Everything you need to know about finding a Bricklayer

With such a wide variety available, bricks are one of the most versatile building materials and suit any style of home. Bricks are available from most building suppliers. Getting a professional to lay your bricks will ensure a stylish, long-lasting result. Here is some information about bricks and the trade of bricklaying.

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Brick Facts

Bricks are durable, long-lasting and require virtually no maintenance. They are able to withstand fire and water well, with little chance of structural integrity being compromised by floods or fire. Bricks also help to insulate against external sound, and this gives them an acoustic advantage over other types of building materials. Bricks are termite resistant and can easily handle varied weather conditions.

Face brickwork is cheaper than most other building materials, cheaper even than fibro or other lightweight sheeting. The “face” of a brick is simply the long side of a brick that is intended for display within a wall or path. Usually there is only one face and it is the bricklayer’s responsibility to display it correctly.

Types of Bricks

With a massive range of sizes, colours and textures, bricks suit any home. Colours range from white to the darkest blues and greys – even purple! Modern bricks can be used with matching mortar to create a seamless, streamlined look.

Some types of bricks are pressed, wirecut, shaped, clay, concrete, clay pavers, and concrete pavers. Many manufacturers such as Boral, Austral and PGH also have specialised brick systems.

A block is larger than a standard brick and can be made from concrete, clay, gypsum or other materials. They are generally perforated, have hollow cores or aerated to reduce weight without sacrificing strength.

Bricklaying Defined

In technical terms, ‘bricklaying’ means the construction of a building or structure using individual bricks or blocks held together by mortar. Such structures include internal and external walls, fences, fireplaces, staircases, piering, pointing, retaining walls and segmental paving.

Selecting a Professional Bricklayer

It may be tempting to do brickwork yourself, especially when the project is small, but it is always wise to get a licensed professional to complete the work. A professional will be able to advise you on structural and design elements and create a sturdy, safe end product. As with any industry professional, make sure that the person you hire to undertake any bricklaying is licensed and qualified. You can read more about the licensing requirements for bricklayers in your state/territory on Licensedtrades.com.au.

How Much Does a Bricklayer Cost?

Expect to be charged either an hourly rate or a per brick rate by bricklayers. Currently bricklayers will charge anywhere from $35 to $55 per hour, depending on location and experience. Larger jobs will often be quoted on a per brick basis ($1 - $5) depending on the complexity of the job. Bricklayers can lay around 900 - 1000 brick per day, with approximately 50 bricks to 1 square meter of wall. This will obviously vary depending on the type of brick used - with concrete blocks far larger. Site access and other logistical factors will also play a part in the calculation of the overall quote.