Intro to Bricklaying- DIY series - 6th Dec 2026

Course Description

This one‑day practical workshop introduces participants to the fundamental skills, knowledge, and techniques of basic bricklaying. The course focuses on safe work practices, correct tool use, setting out brickwork, mixing mortar, laying bricks, jointing, and basic rendering and bagging. Skills gained are suitable for small DIY and non‑structural projects.

Course Outcome

By the end of the workshop, participants will have developed:

• Basic bricklaying knowledge

• Essential trowel handling skills

• The ability to set out and lay simple brickwork

• An understanding of finishing techniques for brickwork

1. Introduction and Safety

Content

• Overview of the course and learning expectations

• Explanation of basic bricklaying applications for DIY projects

• Worksite awareness and hazard identification

• Safe manual handling techniques

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Gloves

  • Safety glasses

  • Protective footwear

• Safe use and handling of hand tools

Learning Focus

Participants understand workplace safety requirements and demonstrate safe behaviour when handling tools and materials.

2. Tools and Equipment

Tools Covered

• String line

• Line blocks

• Bricklaying trowel

• Spirit level

• Jointers

• Tape measure or folding rule

• Hammer and bolster

Content

• Purpose and function of each tool

• Correct handling and basic maintenance of tools

• Introduction to correct trowel grip and movement

• Importance of accuracy and consistency when using measuring tools

Learning Focus

Participants can identify tools and describe their correct use in basic bricklaying tasks.

3. Setting Out Brickwork

Content

• Introduction to setting out brickwork

• Understanding brick sizes and mortar joint spacing

• Use of a gauge rod to maintain consistent course heights

• Explanation of stretcher bond brick pattern

• Marking out a gauge rod

• Establishing straight lines using string line and line blocks

Practical Activities

• Learners mark out their own gauge rod

• Practice setting out a stretcher bond layout

Learning Focus

Participants develop accuracy in preparation and layout, which is critical to quality brickwork.

4. Cutting Bricks

Content

• Reasons for cutting bricks in brickwork projects

• Identifying when half bricks are required

• Safe use of hammer and bolster

• Basic brick cutting techniques

Practical Activities

• Learners practice cutting a half brick

• Emphasis on safety, control, and accuracy

Learning Focus

Participants safely perform basic brick cutting using hand tools.

5. Mortar and Mixing

Content

• Overview of mortar and its role in brickwork

• Types of mortar and their common uses

• Sand types required for bricklaying

• Understanding proportions and consistency

• Demonstration of correct mixing techniques

Practical Activities

• Group mixing of mortar

• Inspection and comparison of different sand samples

• Identifying workable vs. unworkable mortar mixes

Learning Focus

Participants understand how to prepare mortar suitable for basic bricklaying applications.

6. Laying Bricks

Content

• Introduction to laying techniques

• Bedding mortar correctly

• Buttering bricks

• Developing trowel control and efficiency

• Using a gauge rod, level, and string line to maintain:

  • Level

  • Alignment

  • Consistent joint thickness

Practical Activities

• Learners set out and lay a single‑skin brick wall

• Approximate size: 600 mm high x 1.2 m long

• Ongoing instructor demonstration and feedback

Learning Focus

Participants gain hands‑on experience laying bricks accurately and consistently.

7. Jointing Techniques

Content

• Purpose of jointing in brickwork

• Types of joints:

  • Round iron

  • Flush

  • Struck

  • Raked

• Tools used for different joint finishes

• Timing of jointing for best results

Practical Activities

• Demonstration of each joint style

• Learners practice jointing using different jointers

Learning Focus

Participants understand how joint finishes affect appearance, durability, and weather resistance.

8. Rendering and Bagging (Introduction)

Content

• Purpose of rendering and bagging

• Tools required:

  • Hawk

  • Trowel

  • Poly float

  • Sponge

  • Corner tool

• Mixing render

• Application techniques

• Screeding methods

• Finishing techniques using floats and sponges

Learning Focus

Participants gain a basic understanding of rendering and bagging processes and tools.

9. Review and Workshop Close

Content

• Review of key skills and techniques learnt

• Discussion of common beginner errors

• Tool cleaning and basic maintenance

• Questions and answers

• Guidance on next DIY bricklaying projects