Poorly laid brickwork doesn't just look bad—it can compromise structural integrity, drain your wallet on repairs, and leave you frustrated for years. Whether you're building a wall, chimney, or garden feature, knowing the common pitfalls and how to spot them will save you time and money. The good news is that most brick laying problems are preventable with proper planning and the right contractor.
Mortar Issues: The Foundation of Everything
Mortar is what holds bricks together, so getting it wrong is one of the costliest mistakes. The most common problem is using incorrect mortar mix ratios. Standard brick mortar should be around 1 part cement to 3 parts sand by volume, but many DIYers or rushed contractors cut corners by adding too much sand or water. This weakens the bond and causes bricks to separate within 2–5 years.
Another frequent issue is applying mortar in the wrong weather. Laying bricks in temperatures below 4°C or above 32°C, or in direct rain, means the mortar won't cure properly. The water content becomes unpredictable, leading to weak joints and potential water infiltration. Professional brick layers typically pause work during extreme conditions—something to confirm when hiring.
Watch out for over-watering the mortar bed. Saturated mortar squeezes out unevenly under brick weight, creating hollow spots and uneven joints that water can penetrate. A good contractor applies mortar to damp (not wet) brick surfaces and maintains consistent joint thickness, typically 10–12mm.
Brick Alignment and Leveling Problems
Crooked walls are immediately obvious and expensive to fix. Poor alignment usually stems from inadequate use of line strings or laser levels during laying. Each course (horizontal row) must be perfectly level, and vertical plumb must be checked every 1–2 meters along the wall face. Expect to pay 15–25% more for a contractor who uses modern laser levels and takes frequent plumb checks—it's worth every penny.
Uneven bed joints—where bricks sit on mortar—create visible lines and weak points. This happens when bricks aren't pushed down with consistent pressure or when mortar thickness varies. Professional layers use a tapping motion and constant checking to maintain uniform 10mm joints.
Hollow spots behind bricks are a sneaky problem that's nearly impossible to fix after completion. This occurs when mortar isn't fully packed into the space behind each brick. A reputable contractor will "butter" (apply mortar to) both the bed and the brick head before laying, ensuring solid contact.
Common Structural Failures
Stepped cracking in vertical lines between bricks usually indicates foundation settlement or inadequate mortar strength. This is serious—it requires structural assessment. Preventive steps include ensuring the foundation is properly leveled and compacted before any laying begins.
Horizontal cracks across entire courses often mean the mortar is too weak or the wall is bearing loads it wasn't designed for. This typically appears within 6–12 months of completion and signals poor mortar or inadequate wall thickness for the application.
Efflorescence (white salt deposits on brick faces) is often blamed on the brickwork itself, but it's usually a mortar or moisture issue. Using low-soluble salt mortar and ensuring proper drainage prevents most cases.
What to Look for When Hiring
When comparing brick laying contractors, ask for:
- Recent project photos showing consistent mortar joints and plumb lines
- References from customers whose work is 2+ years old (enough time for problems to surface)
- Confirmation they use proper mortar specifications for your climate and brick type
- Details on how they handle weather delays
- A written guarantee covering workmanship for at least 10 years
The average cost for quality brickwork ranges from £80–£150 per square meter, depending on your region and complexity. Unusually cheap quotes (below £60/m²) often indicate corner-cutting on mortar mix or joint quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if brickwork is done correctly before it's finished? Look for uniform mortar joint thickness (should be consistently 10–12mm), straight courses when sighted from the side, and no visible gaps between brick and mortar. Check that mortar is flush (not recessed) and that each brick sits squarely without rocking.
Q: What's the best way to compare different brick layers' quotes? Request they quote on identical scope (same brick type, mortar spec, wall length, and height) and ask about their warranty—the cheapest quote often reflects lower material quality, not better efficiency. Use Mercoly to compare trusted brick laying providers side-by-side, read verified reviews, and see their past work.
Q: Can brick laying problems be fixed after the wall is built? Minor issues like joint repointing can be fixed, but structural problems like hollow spots, misalignment, or weak mortar require partial or complete rebuilding, costing 60–100% of the original price.
Find and compare vetted brick laying contractors in your area using Mercoly's trusted provider network.