surely. After enough practice, you will be laying the bricks on a faster pace.
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Always make safety your top priority.
Laying bricks is one of the most rewarding tasks you can ever engage in. It may take a lot of hard work, time and patience but once you see the fruits of your labor, you will see that it is worth it.
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