How to Lay Brick | This Old House

Summary

In this instructional video, a skilled mason demonstrates the essential tools and techniques for laying bricks. Key tools include a trowel, brick hammer, joiner, level, and brush. The process involves spreading mortar, placing bricks, ensuring they're level, and making tight joints. The instructor emphasizes careful alignment and teaches how to create a 'furrow' for better mortar distribution. The video includes detailed guidance on maintaining precision, avoiding common mistakes, and achieving a professional finish. Viewers are encouraged to follow along and apply these techniques in their own projects.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Essential tools for bricklaying include a trowel, brick hammer, jointer, brick brush, and a two-foot level.
• 🧱 The mortar should have an oatmeal-like consistency for optimal use.
• 🏗 Building a lead row is crucial for setting the foundation and ensuring the wall's alignment.
• 📏 A level and plumb are used to ensure each brick is correctly positioned.
• 🔨 The brick hammer is used to split bricks if necessary.
• 🗜️ Jointer is used to smooth off head joints and bed joints.
• 🧹 The brick brush is used to clean the joints after laying bricks.
• 👷‍♂️ The process of 'furrowing' helps in spreading mortar evenly.
• 🔄 It's important to tap bricks into place to ensure they are level.
• 💧 Water is used to maintain the mortar's consistency and for cleaning.
• 🔄 The technique of 'shaking' the brick into place prevents damaging the bricks below.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the trowel in bricklaying?

The trowel is used to apply and spread mortar evenly on the bricks. It's a key tool for ensuring the mortar layer is consistent, which helps the bricks bond securely.

How is the brick hammer used during bricklaying?

The brick hammer is used to break bricks into smaller pieces, such as when a half-brick is needed. It's also used for shaping bricks as needed during construction.

What is the function of the joiner in this bricklaying process?

The joiner is used to smooth out the head and bed joints once the mortar has set. This ensures the brick joints have a neat, finished appearance.

Why is it important to use a two-foot level in bricklaying?

The two-foot level is used to ensure that the bricks are laid level and plumb. This tool helps maintain the structural integrity and proper alignment of the wall.

What consistency should the mortar have in hot weather?

In hot weather, the mortar should have an oatmeal-like consistency. This ensures it remains workable and doesn't dry out too quickly.

What is the purpose of creating a 'furrow' in the mortar?

The furrow is created to help spread the mortar evenly across the brick surface. It ensures that the mortar covers the entire brick base, providing better adhesion.

Why is it important to avoid banging the brick when placing it in the mortar?

Banging the brick can disturb the mortar or affect the bricks below, potentially misaligning them. The brick should be gently wiggled into place to ensure a secure fit.

How do you maintain a straight line when laying bricks?

The mason uses a line block, which helps guide the bricklaying process by providing a reference line to keep the bricks straight and level along the wall.

What is the function of the heel of the hand during bricklaying?

The heel of the hand helps wiggle the brick into place and ensures a snug fit without disturbing the alignment. It provides better control when adjusting the brick’s position.

What should be avoided when using the line in bricklaying?

It's important to avoid touching the line with your hand while laying bricks. Touching the line can shift it, leading to uneven brick placement.