Different Bricklaying Techniques

Bricklaying is a job that back in the time only experienced bricklayers were able to perform it, but nowadays, there are various bricklaying techniques which require specific bricklaying equipment and bricklaying tools and can be implemented in only few hours and mastered in a couple of weeks. Beginners willing to invest a small amount of time to learn the basics of bricklaying and using bricklaying tools and equipment are able to choose a specific bricklaying technique and master it.

A good bricklaying job depends on a good workmanship, quality bricklaying equipment and efficiency. The efficiency involves doing the work with the fewest motions possible and every motions should have a purpose. For maximum efficiency, the builders should develop all the bricklaying methods. The bricklaying procedure should run smoothly; the builder should make a plan before beginning with the work and be supplied with bricks, mortar and bricklayer tools. However, here are a few different bricklaying techniques.

Staggering – In this method, all bricks are staggered in order to increase the strength and durability of the brick wall. Staggering is done on this way: each brick row is installed so that the end of each brick lands in the middle of the prior brick row bricks. There are similar bond patterns, such as Flemish bond where the bricks can vary between whole and half bricks.

Flemish Bond – Flemish bonds are usually replicated in the half-brick outer leaf of a wall by using whole bricks as stretchers. The headers on the other hand, are created by half-bricks called snap-headers or not-so-frequently bats. Unfortunately, the flemish bond is a little weaker than the English bond at one brick thick.

Mortaring – The bricks should be pressed into a so-called mortar-bed and stuck together at each other with smeared mortar. To lay the bricks correctly, spreading cement mortar in a mud bed with a trowel is very recommended, in order to bricks bond together. This trowel is also used to spread mortar over onto the ends of each brick before pushing it into the mortar bed.

English Bond – The English bond is a method that uses alternative courses of stretchers and headers. It might be the strongest bond method in case where the wall is one brick thick. The English bond is preferred bonding method for embankment walls, bridges and other architectures.

Stretcher Bond – In the beginning, the stretcher bond was used for single brick walls, but later it became the absolute choice for cavity walls with the least amount of cutting required. This bricklaying technique is the most economical and is extensively used in modern building.

Header Bond – Many years ago, this method was used for buildings of high quality (most common for curved brick-work). Today, the header bond technique is very strong as the width of the brick wall is the whole length of a brick. Each brick is laid flat with the short end exposed.

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