{"id":4142,"date":"2023-02-24T08:47:07","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T06:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/?p=4142"},"modified":"2026-08-27T14:36:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T12:36:47","slug":"brick-wall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build a Brick Wall: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During recent years, the interest in home improvement has skyrocketed. <strong>Over fifty percent<\/strong> of Americans feel like their houses could use some work, but many of them do not know how to even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/tile-installation\/\"><strong>get started<\/strong><\/a> with building a brick wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re building a decorative garden wall or looking to learn the fundamentals of masonry, the process demands careful attention to detail. In this article, we will explain the exact steps for laying a solid foundation, mixing mortar, and laying bricks perfectly level. By the end, you should understand <strong>how to build a wall <\/strong>without the stress of needing to hire anyone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\" id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-dccf123e-51b7-442a-8f47-ce17cff2aeae\"><span class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-dccf123e-51b7-442a-8f47-ce17cff2aeae\" id=\"hs-cta-dccf123e-51b7-442a-8f47-ce17cff2aeae\"><!--[if lte IE 8]><div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div><![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/6786297\/dccf123e-51b7-442a-8f47-ce17cff2aeae\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-dccf123e-51b7-442a-8f47-ce17cff2aeae\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/6786297\/dccf123e-51b7-442a-8f47-ce17cff2aeae.png\"  alt=\"* \u00bfEst\u00e1s a punto de colocar baldosas cer\u00e1micas? Evita estos errores comunes y  obt\u00e9n resultados profesionales. Haz clic aqu\u00ed y descarga nuestra gu\u00eda gratuita  ahora.\"\/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(6786297, 'dccf123e-51b7-442a-8f47-ce17cff2aeae', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code -->\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/bricklaying-Using-the-Brick-Jo-e1666190077977.jpg\" alt=\"building a brick wall\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#What_You_Need_to_Know_Before_Building_a_Brick_Wall\" >What You Need to Know Before Building a Brick Wall<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#Selecting_the_Right_Bricks_SW_MW_NW\" >Selecting the Right Bricks (SW, MW, NW)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#Permits_and_Structural_Considerations\" >Permits and Structural Considerations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#Essential_Tools_and_Materials_for_Brick_Laying\" >Essential Tools and Materials for Brick Laying<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#How_to_Build_a_Brick_Wall_Foundation\" >How to Build a Brick Wall Foundation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#1_Digging_the_Trench_and_Pouring_Concrete\" >1. Digging the Trench and Pouring Concrete<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#2_Setting_Up_Guideposts_Gauging_Rods_and_a_String_Line\" >2. Setting Up Guideposts (Gauging Rods) and a String Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#How_to_Lay_Brick_Step-by-Step_Instructions\" >How to Lay Brick: Step-by-Step Instructions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#1_Do_a_Dry_Run_First\" >1. Do a Dry Run First<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#2_Mix_the_Mortar_Properly\" >2. Mix the Mortar Properly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#3_Lay_the_Mortar_Bed_and_the_First_Course\" >3. Lay the Mortar Bed and the First Course<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#4_Buttering_the_Bricks_and_Staggering_Joints\" >4. Buttering the Bricks and Staggering Joints<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#5_Cutting_Bricks_for_the_Next_Rows\" >5. Cutting Bricks for the Next Rows<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#Finishing_and_Topping_the_Wall\" >Finishing and Topping the Wall<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#Tooling_the_Joints\" >Tooling the Joints<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#Adding_Pillars_Soldier_Courses_and_Tiling\" >Adding Pillars, Soldier Courses, and Tiling<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" >Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#Can_you_lay_bricks_directly_on_soil\" >Can you lay bricks directly on soil?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/#What_is_the_proper_mortar_mix_for_a_brick_wall\" >What is the proper mortar mix for a brick wall?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_You_Need_to_Know_Before_Building_a_Brick_Wall\"><\/span><strong>What You Need to Know Before Building a Brick Wall<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Selecting_the_Right_Bricks_SW_MW_NW\"><\/span><strong>Selecting the Right Bricks (SW, MW, NW)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all bricks are created equal. You must select your bricks based on the environment they will be exposed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Severe Weathering (SW):<\/strong> These bricks can withstand direct contact with the ground and moisture. Use these for foundations, patios, and garden walls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medium Weathering (MW):<\/strong> Designed to withstand freezing temperatures and above-ground exterior work, but not direct ground contact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No Weathering (NW):<\/strong> These are for interior work only.