Laying brick or block looks straightforward until you're halfway through your garden wall and realize your mortar consistency is off. The gap between a DIY project and hiring a professional often comes down to time, skill, and whether your wall will stand straight five years from now.
Why DIY Brick Laying Appeals (and Why It Often Doesn't)
The upfront draw is obvious: save labour costs and work at your own pace. A professional brick layer typically charges $50–$150 per hour depending on your region and project complexity, or $15–$30 per square meter for larger jobs. If you're building a small garden wall (20–50 square meters), that's $300–$1,500 in labour alone.
But DIY brick laying demands more than watching a YouTube tutorial. You'll need to buy or rent tools—a spirit level, trowel, mortar mixer, string line, and scaffolding if you're going higher than waist level. Add in the learning curve. Most first-timers waste 20–30% of their materials through poor technique: uneven mortar joints, bricks laid off-plumb, or weak bond strength that leads to cracking within months.
The Real Time Investment
Professional brick layers move fast because they've laid thousands of bricks. They work methodically—mixing mortar, bedding bricks, tooling joints—in a rhythm that takes years to develop. A skilled layer averages 300–500 bricks per day on standard work.
As a DIYer, expect 50–150 bricks per day if you're working alone, especially for your first project. A 100-brick wall that a professional finishes in a morning might take you a weekend or longer. Add drying time between lifts, and a modest garden wall can stretch across three to four weekends.
Quality and Durability Matter
Here's where the stakes get real. Poor brick laying shows up gradually. Mortar joints that are too thick, uneven, or poorly compacted fail under freeze-thaw cycles. Bricks laid slightly out of plumb create stress points. Within 2–5 years, you may see:
- Cracked mortar joints
- Water penetration into the wall
- Spalling (surface damage from moisture and frost)
- Structural instability in load-bearing walls
A professional guarantees straight lines, consistent joint depth (typically 10–12mm), proper mortar strength (usually a 1:4 cement-to-sand ratio for outdoor work), and workmanship that backs their reputation. If something fails, they'll return and fix it.
When DIY Makes Sense
Small, non-structural projects are your best bet:
- Decorative garden borders under 1 meter high
- Infill or repair work on existing structures
- Raised beds or planters
- Projects where slight imperfections don't compromise function
- If you're willing to invest in proper training or apprenticing alongside a professional
When to Hire a Professional
Call a bricklayer for:
- Load-bearing walls (houses, structural supports)
- Walls over 1.5 meters high
- Complex bonds or patterns (Flemish bond, herringbone, etc.)
- Properties in areas with strict building codes
- Projects needing a warranty or insurance
- Anything visible from the street where appearance matters long-term
Professional brick layers are insured, understand local building regulations, and can spot issues (poor soil drainage, inadequate foundations) that amateurs miss. They also finish faster—reducing your overall project timeline by weeks.
Finding and Comparing Professionals
If you decide to hire, vet carefully. Check for:
- References from recent projects
- Proof of public liability insurance ($5–$10 million minimum)
- Local work samples (ask to see a wall they laid 3–5 years ago)
- Written quotes breaking down material and labour costs
- Realistic timelines—rush jobs often sacrifice quality
Platforms like Mercoly let you compare and find trusted brick and block laying providers in your area, making it easier to get multiple quotes and read verified customer feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What mortar mix should I use for outdoor brick walls? A: For most outdoor work, mix 1 part Portland cement to 4 parts sand with water until it reaches a consistency like peanut butter—firm enough to hold shape but workable. Add a plasticizer for better workability in cold climates.
Q: How do I know if my brick wall is plumb during DIY work? A: Use a 2-meter spirit level regularly (every 3–4 bricks high) and check both face and side planes. A string line stretched corner-to-corner also helps you stay true to your intended alignment throughout the wall.
Q: Will my DIY brick wall need a foundation, and what's involved? A: Yes—even small garden walls need a stable base. Dig down 300–400mm below frost line (varies by region), compact the soil, and lay 100–150mm of concrete. This prevents frost heave and settling that cracks mortar joints.
Get multiple quotes from local professionals before deciding—the investment often pays for itself in durability and peace of mind.