Mitre Plan - Do your own bricklaying

The beauty of bricks is that they can add real style anywhere in your garden. And laying bricks is well within the average handy person's ability.

You can easily build small earth retaining walls to create features as a raised lawn or sunken patio, or add terraced garden beds, planter boxes, garden seats, a barbeque or a mailbox. Most of all it's a project that is rewarding knowing that you have laid the bricks with your own hands.

The first thing to learn is some of the brickies language so you'll understand some of the steps in the Mitre 10 Mitre Plan.

1) COURSE: A single row of bricks.
2) JOINTS: The mortar between bricks, which is usually 10mm thick.
3) BUTTERING: Coating the end of a brick with mortar to form a vertical joint.
4) PIERS: Supporting columns built in at regular intervals and at the ends of high or long walls to give added strength.

If you're planning a large structure, such as a high front brick wall, check with your local council about regulations. Most council's specify the types of fences you can build and how high they can be and you may need a permit. There's also a big variation in load bearing capacities of soils, sometimes only a few metres apart in the same location. Even for small projects, a solid foundation is important and this depends on the nature of your soil, so make sure you check with your local council.

For all the information on how to "Do your own bricklaying" pop down to your local Mitre 10 store and look for the Mitre Plan stand, or you can log onto www.mitre10.com.au Mitre 10 is mighty helpful and the staff are only too happy to answer any questions that you may have.

LUKES TIP'S: Use an empty tin when adding water bit by bit to your mortar mixture. It gives more control than a bucket.

If mortar is too stiff, bricks will be difficult to bed, too soft, and they won't stay in place. Test by holding it on the trowel upside down. If it doesn't fall off, it's generally right.

When laying bricks in warm weather, dip each brick in water, or spray the stack of bricks, to help the Mortar Mix to stick.

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