OK I can build a wall, thanks Steve. What now?

Well hopefully my DVD's have brought out the Basic Bricklayer in you! I have meet people who after pointing the outside of their home have decided a career in construction is for them. These, however, tend to be a very small minority.  It has to be said that life as a construction worker can be tough.  Laying bricks with the sun on your back is wonderful and liberating. It is not the same experience when temperatures are sub-zero with the wind blowing icicles up the back and with the pressure that the work you produce must be of the same standard and quality no matter what the conditions.  If you truly feel it is a profession for you then you need to find a training centre/college and investigate the courses of training available. Don't say I didn't warn you!

What Tools do I need?

The Basic Bricklayers kit consists of a Trowel, Spirit Level, Hammer and Bolster, safety goggles, tape measure, pointing trowel, brush, lines & pins, pointing iron and a big heap of enthusiasm! Professional Bricklayers tend to spend a lot more on tools than a Diy'er.   This is because they need good quality tools that will last.  For instance, a Bricklayer onsite will be expected to lay between 500 to 550 bricks per day, this will wear down the trowel at quite a rate believe it or not, so a high grade trowel is required if one is not to continually replace it.  A good quality trowel will last approximately 5 years at that rate of production.  But if you will only using your Bricklaying tools for the odd job at home the actual quality is not such an issue.  But beware of ridiculously cheap trowels as they may break at an inopportune moment and cheap spirit levels do not always give the most accurate readings.  Bolsters can snap or even explode in the worst case scenario if made from sub-standard materials.  Remember in construction cheap is not always best!  Research any product you want to buy and try to ensure it is up to the job and when using tools such as the hammer and bolster take the appropriate Health & Safety precautions. (Goggles!) The Basic tool kit and the use of it is demonstrated on my DVD in more detail.

I will update these FAQ's on as regular basis as possible. If you have any further questions on my DVD or instructional principles please go to my CONTACT ME page and email me.  Thanks Steves Brickie Basics.