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep in mind that a standard modular brick has dimensions of 3 5\/8&#8243; wide, 2 1\/4&#8243; tall, and 7 5\/8&#8243; long. When planning your wall, you must always add a 1\/2&#8243; allowance for the mortar joint to calculate the true &#8220;nominal&#8221; size of the structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Permits_and_Structural_Considerations\"><\/span><strong>Permits and Structural Considerations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are planning to build a load-bearing or retaining wall, you must submit your plans to your county or city. Also, inquire with your local municipality if any permitting is required or if an engineer needs to stamp your plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Essential_Tools_and_Materials_for_Brick_Laying\"><\/span><strong>Essential Tools and Materials for Brick Laying<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To ensure your wall is safe, level, and professional-looking, you need to gather the correct materials:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tools:<\/strong> Trowel, spirit level, club hammer, bolster (chisel), builder&#8217;s string line, tape measure, and a brick jointer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Materials:<\/strong> Your chosen bricks, premixed mortar (or cement and sand to mix your own), and concrete for the foundation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Build_a_Brick_Wall_Foundation\"><\/span><strong>How to Build a Brick Wall Foundation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>solid foundation<\/strong> is the key to any <strong>brick wall\u2019s stability<\/strong>. A shallow or weak footer will cause the wall to sag, crack, or collapse over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Digging_the_Trench_and_Pouring_Concrete\"><\/span><strong>1. Digging the Trench and Pouring Concrete<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dig a trench that is <strong>at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide<\/strong>. If the soil is heavy clay, you will need to add rebar to the footing to hold it all together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drive wooden stakes into the ground along the perimeter to help you gauge the correct height.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fill the trench with poured concrete up to the top of the stakes, use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/en\/categories\/brick-trowels\"><strong>trowel<\/strong><\/a> to make it smooth, and let it cure for <strong>at least 2 to 3 days<\/strong> before building on it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Setting_Up_Guideposts_Gauging_Rods_and_a_String_Line\"><\/span><strong>2. Setting Up Guideposts (Gauging Rods) and a String Line<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the foundation is set, you need to set up &#8220;gauging rods&#8221; at both ends of your planned wall. Mark the height of each desired brick course on these rods. Stretch a builder&#8217;s string line tight between the pegs just above the level of the first course. This acts as an<strong> infallible guide to keep your wall perfectly straight<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Lay_Brick_Step-by-Step_Instructions\"><\/span><strong>How to Lay Brick: Step-by-Step Instructions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Do_a_Dry_Run_First\"><\/span><strong>1. Do a Dry Run First<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lay the first row of bricks on the concrete footer without mortar. Use your <strong>tape measure <\/strong>to ensure they are the correct distance apart (accounting for the 1\/2&#8243; mortar joints) and confirm the layout fits the trench snugly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Mix_the_Mortar_Properly\"><\/span><strong>2. Mix the Mortar Properly<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/categories\/mortar-mixers\"><strong>mortar mixer<\/strong><\/a>, blend your mortar to the correct consistency. The standard ratio for general bricklaying is <strong>1 part cement to 5 parts sand<\/strong>. Mix this with water until it reaches a smooth, creamy, and workable texture., mix together the amount of mortar you think you will need. Five parts sand to one part cement should do. Mix this with water until the mixture has a smooth, creamy texture that you can still manipulate.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><iframe title=\"The Most Powerful Mixer, The RUBIMIX-9 POWER MAX\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jqC4oXhs4dY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Lay_the_Mortar_Bed_and_the_First_Course\"><\/span><strong>3. Lay the Mortar Bed and the First Course<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spread a thick &#8220;bed&#8221; of mortar onto the concrete base. Use your trowel to create a &#8220;V&#8221; shape along the mortar to help it spread evenly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Press your first brick into the mortar. Tap it gently with the handle of your trowel until it aligns with your string line.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use your spirit level to check that the brick is perfectly even with the ground.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Buttering_the_Bricks_and_Staggering_Joints\"><\/span><strong>4. Buttering the Bricks and Staggering Joints<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before placing subsequent bricks, you must &#8220;butter&#8221; the end. Apply a nice, even pat of mortar to the short end (the &#8220;header&#8221;) of the brick to form a vertical joint. Push it tightly against the previous brick and scrape away any excess mortar that squeezes out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Cutting_Bricks_for_the_Next_Rows\"><\/span><strong>5. Cutting Bricks for the Next Rows<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For added strength and stability, <strong>bricks must be staggered in an alternating bond so each brick sits over the joint of the two bricks below it<\/strong>. To do this, you will need to start every other new row with half a brick. Use a bolster and a firm tap from a club hammer to break the brick cleanly in half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continue laying row after row, moving your string line up to the next marker on your gauging rods each time. Build the ends of the wall up a course higher than the middle section (creating a staircase effect on the ends) to help you stay perfectly level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\" id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-3bd05d67-758f-4af5-b33b-73108570af53\"><span class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-3bd05d67-758f-4af5-b33b-73108570af53\" id=\"hs-cta-3bd05d67-758f-4af5-b33b-73108570af53\"><!