Laying brick after brick can be tiresome work, especially when the hot months come around. With residential construction continuing to rise in popularity there is a growing demand for bricklayers.

But, making sure you can complete the bricklaying job easily and without detriment to the health of staff or the environment is important. Many bricklaying companies still follow outdated practices and use old technology on the job site. Using outdated methods and technology can not only be unsafe, but it will reduce productivity which waste time and money for your pocket.

So, it’s important when laying bricks that you’ve got the best tools to make the job as easy as possible. Find out more below…

Transporting Your Bricks

With modern technology allowing for more easy transportation, there is less need to be carrying bricks.

Moving bricks around a worksite can be back-breaking work. If you want to move bricks easier and safer, purchase yourself a mini conveyor belt or brick elevator. This will save you from having to move bricks around the site all day, and makes getting bricks up to the second store a breeze. This will save you money in both time and labour.

Get yourself a decent wheelbarrow or brick barrow. Not one of those flimsy ones from the DIY store – get one with a reinforced base and solid steel legs. Something that won’t buckle under a bit of pressure and will last you the long haul like the Moss Wheelbarrows that we stock. They are proudly Australian designed and made!

Safely moving materials on the job is important. Safe Work Australia states that the construction industry accounted for 11 per cent of all serious compensation claims from workers in Australia. Many of these incidents could have been avoided using safe tools.

What Tools Make Bricklaying Easier?

A professional bricklayer should have a complete tool kit to ensure they are getting the job done with ease. If a bricklayer’s kit is incomplete certain aspects of their job cannot be fulfilled, so it is important to make sure you have the right tools for the job.

Common bricklayers tools include a range of brick trowels, each fulfilling different purposes. You can get different sizes and types of brick trowels to suit different projects and make the job easier.

Some of these include:

• The London Gentleman or the Filthy Phil. The London’s sharp heel forces the mud to be loaded further forward on the trowel. This makes it more suited for buttering and spreading for bricks. The Philadelphia trowel has a flatter heel. That gives the bricklayer more room for mud and is great for saving time with bigger cement blocks.
• Your standard brick trowels come in different sizes with the most preferred option in Australia as the 12 inch size. But to prevent wrist fatigue and repetitive strain injury – it’s a good idea to try some different sizes to work out what is best for you.
• Most brick trowels available in Australia come with a standard shank height. This is the best for low brickwork. The shank height that is best for you is the one that keeps your wrist straight. Speciality masonry stores like us can help you source different heights to try. If you want to learn more read our comprehensive guide on the different types of brick trowels
• Pointing Trowel: These are the smallest trowels in a bricklayer’s kit. Pointing trowels are used for pointing work and other small jobs.
• Caulking Trowel: You need a caulking trowel when you want to get into those hard to get places such as brick joints, with its long narrow head.

Bricklaying Techniques for Efficiency

Efficiency is a fundamental aspect of any construction project, and bricklaying is no exception. Whether you’re a professional bricklayer or a DIY enthusiast, improving your bricklaying techniques can save you time, money, and energy while ensuring the quality and durability of your work. In this article, we will delve into some essential bricklaying techniques that can significantly enhance your efficiency.

1. Proper Planning

Efficiency in bricklaying begins with careful planning. Before you start laying a single brick, take the time to design a well-thought-out layout. This includes calculating the number of bricks required, establishing the course line, and accounting for door and window openings. Proper planning minimizes mistakes and eliminates unnecessary adjustments during the construction process.

2. Quality Mortar Mix

The mortar mix is the adhesive that holds your bricks together, so it’s crucial to get it right. A consistent and appropriately mixed mortar is essential for efficient bricklaying. Ensure that your mortar mix has the right proportions of cement, sand, and water. Using a mechanical mixer can save you time and guarantee a uniform consistency.

3. The Buttering Technique

One of the most efficient techniques in bricklaying is “buttering.” Instead of applying mortar to the brick directly, you apply it to the previous brick’s head and bed joints. This reduces mortar waste and speeds up the process since you can lay the brick immediately after buttering it.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply the Buttering Technique:

• Prepare Your Mortar: Start by preparing your mortar mix to the desired consistency. It should be firm enough to hold its shape but still workable.
• Lay the First Brick: Place a bed of mortar on the course’s foundation, and then lay your first brick. Ensure it’s level and aligned according to your layout plan.
• Butter the Joints: For the next brick, apply mortar to the head and bed joints of the brick you’ve just laid. Use your trowel to apply a uniform layer of mortar on these joints.
• Position the Next Brick: Now, place the next brick on the buttered joints. Press it firmly but gently to ensure proper adhesion. You can use your trowel to tap it into place if needed.
• Repeat the Process: Continue this process for each subsequent brick in the course. Ensure that the joints are consistently buttered for each brick.

The Buttering Technique is a valuable skill in bricklaying that not only enhances efficiency but also results in better quality brickwork. By reducing mortar waste, improving precision, ensuring consistent adhesion, and minimising strain on your tools, it’s a method that professional bricklayers and DIY enthusiasts alike can benefit from when undertaking bricklaying projects.

4. Use a Line and Level

Accuracy is key in bricklaying, and using a string line and a level is essential for maintaining straight and level courses. These tools ensure that your bricks are correctly aligned both horizontally and vertically, preventing the need for adjustments later on. They are indispensable for efficient bricklaying.

