Home DIY: Introduction to Bricklaying

What you'll learn

Do it yourself! Learn the skills and secrets of bricklaying as part of our DIY Woodwork courses in Sydney!

This one-day practical workshop introduces participants to the fundamental skills and techniques used in basic bricklaying for DIY and non-structural projects. Combining practical demonstrations with hands-on activities, the course focuses on safe work practices, correct tool use, setting out brickwork, mixing mortar, laying bricks, and applying basic finishing techniques. Participants will also gain an understanding of worksite safety, manual handling, and the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while developing confidence using common bricklaying tools such as trowels, spirit levels, jointers, string lines, and line blocks.

Throughout the workshop, learners will practice setting out stretcher bond brickwork, cutting bricks safely with hand tools, preparing workable mortar mixes, and constructing a small single skin brick wall using correct laying techniques. The course also introduces jointing, rendering, and bagging methods to help participants understand how finishes improve the appearance and durability of brickwork. By the end of the workshop, participants will have developed foundational bricklaying knowledge, essential trowel handling skills, and the ability to complete simple bricklaying projects safely and accurately.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify and safely use common bricklaying tools and equipment
• Demonstrate safe work practices, including correct manual handling and PPE use
• Set out simple brickwork using string lines, gauge rods, and stretcher bond patterns
• Prepare and mix mortar suitable for basic bricklaying applications
• Perform basic brick cutting techniques using hand tools
• Lay simple brickwork while maintaining level, alignment, and consistent joint spacing
• Apply basic jointing, rendering, and bagging techniques for brickwork finishing

Course content

During the workshop, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

1. Introduction and Safety

• Course overview and learning expectations
• Introduction to bricklaying applications for DIY projects
• Worksite awareness and hazard identification
• Safe manual handling techniques
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Protective footwear
• Safe use and handling of hand tools

2. Tools and Equipment

• String line
• Line blocks
• Bricklaying trowel
• Spirit level
• Jointers
• Tape measure or folding rule
• Hammer and bolster

Topics Include:

• Purpose and function of each tool
• Correct handling and basic maintenance
• Introduction to correct trowel grip and movement
• Accuracy and consistency when measuring and setting out work

3. Setting Out Brickwork

• Introduction to setting out brickwork
• Understanding brick sizes and mortar joint spacing
• Using a gauge rod to maintain course heights
• Introduction to stretcher bond brick patterns
• Establishing straight lines using string lines and line blocks

Practical Activities:

• Marking out a gauge rod
• Practising stretcher bond layouts

4. Cutting Bricks

• Reasons for cutting bricks in brickwork projects
• Identifying when half bricks are required
• Safe use of hammer and bolster
• Basic brick cutting techniques

Practical Activities:

• Practising cutting a half brick
• Developing safe handling, control, and accuracy

5. Mortar and Mixing

• Overview of mortar and its role in brickwork
• Common mortar and sand types used in bricklaying
• Understanding proportions and consistency
• Demonstration of correct mortar mixing techniques

Practical Activities:

• Group mortar mixing activities
• Comparing workable and unworkable mortar mixes

6. Laying Bricks

• Introduction to bricklaying techniques
• Bedding mortar correctly
• Buttering bricks
• Developing trowel control and efficiency
• Maintaining level, alignment, and consistent joint spacing using a gauge rod, level, and string line

Practical Activities:

• Setting out and laying a single skin brick wall
• Approximate wall size: 600 mm high x 1.2 m long
• Ongoing instructor demonstrations and feedback

7. Jointing Techniques

• Purpose of jointing in brickwork
• Common joint finishes including:
  • Round iron
  • Flush
  • Struck
  • Raked
• Tools used for different finishes
• Timing of jointing for best results

Practical Activities:

• Demonstration of jointing styles
• Practising joint finishes using different jointers

8. Rendering and Bagging (Introduction)

• Purpose of rendering and bagging
• Introduction to rendering tools, including hawks, floats, sponges, and corner tools
• Mixing render
• Basic application and finishing techniques
• Introduction to screeding methods

9. Review and Workshop Close

• Review of key skills and techniques covered during the workshop
• Discussion of common beginner mistakes
• Tool cleaning and maintenance
• Questions and answers
• Guidance for future DIY bricklaying projects and skill development

Intended audience

Who is this introduction to bricklaying for?

• Complete beginners with no prior bricklaying experience
• DIY enthusiasts and homeowners wanting practical building skills
• Learners exploring basic construction skills for personal or future development

Course materials

What to bring to class

Materials are provided.

Course venue

Where is the workshop located? 

This class is held at the Summer Hill workshop. Your class venue address is listed on your enrolment confirmation.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Wear old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• If you have long hair, please tie it back
• Closed-in shoes are required—no sandals or heels
• Please do not wear necklaces or bracelets
• Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.