--[if lte IE 8]><div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div><![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/6786297\/3bd05d67-758f-4af5-b33b-73108570af53\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-3bd05d67-758f-4af5-b33b-73108570af53\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/6786297\/3bd05d67-758f-4af5-b33b-73108570af53.png\"  alt=\"New call-to-action\"\/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(6786297, '3bd05d67-758f-4af5-b33b-73108570af53', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finishing_and_Topping_the_Wall\"><\/span><strong>Finishing and Topping the Wall<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tooling_the_Joints\"><\/span><strong>Tooling the Joints<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a few hours, when the mortar begins to firm up but before it fully hardens, you need to <strong>finish the joints<\/strong>. Run a brick jointer tool across the seams to compress the mortar, creating a neat, professional, and weather-resistant finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adding_Pillars_Soldier_Courses_and_Tiling\"><\/span><strong>Adding Pillars, Soldier Courses, and Tiling<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on your design, you can finish the top of the wall creatively:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Soldier Course:<\/strong> This involves turning the top row of bricks vertically to add a unique visual touch and highlight the edge of the structure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pillars:<\/strong> Without pillars to provide stability, a long brick wall cannot hold itself up unless you build it in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amusingplanet.com\/2019\/10\/the-crinkle-crankle-walls-of-suffolk.html\"><strong>crinkle crankle wall<\/strong><\/a> style. Pillars are built as small, wide squares intertwined with the main wall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tiling:<\/strong> You can also cap or face your wall using slate or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/category\/tiling-ideas\/\"><strong>ceramic tiles<\/strong><\/a> for a highly customized aesthetic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_lay_bricks_directly_on_soil\"><\/span><strong>Can you lay bricks directly on soil?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, you cannot lay bricks directly on soil. A brick wall requires a solid, poured concrete footing in a trench. Laying bricks on soil will cause the wall to sink, crack, and eventually collapse due to ground movement and moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_proper_mortar_mix_for_a_brick_wall\"><\/span><strong>What is the proper mortar mix for a brick wall?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The general ratio for standard bricklaying is 1 part cement to 5 parts sand. If you are building a load-bearing structure and need a sturdier mix, you can use 1 part cement to 4 parts sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now you should have a firm understanding of <strong>how to build a brick wall that is safe, sturdy, and beautiful<\/strong>. If you want to talk to us about the professional tools we offer to make your masonry projects easier, you need only ask.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/contact\">&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/contact\"><strong>Contact us<\/strong><\/a> today and get started on the project of your dreams!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\" id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-128b250b-f43c-44f5-9fdb-3a87592f021e\"><span class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-128b250b-f43c-44f5-9fdb-3a87592f021e\" id=\"hs-cta-128b250b-f43c-44f5-9fdb-3a87592f021e\"><!--[if lte IE 8]><div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div><![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/6786297\/128b250b-f43c-44f5-9fdb-3a87592f021e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-128b250b-f43c-44f5-9fdb-3a87592f021e\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/6786297\/128b250b-f43c-44f5-9fdb-3a87592f021e.png\"  alt=\"New call-to-action\"\/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(6786297, '128b250b-f43c-44f5-9fdb-3a87592f021e', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>During recent years, the interest in home improvement has skyrocketed. Over fifty percent of Americans feel like their houses could use some work, but many of them do not know how to even get started with building a brick wall. Whether you\u2019re building a decorative garden wall or looking to learn the fundamentals of masonry, &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":4254,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[756],"tags":[418,898,462,443],"coauthors":[2901],"class_list":["post-4142","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-tricks","tag-installationtipstricks","tag-how-to-cut-tile-on-wall","tag-installer","tag-tools-for-tile-installation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Build a Brick Wall: Step-by-Step DIY Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to build a brick wall like a pro. Follow our step-by-step guide covering foundations, mortar mixing, laying bricks, and the best masonry tools.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Build a Brick Wall: Step-by-Step DIY Guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to build a brick wall like a pro. Follow our step-by-step guide covering foundations, mortar mixing, laying bricks, and the best masonry tools.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/brick-wall\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Rubi Blog USA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rubitools\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RubiToolsUSA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-02-24T06:47:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-27T12:36:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.rubi.com\/us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/bricklaying-Using-the-Brick-Jo.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1335\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Chase Actkinson\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@RubiTools_Es\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@RubiTools_Es\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Chase Actkinson\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Build a Brick Wall: Step-by-Step DIY Guide","description":"Learn how to build a brick wall like a pro. 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