Traditionally bricklayers would work with bricks and concrete cinder blocks, however as technology has advanced they’re now working with a wider range of construction materials including marble and terracotta blocks, structural tiles, glass blocks or gypsum.  Mortar is most commonly used as a binder and has been used for centuries.

A bricklayer may be supervised by a general or masonry contractor, and will start their job by measuring and marking out the area in which construction is to take place. Then they’ll work out what materials are needed, including the type of construction material, mortar and tools.

Laying bricks is a skill that takes many years to perfect. The between the blocks which is secured by mortar is one that must be consistent to make it stable as well as being visually appealing.  It’s important for the mortar to have the right viscosity to make the layers of bricks stick together correctly.

A Bricklayers work involves the following tools:

•Brick trowel
•Pointing trowel
•Spirit level
•Boat level
•Line and pins
•Tingle plate
•Corner blocks
•Hawk, Chisel & Hammer
•Jointing tools
•Tape measures