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

Contact the host of Intro to Bricklaying- DIY series - 6th Dec 2026

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