Tools for Building Walls

trowel

rubber mallet

pointing tool

spade

spirit level

bolster

tape measure

brush

 

 

When building a wall rather than a feature planter or barbecue,

start by building up the ends of the wall over the level foundations to approximately three to four courses.

 

For a retaining wall higher than 600mm or for any wall over 900mm, it is recommended to seek expert advice as to its structure even if you are going to build it yourself. This information must include the depth and width of foundation. For the foundations, a general rule is that the depth is equivalent to between a quarter and a third of the wall’s height; the foundation width should be two or three times the wall’s width.

 

If using one of Bradstone's composite walling blocks, such as Old Town, Madoc or Milldale, these can be built using Bradstone Walling Adhesive instead of mortar. The adhesive should be applied to all joints, but pointing is not required. Choose mortar or adhesive depending on the look you desire for your wall.

 

If building on an existing concrete base or patio, start construction at stage 4. If not, you will need cement and all-in ballast for foundations.

 

1. Strip topsoil, dig to firm ground and measure out area.

 

2. Lay level concrete foundations using six parts all-in ballast to

one part cement.

 

3. Stretch a building line between the ends and build one course at a time, checking for accuracy vertically, diagonally and horizontally using a spirit level.

 

4. Using a trowel, spread mortar (3 to 4 parts building sand to 1 part cement) evenly over the foundations and then over the blocks in each course as you lay them. (The mortar should just exude from between the joints and any surplus is cut off with the trowel.) Don’t forget to fill the vertical joints as you go, by applying mortar to one end of the block before positioning it adjacent to the previously laid block. The blocks should be laid in stretcher bond – you will need to cut some blocks, but this is simple to do using a club hammer and sharp bolster.

 

5. Only build between 6 and 8 courses at a time, allowing the

mortar to set before starting to build again.

 

6. Finally, use a pointing trowel to smooth and finish the mortar joints.