How difficult is it to lay Blocks?

Mattsville · 13-12-2011, 06:20 PM

Hey,

I'm trying to decide whether to pay someone to come in and build my block walls or to build them myself.
I've dug out the pond and laid footings - so I've got a decent base to build off. I'm not really worried about neatness as I'll have a brick face done above ground (which I'll get someone else to do) but I am worried about the strength. Is it something that's easy to get wrong? I can't really see why it would be - is there any knack to it that I'm in danger of missing?

If I do it myself I can take my time and also take my time over pipework etc.

Matt

miles41 · 13-12-2011, 07:23 PM

Hi Matt,
I too shall be doing my own blockwork, it really can't be that difficult if like you say, just take your time, make sure the mix is consistant and above all, that each block laid is check for level in all directions.
What type of finish are you going for, liner or fiberglass, or render & seal?

Good luck with it

terrydog · 13-12-2011, 07:32 PM

hi
if i was you i would read up on setting up and laying out

Mattsville · 13-12-2011, 07:46 PM

Yes, I'll do lots of reading up before I start. To be honest I'm not going to stock the pond until spring now anyway so I'm in no rush.
I'm going to put a liner in to keep costs down.
Matt

Shevyrabbit · 13-12-2011, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattsville

Yes, I'll do lots of reading up before I start. To be honest I'm not going to stock the pond until spring now anyway so I'm in no rush.
I'm going to put a liner in to keep costs down.
Matt

Hi Matt
Work from Corner to Corner and get youself a 3' Square to set out your corners and most important keep Half bond on your blocks you could also use some profiles on the corners and use it as gauge rod for each level when you run in.

Shevy

harryc · 13-12-2011, 09:02 PM

If it's any help I have just finished laying 250 blocks in October, I had never laid any bricks previously and it all came out reasonably straight

( well it is probably about 2 degree out over 12 feet, so not really noticeable ).

Make sure your foundations are level, take your time and if you make sure the first course is level you cant go wrong

Harry

Doghouse Riley · 13-12-2011, 11:50 PM

This is just a bit of information for the "non technical" amongst us and that includes myself. As well as a good straight edge and a spirit level, whether laying bricks, blocks, or flags.
The "rule of three" is important.
That is, have a straight edge length of wood which you can lay over three bricks, blocks or slabs. As you lay each put the length of wood over it and the previous two and check with your level, in this way you'll be sure each one you lay will be level with the previous two and thus the whole row.

Shevyrabbit · 14-12-2011, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doghouse Riley

This is just a bit of information for the "non technical" amongst us and that includes myself. As well as a good straight edge and a spirit level, whether laying bricks, blocks, or flags.
The "rule of three" is important.
That is, have a straight edge length of wood which you can lay over three bricks, blocks or slabs. As you lay each put the length of wood over it and the previous two and check with your level, in this way you'll be sure each one you lay will be level with the previous two and thus the whole row.

Hi Doghouse
Just use a 3' level spot on thats what it's for

Rack up the two corners lines out and run it in job done. Happy days

Shevy

Or Don't laugh have a look at this HOW TO USE THE BRICKY TOOL - YouTube

What ever you do don't buy this.

Doghouse Riley · 14-12-2011, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shevyrabbit

Hi Doghouse
Just use a 3' level spot on thats what it's for

Rack up the two corners lines out and run it in job done. Happy days

Shevy

Hi Shevy!

Oi! Don't shoot the messenger! I was explaining the technique required to the non technically minded.

What you say is true, but not everyone might want to go to the expense of a three-foot level for maybe one job.

and not if you're laying big York stone slabs as I did on the patio I built!

Doghouse

dazlem · 14-12-2011, 06:36 AM

Laying blocks isn’t difficult; the hardest part is setting out, keeping everything level and getting the mortar mix correct......
There are loads of professionals out there crying out for work at very low rates….
They’ll get the job done in the tenth of the time and done right…..
Get some estimates and see what they say then if you still want to give it a go yourself check out youtube for hints and tips……