5. Pre-cut Bricks

Pre-cutting bricks to the required size before starting a course can save a considerable amount of time. While it might seem like extra work upfront, pre-cut bricks allow you to lay them more quickly, especially in complex areas like corners and openings. A brick saw or chisel can be used to make precise cuts.

6. Work From Both Ends

To increase efficiency, consider working from both ends of a wall. This method is particularly useful for longer walls. By having bricklayers at both ends laying bricks towards the middle, you eliminate the need for one team to wait for the other to finish, effectively cutting construction time in half.

7. The Importance of Clean Joints

Efficient bricklaying involves keeping your mortar joints clean. Excess mortar can create a messy appearance and potentially weaken the structure. Using a jointer or a trowel, ensure that your joints are uniform in size and free from protruding mortar. This not only improves aesthetics but also facilitates faster progress.

8. Regular Cleanup

Regularly cleaning your work area is a simple yet effective technique for efficiency. Remove debris, mortar splatter, and excess materials from your workspace. This not only keeps the site organized but also prevents accidents and interruptions, allowing for continuous work.

9. Invest in Quality Tools

Efficiency is significantly influenced by the tools you use. High-quality bricklaying tools such as trowels, levels, and scaffolding not only make the work more manageable but also improve the quality and speed of bricklaying. Don’t go for cheap tools that won’t last and will waste you time and money, your tools are an investment in your business. Check out our specialty range of bricklaying tools here at CDBS Construction and Garden.

efficiency in bricklaying is the result of proper planning, the right tools, and the mastery of key techniques. By following these tips, you can save time and resources while delivering high-quality brickwork. Remember that practice and experience are essential for mastering these techniques, so keep honing your skills to become a more efficient bricklayer.

Use the above tools to help simplify your work and save time, costs and ensuring safety.

Bricklaying Simplicity and Ergonomics: Guarding Against Repetitive Strain Injuries

Bricklaying is a skilled craft that requires precision and dedication. As bricklayers, you understand the importance of selecting the right bricks, using the best techniques, but there’s one aspect often overlooked – ergonomics. The ergonomics in bricklaying is how to best protect yourself from repetitive strain injuries, ensuring a long and healthy career. When we think about the physical demands of bricklaying – lifting bricks, spreading mortar, and repetitive motions – it becomes clear why ergonomics is so crucial.

Hints to Prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries

Stretch Before and After Work: Simple stretching exercises for your wrists, arms, and back can help prepare your muscles for work and alleviate tension afterward.

Lift Bricks Carefully: When lifting bricks, use the proper technique: bend your knees and keep the load close to your body. Avoid sudden jerky movements.

Alternate Tasks: Don’t perform the same task for extended periods. Change your position and tasks regularly to avoid overusing specific muscles.

Maintain Good Posture: Keep your back straight and maintain good posture while working. Slouching or leaning can lead to discomfort and strain.

Monitor Your Work Area: Ensure your workspace is organised and free from obstacles. This reduces the need for unnecessary bending, reaching, or twisting.

Use Knee Pads: Knee pads can provide comfort when working on your knees and help prevent knee-related injuries.

Invest in Quality Footwear: Proper work boots with good arch support and cushioning can reduce the strain on your legs and lower back.

Hydrate and Eat Well: Staying hydrated and consuming a balanced diet can help your body recover and stay strong.

Listen to Your Body: If you experience persistent discomfort or pain, don’t ignore it. Listen to your body’s signals and seek medical advice when needed.

Discover CDBS Construction and Garden: Your Trusted Source for Premium Bricklaying Tools

For any bricklayer, the importance of using top-quality tools cannot be overstated. That’s where CDBS Construction and Garden Centre comes into the picture. They are your one-stop destination for specialised bricklaying tools that won’t let professionals down on the job. With a commitment to providing the best equipment, CDBS offers an extensive range of renowned brands, including Moss Wheelbarrows, Marshalltown, BT Engineering, Husqvarna Construction, Paragon Tools, Ox Tools, and Aussie Pumps.

CDBS Construction and Garden Centre understands the unique needs of bricklayers, whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiast taking on a DIY project. They stock an impressive selection of tools that cater to every aspect of bricklaying, from the foundation to the finishing touches. Whether you need ergonomic trowels, reliable wheelbarrows, demo saws, cement mixers or any other specialised equipment, you can trust CDBS to have what you’re looking for.

The quality of your tools directly impacts the quality of your work. When you choose CDBS, you’re choosing excellence in both product and service. They not only provide top-tier bricklaying tools but also offer convenient delivery across Australia, ensuring that you have access to the best tools, no matter where your project takes you. For a seamless, efficient, and successful bricklaying experience, turn to CDBS Construction and Garden Centre as your trusted partner in the industry.

Your next bricklaying project deserves the best, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with CDBS.

Did you enjoy this article? Check out some of our other great articles like:

– Rendering Internal Walls? Your Ultimate Guide

– What’s the Best Brick Trowel?

– Tips for Improving Your Brick Laying Technique

– How to choose a masonry drill bit for your project

– Which Wheelbarrow is Best for Mixing Cement?

Just give us a call on 02 6242 8996 and don’t forget we deliver Australia wide!