Are you capable of laying bricks yourself?

Important Points to Remember

Brick walls and paths embody a timeless, durable quality that will never lose its charm or seem outdated. While they may appear simple, the ease of DIY might tempt you—especially after receiving a quote from a professional bricklayer. If you’re wondering whether you can lay bricks yourself, the short answer is yes. It’s absolutely feasible to build brick paths or even walls without hiring an expert. However, the complexity of the project might require significant time, some heavy-duty tools and materials, and a touch of masonry knowledge. This is not a task for the average homeowner without some DIY experience.

Building a brick wall, which requires mortar, is a challenging task. Experts advise against attempting to construct a brick wall higher than 4 feet (1.2 meters) on your own unless you're an experienced bricklayer [source: Hessayon]. A shorter wall may be more manageable, but it’s difficult to learn bricklaying just by reading a book. It’s best to observe a skilled bricklayer in action. If that's not an option, try to find tutorial videos and study them. It typically takes around 40 to 50 hours of practice on a test wall before you can create a wall that’s both attractive and structurally sound [source: LearntoLayBrick].

The primary materials needed are bricks and mortar. While bricks typically come in standard sizes, they differ significantly in texture, color, and resistance to weather. Mortar consists of approximately four parts sand to one part cement, with some plasticizer added to improve workability. You'll also need specialized tools, especially a trowel for applying and smoothing the mortar. To keep your wall level and straight, a spirit level and a string line secured with pins are essential. A hammer and chisel will be required to split bricks in half for the edges of the wall.

An important consideration in bricklaying is the pattern, or bond, in which the bricks are arranged. The running bond is a popular pattern where the bricks are placed lengthwise in a staggered arrangement. This method enhances the wall's strength by distributing the load and providing resistance to lateral forces.

What other things should you keep in mind if you choose to lay bricks yourself?

Suggestions for Laying Your Own Brick Path

If building a brick wall feels too overwhelming, you may find laying your own brick path (or patio) to be a more manageable project. Paths don’t require mortar, which can be difficult to handle. Consider making your path 3 to 4 feet wide (0.9 to 1.2 meters)—just enough for two people to walk side by side. Choosing the right bricks is also crucial: Opt for pavers rated for "severe weather" to ensure they endure both the elements and years of foot traffic. To keep everything in place while working, secure plastic guide rails along the edges with stakes.

To protect the path from long-term damage, position it well away from trees with large roots. Additionally, plan for water runoff with a slight slope (roughly an eighth of an inch per foot) [source: Stimpson]. This is important not just to prevent puddles, but in colder climates, water will freeze and thaw, potentially causing the bricks to pop up and disrupt the path.

Arguably, the most challenging part of laying a brick path is preparing the foundation, which involves digging into the topsoil and then creating a base of gravel and sand. While exact instructions may vary, professional Dustin Carrier suggests digging a trench 10 to 12 inches (25.4 to 30.5 centimeters) deep where the path will go. Clear out any tree roots you encounter, and use a compactor machine (available for rent) to flatten the soil.

Next, spread landscape fabric over the soil, which lets water pass through while keeping the soil separated from the base layer. Pour a 3 to 4-inch (7.6 to 10.2-centimeter) layer of gravel on top of the fabric, compact it, and repeat the process for a solid base. Finish with a 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) layer of sand, smoothing it with a 2 x 4 board cut to the correct length. Drag the board along the guide rails to achieve a level surface. If you'd prefer, you can hire a professional to handle the foundation work and lay the bricks yourself afterward.

Starting from the sides, lay the bricks in your desired pattern. Use the compactor again to press the bricks into the sand below, ensuring a smooth surface. Finally, pour sand over the path and use a push broom to fill in the gaps. Wet the path to settle the sand, and repeat the process with more sand until the joints are fully filled and secure.