Brick and block laying is a skilled trade that can transform your home's exterior or create durable internal walls, but costs, timelines, and quality vary widely depending on your project. Whether you're building a new structure, repointing existing brickwork, or installing concrete block walls, knowing what to expect helps you budget accurately and hire the right contractor. Read on to get clear answers to the questions that matter most.
What's the difference between brick and block laying?
Brick laying involves setting individual clay or concrete bricks (typically 215 × 102.5 × 65mm) in mortar to create decorative and load-bearing walls. Block laying uses larger concrete blocks (usually 440 × 215mm or similar) that cover more area per unit, making it faster and often cheaper for internal walls or large commercial projects.
The choice depends on your purpose. Bricks offer better aesthetics for visible external walls and come in varied colors and textures. Blocks are economical for internal partitions, garden walls, or where appearance matters less than speed and cost efficiency.
How much does brick laying cost?
Typical UK brick laying rates range from £120 to £250 per day for a qualified bricklayer, though London and the South East run higher. On a per-thousand-brick basis, you're looking at £600 to £1,200 depending on the complexity, pattern, and access to the site.
Factors that push costs up include:
- Complex patterns (herringbone, flemish bond, or decorative bonds cost more than stretcher bond)
- Height and scaffold requirements (upper floors or exposed locations need extra safety measures)
- Poor site access (narrow alleyways or difficult terrain slow progress)
- Repointing or remedial work (removing old mortar and re-bedding costs significantly more than new-build)
- Specialist bricks (handmade or imported bricks take longer to lay neatly)
A simple single-skin garden wall might cost £40–60 per square metre. A full two-skin external wall with cavity insulation could reach £100–150 per square metre for labour alone.
How long does a brick laying project take?
A single bricklayer typically lays 250–350 bricks per day under normal conditions, though this varies with weather, mortar consistency, and the complexity of the bond.
For a rough timeline:
- Small garden wall (50m²): 5–8 days
- Average house extension (80m²): 2–3 weeks
- New-build property (400m²): 6–10 weeks
Winter weather, especially frost and rain, can extend timelines by 25–40% because mortar cures slowly and damp conditions make pointing difficult. Always build in a buffer week when planning around other trades.
What should I look for when hiring a bricklayer?
Check credentials first. Ask for proof of relevant qualifications (NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Bricklaying is the standard in the UK), insurance, and references from recent domestic or commercial projects similar to yours.
Request at least three quotes and visit completed work if possible. Look at mortar joint consistency, whether bricks are level and plumb, and whether repointing or pointing is clean and neat—these signal craftsmanship.
Ask about warranty or guarantee (typically 10 years on new-build brickwork), what happens if weather delays the project, and whether they'll handle scaffolding and cleanup. A professional bricklayer should be clear about what's included and provide a written contract with start and completion dates.
Platforms like Mercoly let you compare vetted brick and block laying contractors in your area, check their portfolios, and read genuine customer reviews in one place—saving time on sourcing multiple quotes yourself.
What's the best time of year for brick laying?
Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) offer ideal conditions: mild temperatures, lower rainfall, and mortar that cures predictably. Summer heat can speed curing but risks quick drying and weak bonds if not managed carefully.
Avoid winter if possible; frost can damage fresh mortar and brickwork, leading to structural weakness. If you must lay brick in winter, use frost-resistant additives in mortar and protect freshly laid work from rain and frost for at least 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my existing brickwork needs repointing? Look for crumbling or missing mortar between bricks, damp patches on internal walls, or mortar that crumbles easily when prodded with a knife. If more than 25% of mortar joints are degraded, repointing is urgent to prevent water ingress and structural damage.
Q: Can bricklayers work in the rain? Light drizzle is manageable with protective coverings, but heavy rain prevents proper mortar curing and weakens the bond between bricks. Most professional bricklayers stop work when rainfall is persistent and reschedule.
Q: What's the lifespan of newly laid brickwork? Properly laid and maintained brickwork lasts 50+ years, often much longer. Quality depends on brick type, mortar specification, and workmanship—cheap bricks or incorrect mortar mixes fail faster in exposed weather.
Get matched with qualified bricklayers near you and compare quotes today.